Unique and 45-70

[waynem34]

I have a handi rifle in 45-70.I also have some 350gn FP lazer cast bullets and some unique.I've searched some and I'm thinking about trying 10gn of unique with no filler.This will be for 100 yard target plinking.Can anyone suggest a different load with the unique?Really just looking for a fun target load.The rifle is in great shape and I don't mind a little thump.Thanks in advance for any information.My Lyman 49th reloading book has no info for 350gn lead boolits and unique.

[MtGun44]

Good starting point. Anywhere between 10 and about 15 seems to be great,
but I often use 12 gr. No filler is needed since Unique lights extremely consistently,
even just this dab in the cavernous case. Usually quite accurate if the boolit is
a good fit to the bore. I had to use a HB Lee in one trapdoor with a very worn
and oversized bore, but others like RCBS 405 GC very well.

Bill

[waynem34]

Thanks Bill!I guess my next step is to slug the barrel and see what it really is.I really appreciate the info.Thanks again.

[oksmle]

I use 12.5 grs. of Unique with 350, 405 & 425 gr boolits in both my Ruger #3 & original TD Springfield carbine. In the Springfield with the 405 gr boolit it chronographs right at 1100 fps. That was the original carbine load "way back when."

[grouch]

I've had good luck with Unique(13gr) in my 45 70 rolling block. Used it for an offhand load. It worked better for me without the filler.
Grouch

[jmort]

People that don't like Unique fail to appreciate that it is not position sensitive as noted above and is consistent. I agree that 12.5 to 13 grains would be a sweet spot.

[1Shirt]

Have nothing against Unique in 45-70, but have only used it for round ball loads, because I have had nothing but great luck with 2400 as a primary powder.
1Shirt!

[mpmarty]

I like 15 gr of Unique or 24gr of 2400 under RD 350 gr boolits in my 1895.

[bbqncigars]

My RB likes 10.5gr of Unique behind a 405gr boolit. Every time I shoot that, I picture one of the old cartoons of a rifle barrel literally spitting a boolit out, followed a few moments later by the impact. :-)

[DrCaveman]

My 45-70 handi likes 12.5 gr unique with the lee 405 flat base and the 500 gr spitzer. Chrono showed about 1100 and 1000 fps, respectively. Although I haven't shot that many rounds yet from my handi... About 60... Accuracy was pretty solid, and I would have no qualms taking a shot at a deer up to 100 yds. Any further, and I would need to work on my hold over a bit to feel ok.

[1bluehorse]

Never tried Unique, did do 16 gr. Trailboss under a 405, that was fun. Worked my way up to 30gr. 2400 with the same bullet, that had some "thump" on the end of it...if you use a "tight" cheek weld with this one it'll kinda "shake" yer vision for a sec...:veryconfu

[armexman]

I won some casino money and bought a Handi, too.
Now the scary part;
Bought the Lee 405 FP and on the recommendation of a friend tried Unique.
Started at 10 and went to 11,12,13; all of them were scary accurate in my particular Handi. Since I am not into pain I settled for 10 and 12 Grains. As I went up the ladder I felt more recoil.
My boolits were sized to .460, so If'n I were you, I would seriously consider casting your own. For around $20-25 dollars you also have a Boolit for deer and plinking.

[Baryngyl]

Some place I saw posted where they where using anywhere from 16 to 20 grains of Unique for all bullets from 340 to 500 grains.

I have used 16 grains for both 340 and 500 grain, seemed a bit low on power, going to increase both to 18 grains and try them soon.



Michael Grace