Unique or WIN231 Powder

ShootingNut · December 17, 2007, 12:20 PM

never used either one. Some have recommended both, for loading .45 ACP lead bullets. Any comments, good or bad regarding these powders? One less
"smoky" than the other? Burn rate approximately similiar?
Or, maybe you prefer and would suggest, a different powder?
Appreciate any comments and help, just starting to set up for loading the
.45's. I now stock and load other calibers with Titegroup and Acc#5, which may be suitable but not the best choice?
Regards,
SN

Jim Watson · December 17, 2007, 12:55 PM

Titegroup is not too different from 231, just a little faster; and AA #5 was introduced as their answer to Unique. I don't see the need to multiply your inventory of pistol powders.

DMZX · December 17, 2007, 12:56 PM

I use both in my all my handgun cartridges. (.38/.357, 9mm, .44/.44 Mag, 45LC)

I like both for mid-range loadings.

Unique is definitely smokier and dirtier than 231. Unique has a funny smell to it.

My preferences depend on how each have performed in my guns with different bullets.

I would buy a lb of both and work up some loads to try out. You will probably end up stocking both powders on your shelf.

ShootingNut · December 17, 2007, 02:29 PM

Thanks guys, I get a pretty decent cloud of smoke out of both of my current powders. My MP40 can smoke a fair amount, but my 686 revolver even gets the right hand sooty, blastin' the .357's.:barf:
Now this is indoors at our club range, ventilation is so-so and moves the cloud slowly downstream. Lead only restriction on bullets indoors.

jhansman · December 17, 2007, 02:52 PM

Never shot Unique, but use both W231 and Titegroup in my .45CP. Right now, TG is winning that contest in my gun.

ShootingNut · December 17, 2007, 03:25 PM

Thanks, I think I will start with the powder I currently stock (Titegroup), and see what I think.

Jim Watson · December 17, 2007, 03:31 PM

With lead bullets, most of the smoke is smoldering bullet lube and changing powder will not make a lot of difference.

rwilson452 · December 17, 2007, 03:42 PM

I don't know about the rest of those powders but in my 45 using 231 I found a tighter crimp cleaned it up significantly.

KeithB78 · December 17, 2007, 04:38 PM

I like W231, Unique is very dirty, i have heard it called "dirt in the can"

i need to try Titegroup when i find some

Sport45 · December 17, 2007, 08:19 PM

Unique has "cleaned up their act". In my handguns it doesn't seem to shoot any dirtier than Titegroup or Trail Boss.

YMMV if you've got a can or keg which was filled more than 5 or so years ago.

**Shane Tuttle** · December 17, 2007, 09:14 PM

My choice right now is W231, only it's HP38 in my house right now (same stuff). The felt recoil is softer to me than TiteGroup. Not by much, but is noticeable.

Both burn clean to me, but TiteGroup may have a slight edge.
HP38, IIRC, fills the case just a bit better...
BOTH powders I find to be satifactory...

I would also recommend HS6. This is a great powder for me. Clean, easy to meter, manageable recoil on the upper tier of charges...

Unregistered · December 17, 2007, 09:29 PM

I can't get more than 750 fps with W231 and a 230g FMJ.

It is not a good powder for mil-spec 45 ACP loads.

Edward429451 · December 17, 2007, 09:31 PM

I use both Unique and WW-231 a lot. They are both great powders for several calibers. The Unique is dirtier but worth it because it shoots so well. I would've had to clean the gun anyway, right?

Black_Talon · December 20, 2007, 10:00 PM

Quote:

I can't get more than 750 fps with W231 and a 230g FMJ.

It is not a good powder for mil-spec 45 ACP loads.

??

I've been loading 5.6gr of WW231 with a 230FMJ @ 1.260" for over 30 years now. Velocity runs around 820fps out of any 5" 1911 I've ever used it in. Burns nice and clean, certainly isn't too hot. This is my standard load.

joneb · December 20, 2007, 10:45 PM

I use W-231 and AA#5 for .45acp, if I were you I would get a slower powder for the .357 mag I like Blue Dot and AA#9 for jacketed bullets.

Charles S · December 20, 2007, 10:50 PM

Quote:

I can't get more than 750 fps with W231 and a 230g FMJ.

It is not a good powder for mil-spec 45 ACP loads.

I have never had that problem.

For mass production 231 has been my go to powder in the 45 for years.

For hot loads I prefer Accurate Arms.

jamaica · December 20, 2007, 10:58 PM

Unique has worked fine for me in the 45.

KW-Bane · December 21, 2007, 12:36 AM

W231 is a great powder. Fairly clean, versatile and consistant!

I use it my .45 acp's, .45 colt's & .357/.38's.

Smokey Joe · December 21, 2007, 01:20 AM

Shooting Nut--I'd have to echo KWBane's comment. I use W 231 for both .357 mag and .45 ACP, for TARGET loads, and get very satisfactory results with both calibers.

The .357 is my competitive bullseye gun.

Now, for hunting loads for the .357, I use 2400, but that's for a much hotter load with a much heavier bullet.

And as an above poster said, you get bullet lube smoke with any powder, shooting lead bullets. You might get powder smoke too, with some, but there is some smoke with any powder with Pb bullets.

animal · December 21, 2007, 01:34 AM

I use Unique in several pistol calibers as well as in shotshells. Works well but the pistols get dirtier than normal. Some bullet lubes seemed to compound the dirtiness. One liquid that I think Lyman made was really nasty.... Came in a white bottle with orange label.

Scorch · December 21, 2007, 02:03 AM

I have used Unique for 30 years now in my 45, 357, and 44 with lead and jacketed bullets. It is very accurate, so I have never found a reason to change. Most of the smoke and smudge comes from the bullet lube, si it doesn't really matter which powder you use, it will still be all smoky and dirty.

December 17, 2007, 12:20 PM	#1
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Unique or WIN231 Powder never used either one. Some have recommended both, for loading .45 ACP lead bullets. Any comments, good or bad regarding these powders? One less "smoky" than the other? Burn rate approximately similiar? Or, maybe you prefer and would suggest, a different powder? Appreciate any comments and help, just starting to set up for loading the .45's. I now stock and load other calibers with Titegroup and Acc#5, which may be suitable but not the best choice? Regards, SN

December 17, 2007, 08:19 PM	#10
Sport45 Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 1999 Location: Too close to Houston Posts: 4,196	Unique has "cleaned up their act". In my handguns it doesn't seem to shoot any dirtier than Titegroup or Trail Boss. YMMV if you've got a can or keg which was filled more than 5 or so years ago. __________________ Proud member of the NRA and Texas State Rifle Association. Registered and active voter.

December 17, 2007, 09:14 PM	#11
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	My choice right now is W231, only it's HP38 in my house right now (same stuff). The felt recoil is softer to me than TiteGroup. Not by much, but is noticeable. Both burn clean to me, but TiteGroup may have a slight edge. HP38, IIRC, fills the case just a bit better... BOTH powders I find to be satifactory... I would also recommend HS6. This is a great powder for me. Clean, easy to meter, manageable recoil on the upper tier of charges... __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

December 21, 2007, 12:36 AM	#18
KW-Bane Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2006 Location: Mississippi Posts: 109	W231 is a great powder. Fairly clean, versatile and consistant! I use it my .45 acp's, .45 colt's & .357/.38's. __________________ http://www.kwsquad.com/kwsite2/ "Everyone knows there is right and wrong, but integrity proves a man"

December 21, 2007, 01:20 AM	#19
Smokey Joe Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2001 Location: State of Confusion Posts: 2,106	W 231... Shooting Nut--I'd have to echo KWBane's comment. I use W 231 for both .357 mag and .45 ACP, for TARGET loads, and get very satisfactory results with both calibers. The .357 is my competitive bullseye gun. Now, for hunting loads for the .357, I use 2400, but that's for a much hotter load with a much heavier bullet. And as an above poster said, you get bullet lube smoke with any powder, shooting lead bullets. You might get powder smoke too, with some, but there is some smoke with any powder with Pb bullets. __________________ God Bless America --Smokey Joe

December 17, 2007, 12:55 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	Titegroup is not too different from 231, just a little faster; and AA #5 was introduced as their answer to Unique. I don't see the need to multiply your inventory of pistol powders.

December 17, 2007, 12:56 PM	#3
DMZX Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2007 Location: E. Oregon Posts: 563	I use both in my all my handgun cartridges. (.38/.357, 9mm, .44/.44 Mag, 45LC) I like both for mid-range loadings. Unique is definitely smokier and dirtier than 231. Unique has a funny smell to it. My preferences depend on how each have performed in my guns with different bullets. I would buy a lb of both and work up some loads to try out. You will probably end up stocking both powders on your shelf.

December 17, 2007, 02:29 PM	#4
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Thanks guys, I get a pretty decent cloud of smoke out of both of my current powders. My MP40 can smoke a fair amount, but my 686 revolver even gets the right hand sooty, blastin' the .357's.:barf: Now this is indoors at our club range, ventilation is so-so and moves the cloud slowly downstream. Lead only restriction on bullets indoors.

December 17, 2007, 02:52 PM	#5
jhansman Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2007 Posts: 680	Never shot Unique, but use both W231 and Titegroup in my .45CP. Right now, TG is winning that contest in my gun.

December 17, 2007, 03:25 PM	#6
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Thanks, I think I will start with the powder I currently stock (Titegroup), and see what I think.

December 17, 2007, 03:31 PM	#7
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	With lead bullets, most of the smoke is smoldering bullet lube and changing powder will not make a lot of difference.

December 17, 2007, 03:42 PM	#8
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	I don't know about the rest of those powders but in my 45 using 231 I found a tighter crimp cleaned it up significantly.

December 17, 2007, 04:38 PM	#9
KeithB78 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Posts: 156	I like W231, Unique is very dirty, i have heard it called "dirt in the can" i need to try Titegroup when i find some

December 17, 2007, 09:29 PM	#12
Unregistered Junior member Join Date: May 9, 2005 Posts: 1,802	I can't get more than 750 fps with W231 and a 230g FMJ. It is not a good powder for mil-spec 45 ACP loads.

December 17, 2007, 09:31 PM	#13
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	I use both Unique and WW-231 a lot. They are both great powders for several calibers. The Unique is dirtier but worth it because it shoots so well. I would've had to clean the gun anyway, right?

December 20, 2007, 10:45 PM	#15
joneb Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2005 Location: Central , OR Posts: 1,888	I use W-231 and AA#5 for .45acp, if I were you I would get a slower powder for the .357 mag I like Blue Dot and AA#9 for jacketed bullets.

December 20, 2007, 10:58 PM	#17
jamaica Senior Member Join Date: March 24, 2006 Location: Northern Utah Posts: 705	Unique has worked fine for me in the 45.

December 21, 2007, 01:34 AM	#20
animal Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2000 Location: Mississippi Posts: 705	I use Unique in several pistol calibers as well as in shotshells. Works well but the pistols get dirtier than normal. Some bullet lubes seemed to compound the dirtiness. One liquid that I think Lyman made was really nasty.... Came in a white bottle with orange label. __________________ Keep smiling ... it'll just make 'em wonder what you're up to...

December 21, 2007, 02:03 AM	#21
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	I have used Unique for 30 years now in my 45, 357, and 44 with lead and jacketed bullets. It is very accurate, so I have never found a reason to change. Most of the smoke and smudge comes from the bullet lube, si it doesn't really matter which powder you use, it will still be all smoky and dirty. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services