Unique, Universal, or Titegroup

ClemBert · February 23, 2010, 11:47 PM

If you had to pick one of the three powders listed for use in loading handgun cartridges which one would it be? Is there a specific reason such as cost, how well it meters, or its versatility?

earlthegoat2 · February 23, 2010, 11:53 PM

unique/universal

essentially the same applications

38, 9mm, 40, 45 acp & colt is what i use it for

ballardw · February 24, 2010, 12:04 AM

Unique

I've got a few pounds of it and don't see a need to replace at this time.

zxcvbob · February 24, 2010, 12:14 AM

I picked Unique -- but Bullseye is almost as versatile, is cheaper, and it meters better. (if you don't care about the "meters better" part, buy the Unique)

reloader28 · February 24, 2010, 12:38 AM

I'm a Unique'r.
Although I just bought 8 pounds of Bullseye for the majority of my pistols, I still use Unique in some cast rifle loads and some pistol loads. Fairly versatile and I like it.

FrankenMauser · February 24, 2010, 01:11 AM

Wow. I usually get shut down, upon the mention of preferring Unique over Titegroup. I like this poll.

I prefer Unique, due to it's larger charge volumes. Even if it is the same charge weight as Titegroup, it is a larger charge volume. It may not be the easiest thing to meter, but I still like it.

The newer formulation (Alliant, as opposed to the older Hercules) is quite clean, as well. Couple the cleanliness with a better 'feeling' detonation, and it's my favorite pistol powder. Data is easy to find, as well.

I still use Blue Dot, HP-38/W231, and several others; but, Unique is my go-to.

Scorch · February 24, 2010, 02:24 AM

I like Unique. I load all my pistol midrange loads with Unique.

zippy13 · February 24, 2010, 03:13 AM

I use a lot of Bullseye, and Unique comes in second.

bamaranger · February 24, 2010, 03:14 AM

.357-6.5 grs & 158 or 160 gr JSWC, JSP, JHP or plated LSWC
10mm-8 grs & 180 JHP
.44 mag- 8.5 grs, 250 LSWC

rbernie · February 24, 2010, 08:32 AM

Unique.

It will never set any speed records, and some folk don't like its greasy soot. But in return I get consistent performance across a wide variety of chamberings, all in one powder. It's bulky enough to fill cases well, and (unlike some of the faster powders) it has proven relatively insensitive to minor variations in charge weight while still giving decent performance.

GeauxTide · February 24, 2010, 08:36 AM

Can load it in all my pistols: 357, 41m, 44m, 45acp, 45LC. Most velocity and accuracy with the least charge weight of any powder I've used.

Blue Grass · February 24, 2010, 11:35 AM

I picked Unique (AKA Flaming Dirt) since you didn't list AA#5.

zxcvbob · February 24, 2010, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Unique.
It will never set any speed records

It does if you're loading .380

Don P · February 24, 2010, 12:45 PM

Titegroup, meters extremely well, low charge weights which to me means more rounds loadable per pound of powder.
Burns much cleaner than Unique and as we all know Unique does NOT meter well with any sort of consistency.
I load 38spl,357mag,9mm,40s&w, and 45acp with Titegroup

mnhntr · February 24, 2010, 02:33 PM

Tightgroup for my calibers(38/357, 45acp, 44mag) but it would depend on what I was loading.

**Unclenick** · February 24, 2010, 04:27 PM

Universal. Universal does about anything Unique does. It has similar bulk and produces similar muzzle velocities. It meters dramatically better and burns cleaner.

Tightgroup is not really in the same class as Unique and Universal, and would be more fairly compared with Bullseye among the Alliant powders.

That'll Do · February 24, 2010, 04:35 PM

Given the option, I prefer to use Universal, since it is cleaner burning that Unique in my experience. But accuracy comes first, and even though Universal and Unique are very similar, there are some applications where Unique is more accurate (in my case, certain 44 Special loads).

wxl · February 24, 2010, 04:40 PM

Universal, cleaner than Unique, also use for shotshells

crimsondave · February 24, 2010, 04:40 PM

Bullseye my #1 by far. Unique 2nd.

whitedogone · February 24, 2010, 06:13 PM

Universal, cleaner than Unique, also use for shotshells

+1

Unique is some filthy dirty crap.

howlnmad · February 24, 2010, 06:29 PM

It works well in four handgun calibers I load, never had a metering problem, it burns clean and I can use it in my pump guns.

jmortimer · February 24, 2010, 07:21 PM

I believe I will always use Unique. Good performance in mid to upper mid-range power loads. Very versatile, not position sensitive, good velocity for pressure. You can never go wrong with Unique. Other powders may be "cleaner" but it is not "dirty" in its present formulation.

oneounceload · February 24, 2010, 07:31 PM

Used to use Unique - found it to be dirtier than Universal Clays. Switched to Universal when the Unique ran out, use it for pistols, 20 and 28 gauge. Both are basically interchangeable for the loads I make

jfrey · February 24, 2010, 07:32 PM

I use Unique and nothing else for pistol loading. If I'm not mistaken isn't Unique a great shotgun powder also?

Ed_ · February 24, 2010, 07:36 PM

Titegroup, only because it meters well. I use both unique and titegroup. Never tried universal

View Poll Results: If you had to pick one of these powder which would you select?
Unique	51	50.50%
Universal (Universal Clays)	26	25.74%
Titegroup	24	23.76%
Voters: 101. You may not vote on this poll

February 23, 2010, 11:53 PM	#2
earlthegoat2 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2009 Location: Lowcountry Posts: 373	unique/universal essentially the same applications 38, 9mm, 40, 45 acp & colt is what i use it for __________________ I say take off the warning labels and let them sort themselves out.

February 24, 2010, 12:14 AM	#4
zxcvbob Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Location: S.E. Minnesota Posts: 4,720	I picked Unique -- but Bullseye is almost as versatile, is cheaper, and it meters better. (if you don't care about the "meters better" part, buy the Unique) __________________ "Everything they do is so dramatic and flamboyant. It just makes me want to set myself on fire!" —Lucille Bluth Last edited by zxcvbob; February 24, 2010 at 12:59 AM.

February 24, 2010, 01:11 AM	#6
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Wow. I usually get shut down, upon the mention of preferring Unique over Titegroup. I like this poll. I prefer Unique, due to it's larger charge volumes. Even if it is the same charge weight as Titegroup, it is a larger charge volume. It may not be the easiest thing to meter, but I still like it. The newer formulation (Alliant, as opposed to the older Hercules) is quite clean, as well. Couple the cleanliness with a better 'feeling' detonation, and it's my favorite pistol powder. Data is easy to find, as well. I still use Blue Dot, HP-38/W231, and several others; but, Unique is my go-to. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

February 24, 2010, 02:24 AM	#7
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	I like Unique. I load all my pistol midrange loads with Unique. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

February 23, 2010, 11:47 PM	#1
ClemBert Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2009 Location: Orlando Posts: 936	Unique, Universal, or Titegroup If you had to pick one of the three powders listed for use in loading handgun cartridges which one would it be? Is there a specific reason such as cost, how well it meters, or its versatility?

February 24, 2010, 12:04 AM	#3
ballardw Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 1,411	Unique I've got a few pounds of it and don't see a need to replace at this time.

February 24, 2010, 12:38 AM	#5
reloader28 Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2009 Location: nw wyoming Posts: 1,061	I'm a Unique'r. Although I just bought 8 pounds of Bullseye for the majority of my pistols, I still use Unique in some cast rifle loads and some pistol loads. Fairly versatile and I like it.

February 24, 2010, 03:13 AM	#8
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	I use a lot of Bullseye, and Unique comes in second.

February 24, 2010, 03:14 AM	#9
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	unique .357-6.5 grs & 158 or 160 gr JSWC, JSP, JHP or plated LSWC 10mm-8 grs & 180 JHP .44 mag- 8.5 grs, 250 LSWC

February 24, 2010, 08:32 AM	#10
rbernie Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2004 Location: Plain Ol', TX Posts: 713	Unique. It will never set any speed records, and some folk don't like its greasy soot. But in return I get consistent performance across a wide variety of chamberings, all in one powder. It's bulky enough to fill cases well, and (unlike some of the faster powders) it has proven relatively insensitive to minor variations in charge weight while still giving decent performance. __________________ -A conclusion is not a destination, it's simply a convenient place to stop thinking.- -Reading a thing doesn't automatically make it so; repeating it doesn't necessarily make it any truer.- -Every Texan should be a member of the Texas State Rifle Association.

February 24, 2010, 08:36 AM	#11
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	Unique Can load it in all my pistols: 357, 41m, 44m, 45acp, 45LC. Most velocity and accuracy with the least charge weight of any powder I've used.

February 24, 2010, 11:35 AM	#12
Blue Grass Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Posts: 398	I picked Unique (AKA Flaming Dirt) since you didn't list AA#5.

February 24, 2010, 12:45 PM	#14
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,187	Titegroup, meters extremely well, low charge weights which to me means more rounds loadable per pound of powder. Burns much cleaner than Unique and as we all know Unique does NOT meter well with any sort of consistency. I load 38spl,357mag,9mm,40s&w, and 45acp with Titegroup __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*

February 24, 2010, 02:33 PM	#15
mnhntr Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2008 Posts: 972	Tightgroup for my calibers(38/357, 45acp, 44mag) but it would depend on what I was loading.

February 24, 2010, 04:27 PM	#16
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Universal. Universal does about anything Unique does. It has similar bulk and produces similar muzzle velocities. It meters dramatically better and burns cleaner. Tightgroup is not really in the same class as Unique and Universal, and would be more fairly compared with Bullseye among the Alliant powders. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

February 24, 2010, 04:35 PM	#17
That'll Do Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 546	Given the option, I prefer to use Universal, since it is cleaner burning that Unique in my experience. But accuracy comes first, and even though Universal and Unique are very similar, there are some applications where Unique is more accurate (in my case, certain 44 Special loads).

February 24, 2010, 04:40 PM	#18
wxl Member Join Date: November 8, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 81	Universal, cleaner than Unique, also use for shotshells

February 24, 2010, 04:40 PM	#19
crimsondave Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2009 Location: North Augusta, SC Posts: 490	Bullseye my #1 by far. Unique 2nd.

February 24, 2010, 06:13 PM	#20
whitedogone Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2010 Posts: 100	Universal, cleaner than Unique, also use for shotshells +1 Unique is some filthy dirty crap. __________________ http://www.illinoiscarry.com/betteroffdead-ILcc.swf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nurM0...ayer_embedded#

February 24, 2010, 06:29 PM	#21
howlnmad Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2009 Location: Harriman Tn Posts: 424	Universal It works well in four handgun calibers I load, never had a metering problem, it burns clean and I can use it in my pump guns.

February 24, 2010, 07:21 PM	#22
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	I believe I will always use Unique. Good performance in mid to upper mid-range power loads. Very versatile, not position sensitive, good velocity for pressure. You can never go wrong with Unique. Other powders may be "cleaner" but it is not "dirty" in its present formulation. Last edited by jmortimer; February 24, 2010 at 07:26 PM.

February 24, 2010, 07:31 PM	#23
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	Used to use Unique - found it to be dirtier than Universal Clays. Switched to Universal when the Unique ran out, use it for pistols, 20 and 28 gauge. Both are basically interchangeable for the loads I make

February 24, 2010, 07:32 PM	#24
jfrey Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Location: Coastal South Texas Posts: 557	I use Unique and nothing else for pistol loading. If I'm not mistaken isn't Unique a great shotgun powder also?

February 24, 2010, 07:36 PM	#25
Ed_ Member Join Date: January 27, 2009 Location: Southwest Missouri Posts: 96	Titegroup, only because it meters well. I use both unique and titegroup. Never tried universal