Unique and the RCBS Uniflow

Peter M. Eick · February 22, 2000, 10:40 PM

I just opened up a new pound of Unique and have had the dickens of a time throwing 4.0 grn charges out of my RCBS Uniflow. This was not a problem on my last pound, so I do not think it is technique or poor equipment.

What I get are charges running like this:
4.0,4.0,4.1,4.0,3.4,3.9,3.7,4.0,4.0,4.0,4.0,3.4,3.7,3.4,4.0,4.0 etc.

Its like the powder is sticky???

This is new powder, March 99 manufacture (I believe) but it is the older labeling. It smells fine, pours fine, so I do not have a clue? I am kind of leaning toward just using it up and switching to Universal clays or something else.

Anyone else having recent Unique dispensing problem?

**Bud Helms** · February 22, 2000, 10:55 PM

Peter,

I used an RCBS Uniflow for Unique and noticed that a full powder column within the reservoir helped with consistent charges due to the light weight of the powder. This seemed to keep just the right pressure on the powder so that it flowed better.

A baffle at the bottom of the reservoir column keeps the pressure directly off the exiting charge gate opening. I made one out of sheet aluminum and positionedit by hand. I also used the return action of the dump handle as a "knocker" which helped the powder stay settled for the next charge.

[This message has been edited by sensop (edited February 22, 2000).]

TEXAS LAWMAN · February 22, 2000, 11:33 PM

Peter, is it possible you are not being absolutely consistent with every throw of powder. I've never had any problem with UNIQUE in my RCBS measure. I am very careful to throw the handle down the same each time and I ramp the handle smartly on the upstroke. Never used baffles but may try one sometime. Good luck!

Peter M. Eick · February 23, 2000, 08:26 PM

Thanks for the comments. I am using the RCBS powder baffle, but I usually run the powder only about 1" up from the base of the plastic. My attitude has always been never to have more powder then necessary on the bench at one time. I will certainly try more in the hopper next time.

On the consistency question, I am having to cut grains on the dispense stroke, so I am losing my rhythem on each stroke. I will document more carefully, maybe this is what is causing my problems.

WESHOOT2 · February 23, 2000, 09:08 PM

Universal Clays meters much smoother and more consistently than Unique, burns cleaner, and has about the EXACT same properties as the old standby.

Might be a 'smidge' slower.

------------------
"All my ammo is factory ammo"

Ala Dan · February 24, 2000, 03:13 AM

Greetings Poster's, Another remedy or helpful
hint; before charging the powder mearure
hopper, reach down inside and twist a fabric
softner sheet around a couple of times. That
seems to work just fine for me.

Regards,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

February 22, 2000, 10:40 PM	#1
Peter M. Eick Senior Member Join Date: August 3, 1999 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 2,991	I just opened up a new pound of Unique and have had the dickens of a time throwing 4.0 grn charges out of my RCBS Uniflow. This was not a problem on my last pound, so I do not think it is technique or poor equipment. What I get are charges running like this: 4.0,4.0,4.1,4.0,3.4,3.9,3.7,4.0,4.0,4.0,4.0,3.4,3.7,3.4,4.0,4.0 etc. Its like the powder is sticky??? This is new powder, March 99 manufacture (I believe) but it is the older labeling. It smells fine, pours fine, so I do not have a clue? I am kind of leaning toward just using it up and switching to Universal clays or something else. Anyone else having recent Unique dispensing problem?

February 22, 2000, 10:55 PM	#2
Bud Helms Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 1999 Location: Middle Georgia, USA Posts: 13,198	Peter, I used an RCBS Uniflow for Unique and noticed that a full powder column within the reservoir helped with consistent charges due to the light weight of the powder. This seemed to keep just the right pressure on the powder so that it flowed better. A baffle at the bottom of the reservoir column keeps the pressure directly off the exiting charge gate opening. I made one out of sheet aluminum and positionedit by hand. I also used the return action of the dump handle as a "knocker" which helped the powder stay settled for the next charge. [This message has been edited by sensop (edited February 22, 2000).]

February 22, 2000, 11:33 PM	#3
TEXAS LAWMAN Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 1999 Posts: 304	Peter, is it possible you are not being absolutely consistent with every throw of powder. I've never had any problem with UNIQUE in my RCBS measure. I am very careful to throw the handle down the same each time and I ramp the handle smartly on the upstroke. Never used baffles but may try one sometime. Good luck!

February 23, 2000, 08:26 PM	#4
Peter M. Eick Senior Member Join Date: August 3, 1999 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 2,991	Thanks for the comments. I am using the RCBS powder baffle, but I usually run the powder only about 1" up from the base of the plastic. My attitude has always been never to have more powder then necessary on the bench at one time. I will certainly try more in the hopper next time. On the consistency question, I am having to cut grains on the dispense stroke, so I am losing my rhythem on each stroke. I will document more carefully, maybe this is what is causing my problems.

February 23, 2000, 09:08 PM	#5
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	Universal Clays meters much smoother and more consistently than Unique, burns cleaner, and has about the EXACT same properties as the old standby. Might be a 'smidge' slower. ------------------ "All my ammo is factory ammo"

February 24, 2000, 03:13 AM	#6
Ala Dan Member in memoriam Join Date: August 13, 1999 Location: In The HOT, Humid, and Mu Posts: 6,116	Greetings Poster's, Another remedy or helpful hint; before charging the powder mearure hopper, reach down inside and twist a fabric softner sheet around a couple of times. That seems to work just fine for me. Regards, Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member