Unique Powder data needed - The Firearms Forum

ncisland11 · 10-12-2009, 11:14 AM

I'm looking for some data on Unique powder for re-loading 45 ACP, 9 MM Luger and 380 Auto. The Unique website doesn't give any data on other bullets except Speer. For the 45 I'm using a 230 gr. round nose copper bonded bullet. The 9MM is the same type of bullet in a 115 gr. The 380 auto is a 95 gr. JSPHB bullet. Anyone have any info on recommended starting/ max loading grains of Unique powder??? Thanks!!

gdmoody · 10-12-2009, 11:36 AM

ncisland11 - Welcome to the Forum.

I'm first going to ask the obvious question, then I'm going to give you the data in the Hornady #7 Manual.

What reloading manual(s) do you have?

.45 ACP - 230 grain FMJ - Unique powder 5.1 grains at 700 fps, 5.4 grains at 750 fps, the max load is 6.1 at 850 fps.

9mm - Hornady manual does not give a load for 115 grain bullet for unique powder
Lyman manual # 49 gives the minimum load of 4.4 grains at 996 fps and maximum load of 5.8 grains at 1233 fps

.380 - Hornady does not give a load for a 95 grain billet.
Lyman manual gives minimum load of 2.3 grains at 706 fps and a maximum load of 3.1 grains at 952 fps.

If you do not have any reloading manuals, I strongly suggest that you look into getting a couple of them, they really make good reading on a rainy day.

williamd · 10-12-2009, 11:39 AM

Go here ...
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...rs/index.aspx&

Other sites for other manufactures on line, too.

jdon72 · 10-12-2009, 02:10 PM

I use unique on 45 cal but with 185 gr hp. I use 7.7 gr (7.6-7.8 average) and I believe the max is 8.2. This amount of powder has been great and very accurate in my hk 45c and hk 45 usc/ump clone. Hope it helps.

J

Archie · 10-12-2009, 04:21 PM

Unique is good for most handgun rounds, most shotshell gauges and light loads in rifles. It's as close to a universal powder as can be found. It used to be my standard in .45 ACP for 230 grain FMJ or JHP. I do not remember the load anymore, but something in the 5 to 6 grain range sounds right. I recall it gave the highest velocities at acceptable pressure levels in most semi-auto pistol calibers.

Loading data can be found on the Alliant website or any decent loading manual. I'm not sure enough to 'share' my memories of load specifics.

the morning light · 10-12-2009, 05:21 PM

This site may be helpful: http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/default.asp

JLA · 10-12-2009, 05:25 PM

used bookstores, cabelas, midwayusa, graf&sons, and Im sure there are others ALL sell reloading manuals. My advice is to buy more than a few. I get mine from used book stores for pennies on the dollar...

jim brady · 10-28-2009, 02:21 PM

I use Unique powder in nearly all my pistol loads. Find a Lyman reloading manual and closely follow their reloading cautions! These are loads I use from their data, and work well in my PPK (.380), Beretta, Walther and Luger (9mm) and Colt (.45ACP):
.380 - 100 grain Jacketed Round Nose = 3.4 grains Unique
9mm - 115 grain FMJ = 5.2 grains Unique
.45ACP - 230 grain FMJ = 6.2 grains Unique
A lot of really experianced folks contribute to this site, but please get a reloading manual and study it. They are not expensive, and the peace of mind that you will have using lab tested data is well worth it. Stay away from maximum loads - they will only increase wear on your guns and decrease safety. Good Luck!

312shooter · 10-28-2009, 10:41 PM

9mm 115gr with 5.8gr unique "pet load"

10-12-2009, 11:14 AM	#1
ncisland11 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2	Unique Powder data needed I'm looking for some data on Unique powder for re-loading 45 ACP, 9 MM Luger and 380 Auto. The Unique website doesn't give any data on other bullets except Speer. For the 45 I'm using a 230 gr. round nose copper bonded bullet. The 9MM is the same type of bullet in a 115 gr. The 380 auto is a 95 gr. JSPHB bullet. Anyone have any info on recommended starting/ max loading grains of Unique powder??? Thanks!! -->

10-12-2009, 11:36 AM	#2
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,354	Re: Unique Powder data needed ncisland11 - Welcome to the Forum. I'm first going to ask the obvious question, then I'm going to give you the data in the Hornady #7 Manual. What reloading manual(s) do you have? .45 ACP - 230 grain FMJ - Unique powder 5.1 grains at 700 fps, 5.4 grains at 750 fps, the max load is 6.1 at 850 fps. 9mm - Hornady manual does not give a load for 115 grain bullet for unique powder Lyman manual # 49 gives the minimum load of 4.4 grains at 996 fps and maximum load of 5.8 grains at 1233 fps .380 - Hornady does not give a load for a 95 grain billet. Lyman manual gives minimum load of 2.3 grains at 706 fps and a maximum load of 3.1 grains at 952 fps. If you do not have any reloading manuals, I strongly suggest that you look into getting a couple of them, they really make good reading on a rainy day. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

10-12-2009, 11:39 AM	#3
williamd Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 772	Re: Unique Powder data needed Go here ... http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...rs/index.aspx& Other sites for other manufactures on line, too. __________________ "Outlaw guns and only outlaws will have guns!" But, we are moving that direction. NRA Benefactor, Vet VN '64-'65 Never sell a gun or a car and you can retire right!!

10-12-2009, 02:10 PM	#4
jdon72 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 340	Re: Unique Powder data needed I use unique on 45 cal but with 185 gr hp. I use 7.7 gr (7.6-7.8 average) and I believe the max is 8.2. This amount of powder has been great and very accurate in my hk 45c and hk 45 usc/ump clone. Hope it helps. J

10-12-2009, 04:21 PM	#5
Archie V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hastings, Nebraska; the Heartland! Posts: 294	Re: Unique Powder data needed Unique is good for most handgun rounds, most shotshell gauges and light loads in rifles. It's as close to a universal powder as can be found. It used to be my standard in .45 ACP for 230 grain FMJ or JHP. I do not remember the load anymore, but something in the 5 to 6 grain range sounds right. I recall it gave the highest velocities at acceptable pressure levels in most semi-auto pistol calibers. Loading data can be found on the Alliant website or any decent loading manual. I'm not sure enough to 'share' my memories of load specifics. __________________ Be at Peace; go forth, spread enlightenment and joy to all. Wear clean underwear and take a gun. http://oldmanmontgomery.wordpress.com/ for my thoughts...

10-12-2009, 05:21 PM	#6
the morning light V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 288	Re: Unique Powder data needed This site may be helpful: http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/default.asp

10-12-2009, 05:25 PM	#7
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,319	Re: Unique Powder data needed used bookstores, cabelas, midwayusa, graf&sons, and Im sure there are others ALL sell reloading manuals. My advice is to buy more than a few. I get mine from used book stores for pennies on the dollar... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

10-28-2009, 02:21 PM	#8
jim brady Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,075	Re: Unique Powder data needed I use Unique powder in nearly all my pistol loads. Find a Lyman reloading manual and closely follow their reloading cautions! These are loads I use from their data, and work well in my PPK (.380), Beretta, Walther and Luger (9mm) and Colt (.45ACP): .380 - 100 grain Jacketed Round Nose = 3.4 grains Unique 9mm - 115 grain FMJ = 5.2 grains Unique .45ACP - 230 grain FMJ = 6.2 grains Unique A lot of really experianced folks contribute to this site, but please get a reloading manual and study it. They are not expensive, and the peace of mind that you will have using lab tested data is well worth it. Stay away from maximum loads - they will only increase wear on your guns and decrease safety. Good Luck!

10-28-2009, 10:41 PM	#9
312shooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 1,148	Re: Unique Powder data needed 9mm 115gr with 5.8gr unique "pet load" __________________ "Democracy is based on citizenship- perhaps the greatest gift the United States has given to the world- Power is vested in the people themselves, and government flows from the people" James M Henslin