Bullseye Vs Unique?

billtheshrink · April 2, 2011, 06:50 AM

I have always used Bullseye for it versatility but and considering Unique, I load 45 LC , 45 acp, 40, and 38 spl. What are yoru thoughts on ONE powder for all these calibers? Pros and cons? Thank you

PawPaw · April 2, 2011, 07:03 AM

I keep both on my bench, although I suppose you could find loads that work.

The problem with your caliber list is that you've got both high-pressure and low-pressure listed. .38 special and .45 ACP are low pressure. .40SW is high pressure. I can't talk about .45LC because I have no experience with it, but it was originally a black-powder cartridge, so I'm guessing it's a low-pressure load. However, some guys load it up above what a .44 magnum will do.

That said, there is no more versatile powder than Unique. You can use Unique in rifle, pistol and shotshell loads. Get a copy of the Lyman Cast Bullet handbook and try to count how many times a Unique load is listed.

4runnerman · April 2, 2011, 08:01 AM

Unique is my go to powder for the 45 ACP. The only other one i use is titgroup.

Miata Mike · April 2, 2011, 11:35 AM

I currently use Unique for both .45acp and .40 S&W. The .40 S&W is quite snappy in my Ruger P944, even at 6.0 grains of Unique and 185 grain Hornady XTP bullets.

Quote:

The only other one i use is titgroup.

Gotta gets me some of that "Titgroup" powder.

zippy13 · April 2, 2011, 11:58 AM

I use Bullseye and Unique, also. Being slower burning than Bullseye, Unique will often deliver higher velocities (at max loadings); but, requires a heavier charge for similar velocities. Bullseye's my choice for economical mid-range loads in .38 SPL and .45 ACP. For larger cases, like .44 Mag and .45 LC, I'm happier with Unique.

I've got Tite-Group on my gonna-try list, too; but, it always seems to be sold out at my LGS.

overkill0084 · April 2, 2011, 12:03 PM

I use Bullseye a lot for .380acp, 9mm, .38 spec, .45acp. Within it's limits it's great. But you will want something slower if you want to go hotter safely.
I have used Unique. My powder measure didn't really like it much. If you can get it to meter consistantly, it's a good powder. I switched to AA#5 (from Unique) for everything but 9mm, for that I like HS-6 for warm to hot loads.

That'll Do · April 2, 2011, 12:04 PM

Either powder will work for all the cartridges listed, but why limit yourself?

I've used Unique for 40 S&W (amongst other powders), and Bullseye for 38 Special and 45 ACP.

Bottom line, they'll work well for everything you listed.

mikld · April 2, 2011, 12:32 PM

If you want to use only one powder, go with Unique. I didn't care too much for it in my 38 Spec., but it is workable...

totaldla · April 2, 2011, 03:11 PM

I wouldn't use Unique or Bullseye. If you really like Alliant, use Power Pistol as it is a much better all-around powder.

Hodgdon Universal is also a better powder. Shee'sh, there are lots of better powders.

Luke223 · April 2, 2011, 04:39 PM

I have to go with the Hodgdon Universal too. I used to use Titegroup only for .357, .38 and .40 but now I use Universal for .357, .38, .40, 9mm, .45 ACP and .45 Colt...

nogo · April 2, 2011, 10:31 PM

Being a many decades reloader, I use Unique and Bullseye because I have a lot of it on hand and know this product well. To anyone else I suggest trying one of the many good ball powders, which all meter very nicely.

joneb · April 2, 2011, 11:42 PM

I have accepted the fact that I would not be a happy reloader with any less than three pistol powders.

farmerboy · April 2, 2011, 11:53 PM

I use both but use alot more Unique, its so universial and performs great whats not to like about it?

Shootest · April 3, 2011, 07:07 AM

Bullseye burns a little cleaner for me, not much but a little. Both are good powders. I like Power Pistol too.

Walkalong · April 3, 2011, 07:29 AM

If I had to choose one (and I could only have one powder) I would choose Unique, but everyone needs at least one fast, one medium, and one slow pistol powder, at least. If you want to stick with Alliant, then Bullseye, Unique, and 2400 could do most anything well to very well. I would hate to have to make do with just three powders though.

Quote:

I have accepted the fact that I would not be a happy reloader with any less than three pistol powders.

Exactly.

grubbylabs · April 3, 2011, 10:12 AM

I have been using Unique in my 45 auto and see no need to try any thing else. It does what I need it to do. And it meeters fine for me. Infact I am bummed out because I am out of it at the moment and need to use up a pound of blue dot. But blue dot also does what I need it to do, I just want to have one load worked up is the only down side.

50gi-jess · April 3, 2011, 09:17 PM

Luke,
What's your favorite loads using Universal for 38 spl. and 45 Colt ? Also how does Universal compare to Power Pistol ?
Thanks

jmortimer · April 3, 2011, 10:45 PM

I only use Unique for .45 Colt and .38/.357 and 12 guage and .380 acp. Makes my life simple.

Luke223 · April 4, 2011, 12:45 AM

All the load data I use comes directly from the Hodgdon web site. I have not used Power Pistol but have used Longshot for +P .38 Spl loads and H110 for hot .45 Colt loads (Ruger Only).

Anaconda · April 5, 2011, 03:58 AM

I have used both for .357 & 44mag. Unique is just a dirty powder too shoot. When I get home I always have wash my hands before touching anything and my revolver is very dirty. This is just from my plinking loads.

Bullseye is really clean, has a more sharper thump than Unique. On my 44mag, I'm at 8.5gn for my son and 6.5gn for my loads. Even my wife likes to shoot my 44mag using a 6.5gn load. I'll never change from Bullseye on my plinking loads.

For maximum loads, there's a better powder choice, 300MP, Bluedot, 2400, or H110.

Kenny<---

April 2, 2011, 06:50 AM	#1
billtheshrink Member Join Date: May 9, 2005 Posts: 67	Bullseye Vs Unique? I have always used Bullseye for it versatility but and considering Unique, I load 45 LC , 45 acp, 40, and 38 spl. What are yoru thoughts on ONE powder for all these calibers? Pros and cons? Thank you

April 2, 2011, 07:03 AM	#2
PawPaw Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2010 Location: Central Louisiana Posts: 3,137	I keep both on my bench, although I suppose you could find loads that work. The problem with your caliber list is that you've got both high-pressure and low-pressure listed. .38 special and .45 ACP are low pressure. .40SW is high pressure. I can't talk about .45LC because I have no experience with it, but it was originally a black-powder cartridge, so I'm guessing it's a low-pressure load. However, some guys load it up above what a .44 magnum will do. That said, there is no more versatile powder than Unique. You can use Unique in rifle, pistol and shotshell loads. Get a copy of the Lyman Cast Bullet handbook and try to count how many times a Unique load is listed. __________________ Dennis Dezendorf http://pawpawshouse.blogspot.com

April 2, 2011, 08:01 AM	#3
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Unique is my go to powder for the 45 ACP. The only other one i use is titgroup. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

April 2, 2011, 12:03 PM	#6
overkill0084 Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2010 Location: Northern, UT Posts: 1,162	I use Bullseye a lot for .380acp, 9mm, .38 spec, .45acp. Within it's limits it's great. But you will want something slower if you want to go hotter safely. I have used Unique. My powder measure didn't really like it much. If you can get it to meter consistantly, it's a good powder. I switched to AA#5 (from Unique) for everything but 9mm, for that I like HS-6 for warm to hot loads. __________________ Cheers, Greg “At the core of liberalism is the spoiled child – miserable, as all spoiled children are, unsatisfied, demanding, ill-disciplined, despotic and useless. Liberalism is a philosophy of sniveling brats.” — P.J. O’Rourke Last edited by overkill0084; April 2, 2011 at 12:14 PM.

April 2, 2011, 12:32 PM	#8
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	If you want to use only one powder, go with Unique. I didn't care too much for it in my 38 Spec., but it is workable... __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

April 2, 2011, 11:58 AM	#5
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	I use Bullseye and Unique, also. Being slower burning than Bullseye, Unique will often deliver higher velocities (at max loadings); but, requires a heavier charge for similar velocities. Bullseye's my choice for economical mid-range loads in .38 SPL and .45 ACP. For larger cases, like .44 Mag and .45 LC, I'm happier with Unique. I've got Tite-Group on my gonna-try list, too; but, it always seems to be sold out at my LGS.

April 2, 2011, 12:04 PM	#7
That'll Do Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 546	Either powder will work for all the cartridges listed, but why limit yourself? I've used Unique for 40 S&W (amongst other powders), and Bullseye for 38 Special and 45 ACP. Bottom line, they'll work well for everything you listed.

April 2, 2011, 03:11 PM	#9
totaldla Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2009 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 1,296	I wouldn't use Unique or Bullseye. If you really like Alliant, use Power Pistol as it is a much better all-around powder. Hodgdon Universal is also a better powder. Shee'sh, there are lots of better powders. __________________ Lee Auto Bench Prime Castor Oil Case Lube

April 2, 2011, 04:39 PM	#10
Luke223 Member Join Date: June 12, 2000 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 20	I have to go with the Hodgdon Universal too. I used to use Titegroup only for .357, .38 and .40 but now I use Universal for .357, .38, .40, 9mm, .45 ACP and .45 Colt... __________________ Luke

April 2, 2011, 10:31 PM	#11
nogo Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2009 Location: central texas Posts: 215	Being a many decades reloader, I use Unique and Bullseye because I have a lot of it on hand and know this product well. To anyone else I suggest trying one of the many good ball powders, which all meter very nicely.

April 2, 2011, 11:42 PM	#12
joneb Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2005 Location: Central , OR Posts: 1,888	I have accepted the fact that I would not be a happy reloader with any less than three pistol powders.

April 2, 2011, 11:53 PM	#13
farmerboy Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,343	I use both but use alot more Unique, its so universial and performs great whats not to like about it?

April 3, 2011, 07:07 AM	#14
Shootest Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2011 Location: Just outside Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 722	Bullseye burns a little cleaner for me, not much but a little. Both are good powders. I like Power Pistol too. __________________ The private ownership of firearms is an American Heritage. Anyone who disputes that is Anti-American and unpatriotic. NRA Life Member

April 3, 2011, 10:12 AM	#16
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	I have been using Unique in my 45 auto and see no need to try any thing else. It does what I need it to do. And it meeters fine for me. Infact I am bummed out because I am out of it at the moment and need to use up a pound of blue dot. But blue dot also does what I need it to do, I just want to have one load worked up is the only down side. __________________ * (Swinging club) Whack! whack! whack! * Nope, the old nag's still dead . (Capt Charlie)

April 3, 2011, 09:17 PM	#17
50gi-jess Junior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Posts: 3	Luke, What's your favorite loads using Universal for 38 spl. and 45 Colt ? Also how does Universal compare to Power Pistol ? Thanks

April 3, 2011, 10:45 PM	#18
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	I only use Unique for .45 Colt and .38/.357 and 12 guage and .380 acp. Makes my life simple.

April 4, 2011, 12:45 AM	#19
Luke223 Member Join Date: June 12, 2000 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 20	All the load data I use comes directly from the Hodgdon web site. I have not used Power Pistol but have used Longshot for +P .38 Spl loads and H110 for hot .45 Colt loads (Ruger Only). __________________ Luke

April 5, 2011, 03:58 AM	#20
Anaconda Member Join Date: November 24, 2010 Location: Phoenix, Az Posts: 18	I have used both for .357 & 44mag. Unique is just a dirty powder too shoot. When I get home I always have wash my hands before touching anything and my revolver is very dirty. This is just from my plinking loads. Bullseye is really clean, has a more sharper thump than Unique. On my 44mag, I'm at 8.5gn for my son and 6.5gn for my loads. Even my wife likes to shoot my 44mag using a 6.5gn load. I'll never change from Bullseye on my plinking loads. For maximum loads, there's a better powder choice, 300MP, Bluedot, 2400, or H110. Kenny<--- Last edited by Anaconda; April 5, 2011 at 06:07 AM.