Why is Unique starting load of 6.0 same as Max load??

[buenhec]

I am ready to start using Unique for my .45 RN loads. I noticed that several books have you start at 6.0 grains and then say the max is also 6.0 grains. I liked the feature that I could not double charge a load, it overflowed. Just another safeguard.

So is 6.0 my only option?Or is this a time tested perfect charge for .45 cal?

Also what about RN lead vs RN FMJ 230?

Thanks

 

[Texastbird]

The Alliant website lists 6 grains as the max. They recommend starting at 10% below the max for a starting point. That's on the page before you get to the load data. Unique works well with the hard cast lead bullets too. I've used between 4.5 and 5 grains of powder with good results.

 

[WAID]

If you look at Alliants website they state that

" REDUCE RIFLE AND HANDGUN CHARGE WEIGHTS BY 10% TO ESTABLISH A STARTING LOAD.
The exceptions to this are the loads listed as "target" in the 38 Special and 45 ACP data tables."

 

[BAT1]

I'm using 6.5 -7 gr of Unique behind 185 gr Berry's SWC and HBRN's. The accuracy is great. 6.5 is basically the Milspec load for a 1911. It cycles my SS loaded Champ great because of the stiffer springs. Their manual says 6 gr.for 230 gr. Try 5.8 it's according to your gun.

 

[Steve C]

I've never read a reloading manual that listed the start load the same as the max load. Lots of manual only list the max load with a note that says use a 10% reduction for start. The 10% reduction is a standard reloading procedure to determine start loads. Those manuals that only list one charge weight as the maximum assume that you can do the math.

The only exception to the 10% reduction from maximum load is with volume sensitive powder like W296 and H110 where the data generally says reduce no more than 3%.

 

[Jim Watson]

buenhc, you have the Lee book, don't you?
They sometimes show the same starting load as the maximum load because that is the closest you can get with a hole in a Lee disk measure. They run small, so it is a safe practice. If you have an adjustable measure and a scale to set it by, you can "work up" loads with a lot more control.

Lead bullets normally take a lighter powder charge for a given velocity than jacketed of the same weight. Easier to push soft greasy lead down the barrel than copper.

 

[Steve Koski]

6.0 gr Unique under a 230 FMJ was one of the old classic .45 loads with the "older, dirtier burning Unique."

Most folks find that about 5.7-5.8 gr of the "New, Cleaner Burning Unique" does about the same as the old stuff.

 

[rg1]

I just started loading for 9mm this year and bought my 1st 4lb. jug of new Unique. My previous lot of Unique was an 8lb. jug bought in 1982. In my testing of the old and new I found virtually the same results in 9mm and .45acp. Velocities were very close using identical charges of 1982 and 2007 lots of Unique. Unique works fine with 124gr and 45acp with 230gr loads. The 82 Unique is now history. Your results may vary.

 

[buenhec]

Jim,

Yes I have the Lee book. Thats a good explanation.

Thanks

 

[bobotech]

I have the Lee book also and noticed the same thing with Red Dot in 230 grain 45acp.

I think it was 5 grains.

I also noticed the same thing with OAL (max and min) for 30-30 using H335.

 

[NuJudge]

There are some powders where the manual says to use only one load, and do not reduce it any. If I remember correctly, Winchester's manuals do this for 296.

CDD