unique in 45 acp

[Fathead]

Does unique 6.1 grains sound about right for a mid 800fps load
seems like this was what i used in past

[tlen]

Originally Posted by Fathead

Does unique 6.1 grains sound about right for a mid 800fps load
seems like this was what i used in past

It depends upon the bullet weight and whether you're shooting a jacketed or lead bullet.

[MSgt Dotson]

That will be at least a warm 230 gr bullet load, for sure.

[Icepick15]

I don't have access to my books right now (at work), but if memory serves me, at one time 6.5 gr of Unique under a 230 FMJ was considered as an equivalent to factory/military hardball. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[RandyClose45]

Originally Posted by Fathead

Does unique 6.1 grains sound about right for a mid 800fps load
seems like this was what i used in past

They have receipes on there web site. http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/default.aspx
Keep reloading. we're the future underground.

[fltbed]

It’s been a long time since I loaded Unique but IIRC using a 230 gr. LRN, 6.0 gr. Would give right around 850 f.p.s. in most full size 1911’s. (That’s the only 45 acp load I’ve ever chronoed using Unique)

Jeff

[goetztrp]

I think 5.8 grains of unique with a 230 gr. LRN is the load that matches the ball round.

[Fathead]

thanks guys and yes it was for 230 gr fmj or jhp

[641]

With Unique and 230 gr FMJ's I prefer hotter loads like the one you describe. I have tried low power loads with the combo and they don't work very well. Same goes for Red Dot. The only low power loads I like with this combo are were with Bullseye.

Question?- anyone out there ever load Blue Dot with the 230 gr FMJ and get an accurate load? If so, what was it.

[Lazarus63]

I’ve been using 6.0 grains of Unique for many 1000’s of .45acp loads (all bullet weights) and I’ve had terrific and consistent results… cast, plated & jacketed all seem to push between 800-850fps.

[Hovbuild]

I use unique for my pin loads. 255 swc with 5.3 is the sweet spot for this bullet. 875 out of 5" 1911. Remember to get a decent oal the bullet of this type will be set back in the case farther than a 230-200 hence the lighter load.

[glennm]

Several yrs ago, in the American Rifleman, they noted that 6.5gr of Unique used with the Hornady 230g fmjfp was recommended.

[Geezer59]

Originally Posted by 641

Question?- anyone out there ever load Blue Dot with the 230 gr FMJ and get an accurate load? If so, what was it.

The only time I used Blue Dot for .45acp ammo was with a 250 gr. SWC (normally a 45 Long Colt bullet) for an experimental bowling pin load. Don't remember exactly how much powder (it was quite a lot), but even with a 22 lb. recoil spring & shock-buffer it tended to batter more than I liked. Plus, the recoil was heavy enough that follow-up shot recovery times were slower than with more normal loads. Accuracy was fine for the 25 ft. distance to the table. Since I was getting adequate pin action with less extreme loads, the experiment was abandoned.

My experience with Blue Dot would indicate that it's only useful for more exotic/specialty loads and is not recommended for normal practice and practical shooting competition. Just my $.02 worth, your mileage may vary.

[JerryM]

Considering that there are reloading manuals, and free ones to boot, it is much safer to check several manuals than to ask. Of course a chronograph helps.
After examining the manuals it is good to ask about accuracy or whatever.

Considering the low cost of a chronograph I think every reloader should have one. Then with the info in the reloading manuals plus the chronograph he can develop the loads that suit his needs.
It is fun too.

Of course some of us have extra screens, and you might guess why.

Regards,
Jerry

[Randyc74]

I just loaded up some 230 gr. hard cast lead RN over 5.5 Gr. of Unique. I'm looking for a soft shooting practice load in my Glock 30SF with enough zip for good functioning. This is my first try with this load.

Randy

[MSgt Dotson]

Originally Posted by Randyc74

I just loaded up some 230 gr. hard cast lead RN over 5.5 Gr. of Unique. I'm looking for a soft shooting practice load in my Glock 30SF with enough zip for good functioning. This is my first try with this load.

Just so you aware, lead bullets and Glock's polygonal bbls are not always a good mix...;check for leading often, for your own safety.

[Hatman1793]

I have never loaded Aliant's very nice powder, Unique in 45acp cases because there is so many better powders out there. Aliant makes a ton of very good powder, I know, because I use them. But not Unique in 45acp. Currently, I am using Aliant's very nice bulk powder, PROMO. It is just like RedDot. With a 200 grain cast lead SWC, 4.0 to 4.2 is the classic target load.
Why use a slower powder when a much faster one with a much lower charge rate will do....

[MSgt Dotson]

Unique is a very versatile powder....and a very fair choice for making full velocity loads, IMO, especially with heavier bullet weights....

We made several thousand .45 acp FMJ rounds with 5.5 gr of Unique prior to switching to 231, only for the fraction of a cent saved per powder throw.

Something almost magical about '5.5 gr of Unique'....it works well for:

a good light load for .38 Super,
a 10mm plinking load,
.40S&W service load,
and 9mm 'factory-like' 115 gr FMJ loads...

[judgecrater]

Just returned from the range. G21sf fired 200gr plated SWC 6.7 gr Unique at 850fps, 7.5gr came out at 990fps. Lyman show that 7.5 gr as a max load.

[supervel]

Pg.438 230 gr.FMJ 6.9 grs. Unique 851 fps THIS IS A MISPRINT IN THE MANUAL Pg.435 230 gr. Lead RN 5.8 grs. Unique 849 fps This the Number #11 manual printed in 1987. Be carefull 6.0 grs. of Unique should be close to 850. The manual load is probably a 1000fps and about to spike in pressure as Unigue powder can due suddenly.

[moxie]

6.5 Unique under a 230 gr. bullet of any type is getting rather warm. Be careful, despite what American Rifleman might say.

[medalguy]

I've loaded and shot many thousands of rounds of .45 with 230 gr RN with 6.0 gr of Unique for many years and I've found it to be pretty equal to military loads, and vey accurate in all of my 1911 models. I get right at 800 fps with that load.

[bullet45acp]

May I suggest going here...

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...35&bulletid=65

JAG

[mbopp]

Just how many threads on Unique do we have going here?

[BYJO4]

I use 5.7 gr of Unique with 230 gr FMJ. Very good accuracy.