No unique ,,now what?

[racepres]

Pretty sure they might, but if it's free shipping or haz, not sure it matters much since there is either a $25 or $30 discount. Order enough and it's a moot point?

All You Cats out thinking me Today!!!

[Delkal]

Now that ya mention it.. I do Get those e-Mails...Thanks for the "Nudge"
Gotta get it in my head which Vihtavuori powder is equivalent to Unique, or Win 231...
Now...as I recall...primers and Powder cannot ship in same order/package...Correct?? Or no????

They can be delivered in the same package with one Hazmat charge. I got two packages in the last few months shipped that way.

[K43]

Republic Ammunition has sales and free HAZMAT days. Their standard shipping is cheap also. I got my last N140 and BE-86 from them during a no HAZMAT sale.

[gc45]

many shooters of old antique rifles have used Unique for years as for lower pressures rather than black. I'd like to know if this be-86 powder is suitable for that use as well, if it replaces Unique like some are saying..

[racepres]

They can be delivered in the same package with one Hazmat charge. I got two packages in the last few months shipped that way.

Thank You... My Brain had an Amnesia moment

Republic Ammunition has sales and free HAZMAT days. Their standard shipping is cheap also. I got my last N140 and BE-86 from them during a no HAZMAT sale.

Worth Noting..Thank you

many shooters of old antique rifles have used Unique for years as for lower pressures rather than black. I'd like to know if this be-86 powder is suitable for that use as well, if it replaces Unique like some are saying..

So Far..In My admittedly Limited Experience...Yes.. Not a replacement for Red Dot...But yes, Unique .. I am Using BE-86 in loads, Grain for Grain in the place of Unique.. No Problems to Date..In fact, in many instances, better results either Pressure or Velocity wise..Tho mostly velocities, grain for grain, are enough lower, to maybe Not be just a lot to lot variance, normally encountered.. Moving on to Higher Capacity Rounds (Mausers, .08/.06 Class)as we Speak.. No Surprises thusfar...But...If someone encounters a Surprise...I sure hope it comes to Our attention!!

[Whole Bunches]

In my limited use of BE-86 vs Unique:

303 British, Lyman 314299, 10.0 gr of each powder shot the same impact point and accuracy.

44 Special, Lyman 429244, 7.6 gr BE-86 shot same as 7.5 gr Unique on 2 revolvers. In a 3rd revolver BE-86 was just as accurate, but hit a little to the right.

[waksupi]

I use 700X and Rex III, if you can find it.

[30calflash]

I ran into some longshot by Hodgdon, it seems close in general for a Unique sub. At least looking at performance and amount used via the manual.

[Sgt H]

GC45 Unique does not necessarily produce lower pressures than black depending on the load. I shoot gong matches twice a month and 14 grains of Unique under a 400 grain boolit is a popular load with the guys shooting 45-70's. Based on the data I have this load is in the 23000-25000 psi range, quite safe in the modern reproductions most are using but not sure I would want to use them in a trapdoor. I am down to about 4 pounds of unique and bought a bunch of BE-86 as a replacement after initially purchasing a pound to try. So far have only experimented with the BE-86 under the 340's. My usual load is 12.5 Unique for 1150fps. Loaded some with 13.5 BE-86 and the accuracy was as good or maybe a bit better than the Unique. BE-86 load was about 75fps faster based on my come ups for 200 and 300 yards. With Unique I have come to expect about 60fps per grain with this boolit in 45-70 and BE-86 would likely be similar, thus grain for grain would be very close to duplicating Unique. Have not chronographed the BE-86 loads in the 45-70 to check the ES/SD but had excellent results with a 180 grain 357 load. Have more time for testing once deer season is over.

[rbuck351]

I use either W231 or Universal as a replacement for Unique. Both meter better than Unique and give very similar results.

[racepres]

I use either W231 or Universal as a replacement for Unique. Both meter better than Unique and give very similar results.

lots if great loads using 231..But, Not nearly as Versatile as Unique.. Straight walled...or Bottleneck

[curioushooter]

Hogdon Universal. I think it starts with U because it is basically a clone of unique in terms of burn rate and applications.

[sharkey]

I read through the thread discussing Alliant BE-86 Powder being a possible substitute for Alliant Unique. I thought I would look around and see what kind of pricing was available on this BE-86 powder? I checked the regular places - Brownells, Midway, Natchez, Bruno's & Graf's etc. I found it at Powder Valley, on sale, 8lbs for $265. That is $100 off what the other places are charging, if they even have it. We all know how Alliant's inventory is somewhat hit or miss right now. Hope this helps someone.

[jms1911]

357-- N340=160 gr. lead-6.3 gr. powder-1161 fps-1.575 ol. ------------------------------------- 357-Unique=158 gr. lead-6.2 gr. powder-1188 fps-1.580 ol. ------------------------------------- N350 will work also -6.6 gr. in the same ball park and cleaner than Unique and groups as well but costs more. The powder fills the case about the same as Unique also.

Just curious what length barrel were these shot from? As I run out of my Alliant powders have been replacing with Vihitvouri with good results. I like the fact their 300 powders are single based, very consistent and cleaner. Don't know why their not more popular, the results speak for them self.

[smkummer]

Before the powder shortage, I was trying to find powders better than unique for many of my cartridges and applications. All my cowboy loads for SASS-use either 700X or bullseye. Unique doesn’t like to be downloaded. As of now, I’m using unique for full power 45 colt, cast bullet 30-30, cast bullet 8mm, 357 lead bullet, skeeter 44 special, 45-70, 43 Egyptian and probably a couple others. Since I’m not shooting in monthly matches with those calibers, my 4-5 lbs. will probably last 3-4 years by then Alliant hopefully gets its components worked out.

[JFoster48386]

I carry a printed out copy of a spreadsheet with all the alternative loading components I can use. Specifically, if I'm at a store that has powder on the shelf, I'll use my "cheat sheet" to help decide if or what I'm going to buy, depending on the pricing etc.



Jon.