Although it's listed in the table of burning rates right next to AA #5, none of the reloading guides show a load for the .40 S&W pistol. In fact, there isn't any data for .357 mag w/158 gr. jacketed either, just the cast bullet loads.

If the burning rate is close to AA #5, shouldn't it be a suitable powder those applications?

Speer #12 lists it for both calibers. What bullet weights?

I shoot Unique in a 40 S&W. It is not the cleanest powder, but not bad.

I also shoot Unique in a .357 with jacketed 158 bullets for mid-range (7.5 gr) - to light (7.0 gr) loads.

Straight from the Alliant (who makes Unique) online data:

For 155 gr Speer GDHP: 1.12OAL 4 CCI 500 Unique 8grains 1,207

For 165 gr Speer GDHP: 1.12OAL 4 CCI 500 Unique 7.2grains 1,064

For180 gr Speer GDHP: 1.12OAL 4 CCI 500 Unique 6.7grains 1,000


Here's the link

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/index.aspx

Does well with 155 and 165 grain bullets in my 40 S&W. Check several data sources and work up. Check the bullet manufacturers data first.

If you look a bit there should be data out there for Unique & most handgun cartridges. Some manuals seem to omit just to save space.

My go-to pistol powder....due to its usefulness in many different calibers. It is a bit dirty, even though they claim a "new, cleaner formula" on my latest can...

Dan

Universal is very close to it and is quite a bit cleaner sometimes

The only thing I can say about Universal is it's cleaner, that's it. I lost accuracy using Universal. I won't buy anymore of it. Too many people make Unique sound like it's dirty as black powder and it's not.

quote:

Originally posted by SmokinJ:
The only thing I can say about Universal is it's cleaner, that's it. I lost accuracy using Universal. I won't buy anymore of it. Too many people make Unique sound like it's dirty as black powder and it's not.

Were did the clean gun fetish come from?

What? Lots of data for the 40 and Unique!

I personally shoot 165 grain Montana golds with 6.4 grains of Unique out of a G23- awesome accurate.

Sierra load 5.2 @ 850FPS to 7.0gr @ 1150FPS
Speer load 6.2 @ 882FPS to 7.2 @ 1064FPS
Alliant load ------------ 7.2 @ 1064FPS
Lyman shows 5.4 @ 952FPS to 6.0 @1034FPS

Lots of loads for 158 gr bullet and 357Mag with Unique but why use it?
“Save unique for the 38 special loads in your 357”
Try H110, 296 or 2400 for full power loads in 357
(Hey it is a 357).

What he said.
I have been using Unique since 69 and use it for several calibers; only thing is with older lots, it is like shooting black powder. Cool for cowboy shooting. Newer made powder seems to be much cleaner burning and less smoke.

Thanks for all the answers here. I was looking atb 180 gr. bullets.

My fourth edition Hornady guide was the one I was referring to. I didn't think to check Alliant. On that note, I'd be surprised if they didn't list anything for those calibers using heavier, jacketed slugs.

Thanks again.

quote:

Originally posted by SR4759:

quote:

Originally posted by SmokinJ:
The only thing I can say about Universal is it's cleaner, that's it. I lost accuracy using Universal. I won't buy anymore of it. Too many people make Unique sound like it's dirty as black powder and it's not.

Were did the clean gun fetish come from?

I've never understood that either, people complaining aobut a propellant being "dirty"
when you are going to clean the firearm anyway.