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Old February 16, 2013, 10:39 AM   #1
Ricky Bobby
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Most versatile pistol powder

Like the title says ... Which one is it?
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Old February 16, 2013, 10:46 AM   #2
black mamba
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W231/HP-38 or Accurate #5.

Powder puff target loads to 80% of the fastest max loads in any caliber.
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Old February 16, 2013, 10:47 AM   #3
schmellba99
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For me it's Universal Clays - because it works in every single pistol and in both shotgun gauges I load for. 1 powder, multiple platforms.
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Old February 16, 2013, 10:52 AM   #4
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Unique. It's been a standard for pistol loading for many, many decades.
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Old February 16, 2013, 11:11 AM   #5
AL45
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Only been reloading for a couple of years, but I would have to agree with Unique and Universal.
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Old February 16, 2013, 11:49 AM   #6
Mike Irwin
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For sheer versatility, and even though I am not fond of it at all, it is very hard to beat Unique.
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Old February 16, 2013, 12:20 PM   #7
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Yep, Unique is "unique". I have been able to use it in all my handgun ammo (9mm through .44 Magnum) and a few rifle rounds too ( it's a hoot to shoot some 45 grain lead bullets in my .223 loaded with Unique).
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Old February 16, 2013, 01:46 PM   #8
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In Alliant's line up.....I'll pick Power Pistol over Unique any day. Just as versatile and meters much better.
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Old February 16, 2013, 04:11 PM   #9
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I think it would have to be Unique. (even though I prefer Universal)
You can't hardly wipe your back side without finding load data for Unique on the nearest paper.
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Old February 16, 2013, 04:16 PM   #10
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Old February 16, 2013, 04:17 PM   #11
bbqncigars
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Unique, hands down. It got its name from the fact that it can be used in danged near any cartridge. It may not be the best load, but it will work. If you were limited to only one powder to reload with, this would be the one to go with.
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Old February 16, 2013, 04:19 PM   #12
gwhunran
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unique for my 9mm Makarov and 45acp
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Old February 16, 2013, 04:28 PM   #13
rebs
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I am a bit surprised no one mentioned Bullseye. why not ?
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Old February 16, 2013, 04:28 PM   #14
jmortimer
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Unique
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Old February 16, 2013, 04:43 PM   #15
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I'll pile on Unique ; )
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Old February 16, 2013, 04:44 PM   #16
Peter M. Eick
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Unique.

It truly lives up to its name and has so for what a hundred years or so?
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Old February 16, 2013, 05:21 PM   #17
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Unique = Universal = Unique = Universal = Unique = Universal (ad infinitum)
(except Universal is spherical and meters like water)
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Old February 16, 2013, 05:29 PM   #18
willr
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My preferences are: W231, AA#5 and Bullseye. Have had nothing but trouble with Unique -- it doesn't meter at all well in my equipment -- a couple of squib loads is enough to cure me.

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Old February 16, 2013, 05:41 PM   #19
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Another Unique fan here. Just all around works great
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Old February 16, 2013, 06:40 PM   #20
ATPBULLETS
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Hard for me to say.....love W-231....
but unique is ,,, unique.... just a tough to meter well....
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Old February 16, 2013, 07:10 PM   #21
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Quote:
You can't hardly wipe your back side without finding load data for Unique on the nearest paper.
This is....awesome. Factual -AND- it imparts some of my love for Unique!

Quote:
Unique = Universal = Unique = Universal = Unique = Universal (ad infinitum)
(except Universal is spherical and meters like water)
Ummmm...kinda -- except a couple problems with your post.

Universal is intended to compete with Unique, as a more modern version. But let's not give anyone the idea that it's a direct swap, and the load data is not interchangeable. Universal can be used anywhere that Unique is used, but you should be using published load data for Universal.

And it's not a spherical powder.
It does meter beautifully! That's why I like it -- and hate Unique.
But it's a small flake powder. Also oddly colored, and often leaves unburnt flakes that turn an even more oddball color.

But it's not a ball powder.
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Old February 16, 2013, 07:21 PM   #22
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Unique or Universal are arguably the most versatile but I tend to use 231 for the loads I shoot the most. For the other end of the spectrum I like 296 or 2400 but for stuff in between Universal is hard to beat.
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Old February 16, 2013, 10:48 PM   #23
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Yep Unique for me too. Love the stuff.
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Old February 16, 2013, 11:47 PM   #24
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Unique.
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Old February 16, 2013, 11:57 PM   #25
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I like Universal; I really do. But Unique is more useful at the top end.

Universal might be in the running with Bullseye for 2nd place.
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