* * *APPLAUSE * * * *
There's some VERY good advice in the above posts.
GooseGestapo's comment about change in formulation of Unique is right on point. Another aspect is that a lot ot the "Classic" old loads were espoused by people, and some component manufacturers, who had ZERO pressure testing gear when tho older manuals were published. Modern instrumentation makes this gear and advanced data more universally available, and with it, somewhat saner loads.
A recent manual is an absolute
MUST! Most of the reduced load data nowadays is NOT a result of attorney nervousness. Using old data is very risky.
P95Carry, well might you be uneasy about the 8.5 gr load from the old book! I recall that 30 years ago, I decided on my own that 8.0 with a JSP was too durn hot for a M19 S&W. the pressure curve of Unique is a bit abrupt for such heavy loads. Better to seek higher velocities with the slower-burning powders, if you need TOP END performance.
Shooter973 beat me to it with my own favorite Unique/cast bullet load in .357. I don't own a .357 with a barrel longer than four inches, but the 7.0 gr of Unique is a joy to shoot with my old 165 LSWC bullets. Plenty of penetration for medium game hunting, flat-enough trajectory for medium-long range plinking, and plenty of recoil, to remind yourself that this is a major caliber. If I need much more storm-and-thunder, I have a couple of very good loads with 2400 powder, and I have barely begun to explore H110 and W296.
Elder Son and I went out last weekend and had a GRAND time working out with the .36 calibers. Most was with .38 SPL cast bullet loads and 115 gr FMJ 9mms, but had fun with mag handloads in S&W K and N frame and a Colt .357 as well. ESon commented that my Hdy 158 XTP load with
* *mumble * * grains of 2400 was almost TOO hot in the model 19, but the 7U/LSWC load was nice in all the mags.
We both carry .45s to work, but last Saturday was a good reminder that there
was a time when a man with a .357 (or even a paltry .38) on his hip was considered pretty well armed.
Best,
Johnny