Unique powder

[FirstHussar]

Hi everyone.

I have been re-loading my .357 with Unique powder since I started the whole process about 6 months ago. I bought the Unique on the gun store's recommendation. It's fine for outdoors, provides a good MV and pressure, but, good god, is it ever dirty, smoky stuff. I don't fire it in the indoor range anymore because it smokes everyone out. My hands are covered in black cordite when I get finished. Can anyone recommend a good (and common) powder for reloading magnums?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

1H

 

[Johnn Peterson]

Hi everyone.

I have been re-loading my .357 with Unique powder since I started the whole process about 6 months ago. I bought the Unique on the gun store's recommendation. It's fine for outdoors, provides a good MV and pressure, but, good god, is it ever dirty, smoky stuff. I don't fire it in the indoor range anymore because it smokes everyone out. My hands are covered in black cordite when I get finished. Can anyone recommend a good (and common) powder for reloading magnums?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

1H

What are you looking for, heavy or light loads? Also, what bullet are you planning on using?

 

[blindman]

Try Hodgson H4227, or HS-7, both will work for your .357.

 

[t-star]

ww296 or h110- both are pretty much standard magnum type powders- 231 or titegroup for light loads

 

[FirstHussar]

I favour heavier loads. I have been using a 148 gr SWC bullet.

 

[JB]

you will fine that revolver are smokey and your hands will get dirty shooting them

 

[Johnn Peterson]

JB is correct. Unique is a dirty powder. Fairly versatile but dirty. If you're still having problems coming up with a load for a 148gr SW, PM me your e-mail address and I'll send you a scan of info I have along that line.

 

[FirstHussar]

you will fine that revolver are smokey and your hands will get dirty shooting them

This is true, but I noticed a very definite difference between factory loads, and unique powder.

 

[OneBarfly]

I use only Alliant 2400 for both 357 mag and 44 mag. (regular primers) Others like Winchester 296 or Hodgdon's H110 (Mag primers).
If it's flash you want, two words: Blue dot.

 

[PoFF]

H-110 is the only stuff that will ever be poured in my 44 Magnum cartridges, unless they come up with a powder that produces even more muzzle flash...

... muzzle flash is fun!

240 Grains bullets are pushed in the high 1400's, but my personal favourite are 180 grains XTP in the 1800's FPS.

P.S. Picture shows actual 44 magnum H-110 load fired from a 6" revolver, the whole barrel is engulfed in flames

 

[johnone]

FIRST HUSSAR;
If you are using a lead SWC then you may want to try different lubricants....
Unique "likes" a good hard crimp in .357
I agree witht-star 296 or 110 are hard to beat for the heavier loads....
John

 

[Johnn Peterson]

Generally speaking, for;
- Very light gallery type loads my choice is usually powders in the Bullseye burning rate area.
- Light to usually the more moderate velocity loads, and even up to the heavier loads, Unique has usually been my powder of choice.
- For the heavy stuff/hot loads, my go to powder has been 2400. After getting a .500 S&W, I've gone more to 296, H110, H4227 & IMR 4227.