Win231 vs Unique: Which do you prefer? What do you use it in?

[VariableRecall]

I have been seeing a lot of posts regarding the use of Unique in a variety of loads. However, in these turbulent times, I've yet to see a single pound of it on any store that I've visited, most likely due to its popularity nationwide.

Thankfully I've been able to grab some of a powder that I have found quite satisfactory for the loads that my brother and I use for .38 Special and .45 ACP: Winchester 231. As far as I've used it, the loads that I use have left very little unburnt powder in either of the firearms we use. In my brother's .45 RIA 1911, 4.8 grains leaves a very satisfying flower of reddish-purple muzzle blast while still having a comfortable amount of recoil. 5.2 grains left a sizable amount of unburnt powder in the internal bits. Haven't chrono'd anything but it's been very reliable for us.

I've personally been using 3.8-4.0 grains of win231 in my loads for 158 grain boolits. that has lead to mild recoil and satisfactory accuracy. However, I need to keep up my accuracy on par with my revolver. But, I'm getting a little better every time I make it to the range thanks to your help!

Still, I'd like to know the similarities or differences between Unique and 231, as well as any similarities between 231 and other powders. I'd looked at WST, but I'm not sure what it could be used for anything else.

What are your thoughts on Unique and Win 231, and how do you use it?

[Evoken]

I cannot comment on unique as it is not on my shelf. Win 231 is the same as hp-38 according to hodgdon. I have had good luck with it in 38spl. It was ok in 45acp.
One of my 38 loads is 4gr under a 158gr rn lee tumble lube boolit. It does well.
Ken

[Rcmaveric]

I use HP-38 and Unique... great powders. I have used Unique in everything. Can be a little dirty but it works great.

HP-38 inhave only used in 9mm, 380 ACP and 357 Mag. It works great and is clean.

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

[NC_JEFF]

I've loaded more 158swc bullets in 38 using W231 than I could ever count, these days I usually use Bullseye in its place but 231. Will always be an option for me

[winelover]

I have used them both. W-231 is a ball powder and meters much better than Unique, which is a flake powder. However, I prefer Unique and purchase it by the 8 pound jug. Just more versatile for what I reload.

Winelover

[sharps4590]

I would use Unique in any of the firearms I own with the exception of muzzleloaders. I cannot say that for W-231.

Win. 231 gave me an accurate load in a 45 Colt, SAA that had been trying my patience for several years so I like it in that revolver. However, 231 won't compare with Unique for being versatile but, that's only important if you use it in rifles, any rifle, for reduced loads...or shotgun loads.

[Ateam]

winelover hit it on the head. Metering. I use both extensively. Tends to be 231 in the autos that I load on a progressive and need to meter well without much hassle. revolver loads and reduced rifle tend to be unique, though 2400 is common for these also.

[ABJ]

I couldn't choose between the two, they are both great powders. I can and have found good loads using both but unique has the benefit of reduced rifle loads because of its size, ie... better case fill. If I needed to fill this gap I would buy either one and not blink an eye.
Tony

[CraigOK]

Unique will do things 231 won't, but if you're just loafing for those 2 cartridges there are many powders that will do well.

[dverna]

HP38/231 are my preferred powders for 9mm, 38 spl light loads. 40 S&W and .45, but I stock Unique. I only use Unique in 20 and 28 ga, but I can use it in everything I reload if I have to.

As long as supply is out there, I will continue to use a dedicated pistol powder like HP38 that meters well. In addition I get more loads per pound with HP38. So it works better (for my needs) and is less expensive....win/win.

I had four jugs of Unique but will be selling three this weekend for a lot more than I paid for it. It is good powder to have on hand during shortages as it is easy to sell and will command a higher price due to its versatility. When things settle back down I will stock it back up.

BTW, I feel the same way about Promo/Red Dot. Very economical and useful over a wide range of applications. It is another of my "stocking powders".

VR, you are new to reloading and have entered the hobby at the worst time. There are many powders that will work but are not ideal so study the manuals and online manufacturer resources. When things improve, you will be better off with HP38 in the calibers you currently load for...IMO. For some stupid reason, HP38 is a bit less expensive than 231, but they are the same powder.

[35isit]

I like both powders. 231/HP38 for .357 magnum target loads in a Contender. I shoot that load in IHMSA. I use Unique in everything from .38 special to .44 magnum to 12 gauge shotgun. Must be 6lbs of 231/HP38 in the cabinet and probably 3lbs of Unique. Either one will suit your needs.

[derek45]

I like and use both.

If I had to pick one, it'd probably be win231/hp38

[Conditor22]

I started reloading with Unique & have unique loads for many of my firearms (never liked the way it metered)

Lately, I've been drawn to win231/hp38 and 2400

[derek45]

178gr NOE KEITH

4” GP100

5.5 unique 863fps
6.0 unique 943fps
———————————-
5.5 win231 889
6.0 win231 953
—————————

[dogrunner]

Ah heck, shoot a blue gun and you'll never notice the soot.

[gwpercle]

I find Unique to be a lot more versatile and have used it extensively over the last 50 years .
It's the powder that I would choose ... if I could have only one powder to reload everything with .

If you can't charge cases with Unique ...get a Lyman 55 , set it up correctly and learn to hold your mouth right ...that's the secrete.
Gary

[wwmartin]

The smoke from 231 smells better in my opinion . Not as versatile as Unique for rifles but smells beer to my nose.
I'm still trying to use up 2 five pound cans of SR-4756.
Bill

[LeonardC]

When I was younger I mainly loaded W231 into autos, .45acp & 9mm, and Unique into revolvers. I like both powders and found good loads in my guns.

I read an article by John Taffin saying he was loading a lot of .44 Mag. using W231 in light loads. I was trying to find a light load for the Wife to shoot in her 329, so looked up some W231 data and keep W231 .44 mag. loads (kind of a loud pop instead of a boom) for her on the shelf. I have had an 8# keg of W231 for many years and I'm now working on using it up in different guns. I still load and shoot a lot of Unique.

[cp1969]

When I was younger I mainly loaded W231 into autos, .45acp & 9mm, and Unique into revolvers. I like both powders and found good loads in my guns.

I read an article by John Taffin saying he was loading a lot of .44 Mag. using W231 in light loads. I was trying to find a light load for the Wife to shoot in her 329, so looked up some W231 data and keep W231 .44 mag. loads (kind of a loud pop instead of a boom) for her on the shelf. I have had an 8# keg of W231 for many years and I'm now working on using it up in different guns. I still load and shoot a lot of Unique.

The only unexplained overload I've ever had was with WW231 in a 'pop gun' 44 mag, loaded on a Dillon 550. I disassembled all the remaining rounds, expecting to find an empty case but there wasn't one. Luckily it was fired in a Redhawk; the brass had to be pounded out of the cylinder with a hammer and punch.

[onelight]

I like them both. I started using 231 in my progressives cause it metered a bit better.
But Unique has so much load data available and it flows well in my Lee turret press so I have gone back to it.
And would be fine with 231 on my progressive but use BE-86 it's a bit slower than 231 and is easier to find at my supplier .