MAX load of unique in 357 mag

[pull the trigger]

I was speaking with a long time reloader, and he was trying to convince me the best load for the 357 is 10.5g of unique over a 125g jacketed (sorry) hollow point. I listened to him, then looked it up in all my books. Max I can see is 9.6g. Was this an old load from when the round was a baby? Is he correct? Does anyone know the history of it? Thanks

[Beagle333]

Never seen such. Why would you want to beat a gun so? I think Lyman had 9.7 for a 125gr at one time.... but just get a bigger gun.
I can't imagine 10+ as being the "best" load.

[Jedman]

That sounds like to much unique , if you are after a load that will give you the highest velocity with a 125 gr. bullet you need a slower powder than unique.

Jedman

[Winger Ed.]

I've seen 10.0 of Unique for light weight bullets listed somewhere years ago,
but they also recommended it only be used in 2" revolvers with a real strong frame.

Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable with it.
I'm a Blue Dot guy myself.

[Walks]

Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook # 2 shows 7.5grs max under the #358429 - 168gr SWC.
A load Of 6.5grs I preferred for years in mid size frame DA's; Security-Six and M19/M13.
I can't imagine 10grs in a 4" M19. Seems way too hot.

Don't have access to the #4 right now.

[badguybuster]

I did a check and the max I see is 9.6 grains

[pull the trigger]

I know a long time ago it was loaded quite a bit hotter than today, I just don't have any books that old

[farmbif]

not to knock unique. but it won't get you max velocity in 357 mag without going way over pressure. I get max velocity and accuracy without overpressure with Alliant 300mp, not so common in a corner of the reloading world seemingly dominated by 296/h110.
some of the older reloading books had some loads that were found to be over pressure once more accurate pressure testing was developed.

[Bird]

Lyman 45th handbook shows 7.0g max Unique under 358429 bullet, so the loads do change as time progresses.

[Outpost75]

Heavy charges of Unique with jacketed bullets do a good job of destroying revolver forcing cones in .357, which tends to be an expensive lesson.
I would not appreciably exceed .38 Special +P velocities with Unique under jacketed bullets if you want the gun to last.

[RogerDat]

Unique is a good plinking load in my experience, for hot loads in a mag revolver I would think of others unless I was down to my big Unique can load anything so I'll keep this in reserve jug.

Think I have used it for .357 mag as a wad cutter plinking load only and that was under max being given by a fair amount. An amount I don't recall off hand.

[pull the trigger]

I wasn't looking for a fast load, I was just curious about this guy's load. Thanks

[Finster101]

Just because somebody has been doing something for a long time doesn't mean they are good at it or doing it correctly. Lucky maybe.

[dverna]

My mentor told me...you can have 30 years of experience or 1 year of experience 30 times over.