Unique replacement

[Messy bear]

Be 86 would be my choice

[Rickf1985]

I wish I had found this thread this morning!! I just ordered a 7# jug of BE-5 based on what Jeff said about it being close enough to Unique to be used with Uniques specs. Looks like I just wasted 150.00!!!!

[1006]

7# of anything for $150 sounds like a good deal. What is BE-5?

[Rickf1985]

Here is a link to the Bartlett page.
http://gibrass.com/gunpowder.html

[Maven]

Here's what Bartlett says about BR-5:


BR-5 Recently acquired. Brand new, current production. This is a double-based ball
type powder, originally intended for 9x19mm ammo. Meters very consistently.
Burning rate is similar to Hercules Unique, which data can be used. Additional
data available on request. Clean burning with consistent results.
This is new powder, not pulldown.
$150/7# jug BACK IN STOCK

[racepres]

Here's what Bartlett says about BR-5:


BR-5 Recently acquired. Brand new, current production. This is a double-based ball
type powder, originally intended for 9x19mm ammo. Meters very consistently.
Burning rate is similar to Hercules Unique, which data can be used. Additional
data available on request. Clean burning with consistent results.
This is new powder, not pulldown.
$150/7# jug BACK IN STOCK

Wow... I knew there was a reason I wanted to head back down to that part of KY!!!!!!

[Harter66]

I don't understand why y'all have trouble with Unique. It runs well under .1 net O/U in my UniFlow measure whether I'm using the large or small drums . It can be a PITA to get set but once I get it it's the same every time from 2.5-14 gr ...... Seems to be ok in the MECs and DL55 Pacific too .....

Just emptied Dad's 1968 12# keg of Unique........I'll have to start on the 8# jug from the 90s now .......

[derek45]

I don't understand why y'all have trouble with Unique. .... .......

the only trouble I have with unique,.....is finding it in stock

[Rickf1985]

I don't understand why y'all have trouble with Unique. It runs well under .1 net O/U in my UniFlow measure whether I'm using the large or small drums . It can be a PITA to get set but once I get it it's the same every time from 2.5-14 gr ...... Seems to be ok in the MECs and DL55 Pacific too .....

Just emptied Dad's 1968 12# keg of Unique........I'll have to start on the 8# jug from the 90s now .......

Really need to read the original thread. Not having problems with Unique at all. I wish I could find Unique. What I am looking for is info on the replacement powder being sold as BR-5 and the specs for it are supposed to be close to unique "But not quite the same".

[Maven]

I wish I could find it as well!

[Four-Sixty]

One drawback with ball powders, for me anyway, is they leak badly out of my "Perfect Powder Measure".

[justindad]

I have used True Blue in 9mm, .357SIG, .357 Mag, .45 ACP, and .45 Colt. It meters like water and is my most used powder.

[Thundermaker]

I had good luck with CFE pistol in standard pressure 45colt loads and reduced .41 mag loads. I think I was loading 8 grains in both. Gave me 850fps with a 250grain bullet in a 5.5" .45 colt and 925 on a 210grn in a 4" model 57 (.41 mag). Both loads were accurate.

[Texas by God]

One drawback with ball powders, for me anyway, is they leak badly out of my "Perfect Powder Measure".

I noticed that a couple of grains (at least) of AA#2 flew from the side of the drum with each throwso now I won’t use ball powder in that measure.


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[Chili]

Uh, a replacement for Unique? Not hardly! of course there are powders that can be used in it's place. Be wise and stock up when you can.

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[BRatigan]

Natchezz has Unique at this time. 1pounders and a limit of 5 per order. I ordered 4pounds. Should get me to the end of my time.

[Ajohns]

Natchezz has Unique at this time. 1pounders and a limit of 5 per order. I ordered 4pounds. Should get me to the end of my time.

Already out

[mvintx]

I shot some Xtreme 124 gr bullets in front of BR-5 last week. Good accuracy with 4.2 grains and about 970 fps. I started out with what I thought to be a pretty light load...didn't trust using Unique data like suggested. Shot some PC'd Lyman 356402s also and they were equally good.

[HWooldridge]

I stopped using Unique over 30 years ago - mostly due to the remaining residue that's commonly present. I'm glad I did based on the current unavailability.

It is certainly a general-purpose powder, but I prefer to optimize loads and moved on to other powders, such as some of the ones mentioned here: WW231, Clays and Universal Clays, Red Dot, Blue Dot, etc.

[AlaskaMike]

About the only application I use Unique for is light cast loads in bottleneck rifle cartridges, because Unique is nicely bulky.

For handgun use its either BE86, Power Pistol, Accurate #5, or 231 depending on the cartridge and use.