Unique & Cast vs. Jacketed Bullets

[gps]

My manuals have rifle loads for Unique and cast bullets but not jacketed bullets. I have tried to find out if it's possible to use this load data for jacketed bullets but the manual does not say, or if it does I have not found it.

Specifically, I'd like to load Hornady 100gr SJ (short jacket) bullets for 30-30 using Unique. Several people have posted successes with Unique and cast bullets.

Can I expect a jacketed bullet to build more pressure faster than a cast bullet?

 

[ben hunchak]

The jacketed bullets will give more pressure but that is not the problem here, light loads with jacketed bullets run a greater risk of getting a bullet stuck in the barrel, at least with very light loads. J-word bullet loads are usually more expensive and not necessary with this type of load.

 

[Al-Sway]

That truly is unhelpful.
The whole issue with light loads and jacketed bullets occurs when you are trying to go really slow, usually under 900 fps in my experience. If you are using loads that are running over 1000 fps there is no reason to worry about sticking bullets in the barrels.
As for Unique and jacketed bullets, I would suggest that you try a load for cast 100 or 110 grain cast bullets, and pick a load that suits the velocity you are trying to achieve. I cannot recall any cast bullet loads for Unique and lighter cast bullets that are running at the extreme end of pressures, so there should be no problems with your jacketed bullets. As always, start light and work up if you have to.

 

[ben hunchak]

I thought it was rather helpful, we all can't be as helpful as others, of course some are experts at everything and they are not helpful, either.

 

[BattleRife]

I use Unique in a .222 Rem to get velocities close to (actually slightly under) .22 Hornet levels. I use a bullet appropriate to the Hornet. I just started doing it, no problems so far. Pressures are probably higher than they would be with cast lead, but are showing no signs of being elevated.