Unique

[PB234]

Went looking for 231 yesterday. No 231 to be found, but saw Unique on the store's shelf. Passed it by and thinking I should go back and buy some as the shortage might go on and on. Others here think I should buy it while I can or be sorry in a few months? Not going to buy a lot or clear the shelf.

Just I'll be kicking myself if I have no powder this summer and Unique does lots of things even if not perfectly.

[USMC87]

I use unique pretty often, If you need or think you will need powder then I would buy some for safe keeping.

[turmech]

I have liked unique in every load I tried it in. If I could only own one powder unique would be a top canidate (gald that is not the case though).

[colt1960]

Unique is sort of a universal type powder use from every thing from handguns to rifle. Its nice to have around because it has so many uses. Rick!

[Jack Stanley]

There is no doubt in my mind that most of the primers I fire are lighting up a charge of Unique powder . It is nice to have a choice , but when ya don't , Unique is a good choice .

Jack

[DxieLandMan]

I've used Unique in all my pistol loads. It is a great powder. I like it.

[Adk Mike]

I buy it in 8 pound jugs. My go to powder for handguns and cast 30-06

[Kevin Rohrer]

I have 10lbs of Unique setting downstairs and wish I had more. 8-)

[Walt]

IMO, every serious reloaders powder locker should have some Unique in it.

[shooter93]

If you have Unique and 4895 you can find an accecptable load for a huge number of rounds.

[ostrick]

May very well be the best cast bullet powder out there. (Unique)

[JWFilips]

+1 for Unique.
I'm starting to consider any powder I can find ( still no primers around) At this point I'm not going to be picky . I dragged my feet at the end of December and within 5 days all the 2400 powder (All Sizes) were gone at Powder Valley! I'm kicking myself now. Get what you can and learn to use it. I fear it will be some time before ( If Ever) we get back to normal.

[drklynoon]

I would buy it. Having three pounds of Unique on hand is a smart play for a handloader. I've only got two and feel short.

[doulos]

I like Unique. I use a lot of it. Even though W231 and others meter a bit better. I actually prefer Unique when loading .45 AACP on a Dillon 550b. Its almost impossible to double charge a case even with light loads. And when using a progressive without a powder check die its easy to see in the case. I find little accuracy difference between Unique and W231 in .45ACP. Many complain its so dirty. I dont find it too much worse than 231 when shooting lead bullets. Its a very useful powder.

[Scramjet]

I've been searching for Unique since December and Finally found a boat load at Cabela;s along with Blue Dot. Thinking of others and the shortage I bought what I felt I need (a couple cans each)! I'm tired of all the horders, now onto WLPers which are not to be found!

Tom

[429421Cowboy]

Yep, i'd feel naked without Unique! I load both pistol and shotgun with it now, and could load rifle if i wanted to. Good stuff, loves cast and has been around since dinosaurs roamed Montana, so you can find a load for just about anything that takes powder.
Good ol' Flaming Dirt, if i could only have one there is no doubt thats what i'd keep.
You don't have to totally convert over to it, but the day may soon come that you are happy to have anything until our preferred choice is back on the shelves.

[ultramag]

I've been searching for Unique since December and Finally found a boat load at Cabela;s along with Blue Dot. Thinking of others and the shortage I bought what I felt I need (a couple cans each)! I'm tired of all the horders, now onto WLPers which are not to be found!

Tom

Good on you for not becoming part of the problem!!!

As for OP's question I think a pound or two of Unique would be quite handy in these times. Do some studying and see if you may have a use for it in some spots where you may be running low on other powders you can't currently find. Good luck!

[Garpo]

Buy it now and whenever you can - you will not regret it. My go to powder for 25 years. :-D

[tomme boy]

Look for HP38. It is the same powder as 231 and it cost a little less. I hate Unique for hand guns, too dirty and I hate powder flying back all over me.

[kweidner]

unique is awesome. i love it. handgun goto at first. Wish I had 8# not 3. I'm afraid what I have is gonna have to last me awhile. If I could only have 3 powders it would be unique, h335 and Re22.

[429421Cowboy]

Another point, if you still have it when things calm down and you can find 231 again, you should have no trouble finding another reloader to trade you something for any left over Unique!

[johnnybar]

Great powder in pistol, shot and specialized light rifle loads if you feel the need. Try the new "cleaner burning" stuff in the black plastic cans/jugs.
6 lbs and starting to get nervous from all this bare shelf talk! Better put some yellow pages time in and restock.
61330

[David2011]

If you have Unique and 4895 you can find an accecptable load for a huge number of rounds.

Absolutely right! Win 231 is another one that's versatile and nice to have. It burns pretty clean, too.

David

[max range]

Most reloader of 20 or more years have used many cans of Unique, Bullseye and IMR-4895. Unique will load more different kinds of cartridges than just about any other powder. It does not meter as well as some of the ball powders but its versatility more than makes up for it. I have loaded 250 savage, 40, 45lc, 45acp, 38 special, 38 super, 357 mag, 357 sig, 9 & 10mm and 9 x 25 Dillon with it.

[1Shirt]

Like Unique, only wish it metered better!
1Shirt!

[Matt_G]

6 lbs and starting to get nervous from all this bare shelf talk! Better put some yellow pages time in and restock.

Good luck. You are going to need it.
Here's to hoping you get lucky...

[Tristan]

Unique is a great powder to have on hand...

[John Allen]

I too use unique for most of my handgun shooting. It is the most accurate I found for a 44 special with 250 grain keiths.

[No_1]

I like Unique for a lot of reasons and have told many who are starting out in reloading to purchase Unique as their "starter" powder. 2 of those newbies are still using Unique for every handgun cartridge they load.

[375supermag]

I shoot a lot of Unique, especially in .45Colt(8grs under a 255grLSWC) and .44Special(7.5grs under a 240grLSWC).

My standard plinking load in .44Mag is 10 grs under a 240grLSWC.
I also use Unique in .41Mag with a 215gr LSWC, can't remember the charge off-hand.

I probably have a plinking load in my records for .357Mag, but I can't remember it at the moment. I generally use Blue Dot in my various .357Mag revolvers.

I go through a lot of Unique and am more than a little concerned about finding a viable substitute if the current unavailability continues. I have enough for the first couple of months of the shooting season(about 2-1/2 lbs), but then will have to start on my 2lb reserve. Or use Blue Dot, Red Dot or Promo. I know I have records of loads for Blue Dot and adequate supplies of it for a few months.

I have never used Red dot or Promo and need to procure a supply and then do some load testing. The low cost of Promo makes it an attractive alternative, if it performs well.

[1bluehorse]

My three most used powders are Unique, 2400, and Green Dot... Unique in 45 colt walking around loads (9 grains 260gr RNFP) 357 mag (160 gr. light loads), also 20gauge and 12 gauge, 2400 in 44mag and 357mag, 45 colt mid loads (pretty much my max loads anymore) Green dot for 3/4oz 20gauge, and "most" 12 gauge target loads. Unique for 12 gauge 1 1/8 field loads. Unique is a pretty darn versatile powder...if you think it's "dirty"...clean your guns after you shoot them (I do) ...I don't mind a little residue on my hands..[smilie=1:

[r1kk1]

We use Unique for 45LC, 9mm and some 12 gauge hunting loads, and some cast bullet rifle loads. It works very well in the 9x19. Unique burns cleaner when pushed. I did not like it in 38 spl with 158 grain lead SWC with two guns I own. I hit plus P pressures and it began to shoot nice groups. One of the revolvers I use I set the cylinder gap at .006" and it functioned well.

We keep a keg of this around the house.

Take care

r1kk1

[HATCH]

I like Unique for a lot of reasons and have told many who are starting out in reloading to purchase Unique as their "starter" powder. 2 of those newbies are still using Unique for every handgun cartridge they load.

well it works doesn't it :-)

I tried to locate some bullseye yesterday and no luck.
I am totally surprised if you find unique on the shelf. its pretty usable in any handgun round.
Yes it might not be the Best or the cleanest but it gets the job done.

[Brownebat]

Ditto most of posts, one of my favorite powders and since fairly bulky volume wise, very easy to tell visually case is charged



Went looking for 231 yesterday. No 231 to be found, but saw Unique on the store's shelf. Passed it by and thinking I should go back and buy some as the shortage might go on and on. Others here think I should buy it while I can or be sorry in a few months? Not going to buy a lot or clear the shelf.

Just I'll be kicking myself if I have no powder this summer and Unique does lots of things even if not perfectly.

[johnnybar]

We use Unique for 45LC, 9mm and some 12 gauge hunting loads, and some cast bullet rifle loads. It works very well in the 9x19. Unique burns cleaner when pushed. I did not like it in 38 spl with 158 grain lead SWC with two guns I own. I hit plus P pressures and it began to shoot nice groups. One of the revolvers I use I set the cylinder gap at .006" and it functioned well.

We keep a keg of this around the house.

Take care

r1kk1
+1 Hotter = cleaner
But, I have a moderate 45acp load that reliably cycles the slide and is loaded with, as cast, no lube 220's. It is moderately sooty and super fun to shoot. No leading at all...I think significantly due to the residue acting as a dry buffer between the lead and bore like mica or talc might.

[bbqncigars]

IIRC, Unique got its name from the fact that it can be used successfully in a wide range of cartridges. Which makes it an unique powder.

[dnotarianni]

Unique is good for almost any pistol caliber and I even use it in 500 Smith loads and 12ga. On a burn rate close to 231 powder look at bullseye and red dot. Just get your load book and pick a good load under max and work up.
Dave

[millsa2]

You can never have to much Unique on hand as it does well in most handgun loads.

[khmer6]

Always handy to have unique around. It's so universal

[dilly]

Part of its versatility is not only its many uses but also the availability of data for almost any load you can imagine with unique.

[mdi]

Perhaps you should have picked up that jug of Unique as who knows how long this "shortage" will last. The above posts show just how versitile Unique is...

[Ohio Rusty]

Unique is my favorite powder for .38's with a 155 grain cast hollowpoint. Serious self defense medicine. Unique also works well for .380.
Ohio Rusty ><>

[375supermag]

I finally found Unique this weekend.

I am now in a much more secure place, as far as reloading .45Colt and .44Special for the first half of the shooting season, without digging into my emergency reserve.

All of my reloading supplies are in good shape at present.For the foreseeable future, all purchases will be too replace used components and then a much expanded emergency reserve.

Only possible problem will be SP primers, but if I can't get any at all, I can substitute SP Magnum primers(with a suitably reduced powder charge). SP Magnum primers are available at several LGS, although quantities are limited.

[oldfart1956]

Another big Unique fan here. I haven't been reloading as long as most of ya'll. except mebbe for the 45/70. (started in the late 70's early 80'ss...??) Anyway. It's my go to powder for 38/44/45 and now...45/70! Some grumble about it being dirty....seriously? I shoot mainly smoothbore flintlocks....I can show you dirty. I've killed exactly 1 deer in the last 30 years with a cartridge gun. I know dirt. I fell for the "easier to measure and same as Unique" tomfoolery and tried Universal Clays. Horsepuckey. Yeah...it measures better but I tried every trick I know and can't get it to match Uniques accuracy in any caliber. This weekend tried it (Unique) in the 45/70 trapdoor for the first time....and I'm done loading black powder in that gun! :) Unique from now on. And I'm not opposed to black powder. I buy it in 25lb. kegs about every other year so I shoot a bunch of it. Using it in the .44mag. on Sunday I posted a 1 inch group at 50 yds. with 8gr. of Unique under the modified Lyman 429244 boolit. (scoped Blackhawk on sandbags) My best ever. At the velocities and range I shoot in the guns I load for...it just flat-out works. Audie....the happy Oldfart..

[Recluse]

I don't care for Unique at all, but I always keep at least a pound of in the powder cabinet.

:coffee:

[Love Life]

I don't care for Unique at all, but I always keep at least a pound of in the powder cabinet.

:coffee:

Blasphemy!!

[Huskerguy]

Look for HP38. It is the same powder as 231 and it cost a little less. I hate Unique for hand guns, too dirty and I hate powder flying back all over me.

I have a friend who swears by Unique and I read it is dirty but have never tried it myself. I just took some loads to the range tonight and compared W231, 3.5 grains compared to Titegroup at 3.2 grains both pushing a 158 grain LSWC bullet. Both were very accurate and recoil about the same but the W231 was noticeably more dirty than TG. Is Unique dirtier than 231?

I shot about the same number of rounds in a Ruger Security Six, stainless. My wife shot as well and both of our hands were black by the time we were done.

[Love Life]

I never noticed how dirty Unique is. After firing hundreds of rounds any powder is dirty.

[375supermag]

I never noticed how dirty Unique is. After firing hundreds of rounds any powder is dirty.

I always clean my guns and wash my hands after shooting, whether i load with Unique, Blue Dot, W296, etc.

Doesn't everybody?

[LAH]

Unique is very versatile, Unique is very versatile, Unique is very versatile, Unique is very versatile, Unique is very versatile, Unique is very versatile, Unique is very versatile, Unique is very versatile, Unique is very versatile

[jmort]

^ What he said said said...

[Kull]

I never noticed how dirty Unique is. After firing hundreds of rounds any powder is dirty.

It was the first powder I used for all my 45 Colt and 45 ACP reloading. I never really noticed how dirty it was until I tried other powders.

[khmer6]

Its a bit dirty and really smokey with moly coated boolits. But I guess that's what cleaning is for. And unique is economically powder with variety of uses

[jonp]

I use unique for about every handgun load I can think of and it was the first powder that I bought along with h110. I have a bottle on my shelf at all times and the old style label not the new one. In fact I bought a pound last week although I have 231/bullseye/universal already.

[cephas53]

It will load any handgun I have. Some of the loads are my favorite. Not a big shotgun loader but it'll do what I need. Allot of fun in light cast rifle loads. Somewhere down the road you'll be reading all the dirty residue, blah, blah, blah and try something else. Only to come back to it. I. hopefully will never be without some.

[khmer6]

It will load any handgun I have. Some of the loads are my favorite. Not a big shotgun loader but it'll do what I need. Allot of fun in light cast rifle loads. Somewhere down the road you'll be reading all the dirty residue, blah, blah, blah and try something else. Only to come back to it. I. hopefully will never be without some.

I second that. If there's one powder I will always have a keg of it will always be unique

[opos]

In my "stash" is Unique, 231, 2400, trail boss and recently added Universal as I couldn't find any Unique to back stop things....I understand Universal is similar in load characteristics and maybe a little cleaner that Unique. Only thing with Universal is I wish the LGS guy knew the difference between "Universal" Clays, "International" Clays, etc....or that the manufacturer would just forget all the mish mash and call Universal Clays...Universal...oh well not a big deal. Looking forward to loading some up.