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Old March 21, 2005, 01:59 PM   #1
tjhands
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Powder measure for Unique powder?

I've been using a Lee Perfect Powder Measure which does great for W231, but the Unique, being a large flake, doesn't get quite as accurate. What do you all use for Unique?
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Old March 21, 2005, 02:06 PM   #2
Peter M. Eick
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I use a uniflow measure with a small micrometer. It works very well with unique for the 380 auto. One of my favorite little caliber. 4grns of unique.
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Old March 21, 2005, 03:01 PM   #3
Dave R
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I use the same setup. And for the same caliber.
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Old March 21, 2005, 03:09 PM   #4
Mike Irwin
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I don't use Unique for that reason.

However, you can always just tap on the measure with a wooden dowel to settle the powder.
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Old March 21, 2005, 04:18 PM   #5
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I use the Uniflow because it will meter any pistol powder I use. I have never used 800X and don't plan to start, but I have thrown many charges of Blue Dot, which is a pretty good test for any powder measure. After twenty years of use, it still throws exact charges. That was a pretty good $60 investment.
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Old March 21, 2005, 05:45 PM   #6
donkee
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The LEE PPM with Unique is a total exercise in frustration. I switched to an Auto Disc PM and haven't had any issues with Unique. I only use the PPM for rifle calibers now, the ADPM is for all the pistol calibers I load using Unique and X-700..........
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Old March 21, 2005, 06:21 PM   #7
7x57
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I use an RCBS Uniflow powder measure and it throws Unique very consistently.
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Old March 21, 2005, 07:47 PM   #8
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My RCBS Uniflow with a baffle throws accurate charges even with the large flake powders.
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Old March 21, 2005, 08:08 PM   #9
tjhands
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Well, thanks fellas. Looks like if I'm gonna keep on using Unique, I'd best get a Uniflow.
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Old March 21, 2005, 08:23 PM   #10
HSMITH
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My Redding 3BR throws Unique quite well, and is more consistent with this and most other tough-to-meter powders than my Uniflow was.
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Old March 21, 2005, 08:35 PM   #11
Sturm
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If I spent any more money than the cost of the Uniflow, it would definitely be the REDDING 3BR, but, HSMITH can you put your finger on any specific reason for the improvement, other than the baffle?
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Old March 21, 2005, 10:30 PM   #12
drinks
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Powder measure

I do not use unique, no one here carries it, but I do use universal and have no problems with a Lee PPM with it and so far, unique and universal loads are interchangeable.
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Old March 22, 2005, 09:17 AM   #13
HSMITH
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Sturm, it just seems to be more closely machined and tightly fitted. The edges are very sharp on the drum, and I assume it is cutting the powder in the way easily since the effort to cycle it is low and operation very smooth. Between the baffle and smoothness of operation it just drops consistent charges, even with stick powders. The micrometer adjustments are nice, and very repeatable.

I've had just about all the powder measures out there under $300 and this Redding is by far the nicest one of the lot.
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Old March 22, 2005, 10:39 AM   #14
Steve in PA
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Another vote for the RCBS and Unique. I use Unique in my .45acp loads, works just fine (in the gun and powder dispenser)
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Old March 22, 2005, 10:57 AM   #15
Oldphart
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Powder measure for Unique powder?

I also use the PPM... and I use Unique. I don't have any problem throwing accurate, repeatable loads either. Of course I've used that combination for a long time and the PPM is well broken-in too. Still, I don't remember ever having the troubles everyone else seems to have. Maybe I'm just lucky.
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Old March 22, 2005, 01:20 PM   #16
Sturm
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Thanks, HSMITH. I have thought for a long time, that I would like to get the mic stem for the Uniflow and haven't done it yet. Maybe it's time.
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Old March 23, 2005, 09:57 AM   #17
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I use alot of uniqe in .44 mag and .357 mag, its also good in .45 acp and 9mm. I have a dillon 550B and the measure throws very accurate chrges with Unique. On my balance they are almost always exactly on the mark when it does vary its less than 1/10 of a grain.
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Old March 25, 2005, 01:31 PM   #18
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Unique Charge

So what is 'your' favorite Unique load with 230 jacketed ball?
230 RN cast?
Thanks.
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Old March 25, 2005, 07:31 PM   #19
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Another vote for the RCBS

I was very active in IPSC competetion for several years and loaded many thousand .45 ACP with Unique using an RCBS Uniflow.

I later got a Dillon 550B and their measure also throws Unique uniformly.

As to loads - -
6.2 of Unique with either the 230 RNL or FMJ. I notice the Alliant load book shows 6.0 as their top load with the FMJ. Other manuals go up to 6.5, but that's unnecessarily vigorous.

I'm a big fan of Unique, but I switched to W231 a few years back when I couldn't get Unique locally. The 231 worked so well, I changed over for my .45 ACP loading. It meters well and is slightly more economical. I use 5.4 gr with 230 LRN and 5.6 for 230 FMJ.

These are not the hottest loads possible, but they closely approximate factory hardball, and I see no reason to stress my guns with anything stouter.

Best,
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Old March 25, 2005, 07:47 PM   #20
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TJ,
Just curious but why the desire to use Unique instead of another powder if you have problems with it in your PM? A good load? I got away from using Unique and now use only sperical or ball powders partly because they meter so well. I use Redding Competition 10X Pistol PM for smaller charges (3-15 gr's) and Redding Competition BR30 PM for large pistol/small rifle charges (16-30 gr's). Use a custom Neil Jones PM for large rifle charges (above 30 gr's).

Suggestion: For ANY powder measure, find and install a baffle in the powder hopper for more uniform charges (if it doesn't already have one)!

Good shooting and be safe.
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Old March 25, 2005, 09:01 PM   #21
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I use a Uniflow and added a baffle and a micrometer. Both are must have accessories. I have found it to be most accurate with the ball type powders such as AA#2 and 231. I do find some resistance when operating the handle occasionally, not every charge you throw, when using the flake powders such as Blue Dot and Unique. I don't think it is as accurate with the flake powder as it is with the ball powder, but it is plenty accurate enough. The groups on the targets don't seem to know the difference, and I guess that is what matters. I do like Unique for .45 ACP. It just perfoms well for me. I load 5.7 grains with the 230 grain FMJ or JHP. I load 5.5 grains with a 200 grain SWC. I must admit though, I have wanted to try one of the Reddings. Just curious I guess. But, I have to say the Uniflow does everything I ask of it and I am very happy with it.
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Old April 30, 2005, 01:38 AM   #22
OfcrBill
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Unique

"I use an RCBS Uniflow powder measure and it throws Unique very consistently." I agree. Bill
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Old April 30, 2005, 02:20 AM   #23
caz223
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I like unique with the .45 ACP. It's as good a powder in that caliber as I have tried.
When I started, I used those Lee dippers.
Then I got a RCBS uniflow.
When I started progressive, the powder measure on my 550 was as good/better than the uniflow.
Never had a problem with unique/blue dot/herco metering, or with any powder I've tried.
No, I have never used 800x.
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Old April 30, 2005, 06:57 AM   #24
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Good "Unique" powder measure

...after 35 years of reloading, There is no such thing.
I have a Pacific/Hornady postol powder measure; Lee Disk powder measure; RCBS Uni-Flo powder measure and, a Lyman 55 powder measure.

According to Hornady, there is an 11% safety factor [INDUSTRY STANDARD] built into the publisshed suggested loads. I weigh every charge. In the Disk measure I have to settle for 7.8 grains instead of 8.0 grains. I can't see any difference.
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