148 hwbc/unique

[mtrude]

Hello can anyone suggest a starting powder weight for a load consisting of a 148 gr.  .358 HWBC and Unique powder? I can find info for a BBWC but not the HWBC. Thanks MTrude

[mtrude]

Ooops,that should be hbwc (hollow base wadcutter), sorry Mtrude

[Flint]

My references show about 4.0 gr Unique for 900 fps.

[John Traveler]

Paper punching target shooters swear by the old standard load of 3.0-3.5 grains Bullseye and the 148 grain HBWC slug.

I've shot many tens of thousands of rounds of the 145-148 rain BBWC andHBWC using that load.

Red Dot and Greet Dot are also good in smaller charges.

WW 231 is another favorite.

I don't like Unique in the smaller charges because it doesn't meter as well from a powder measure. It is great in standard velocity .38/.357 Magnum, .44, and .45 loads.

[Flint]

I agree with John, I now use either Bullseye or Titegroup, which is cleaner.  Actually, I use the bullet in converted Open-top Colt Navy 36's, and need the hollow base to open the bullet into the 375 bore.  3.2 of Bullseye, 231 or Titegroup will do it.  Slower powders don't expand the hollow base as well.

[haroldclark]

I totally agree with John the Travelor.  

I personally, have loaded a bunch of 38 Specials with all sorts of bullets and mostly lead swaged or cast.  I nearly always experienced more leading with Unique in all light loads.

I shoot 3.1 of WW231 behind HBWC or BBWC in my Smith Model 52 auto and in my revolvers.  The accuracy is great.

I have used a bunch of Bullseye too.  It's a toss up between BE and 231, but I usually lean toward 231.  I'm going to have to lean to the BE soon and do something with that 8 pound unopened cannister.

2.7 grains of BE used to be an old time favorite.

Harold

[Blackhawk44]

So far, everyone is pretty much dead on.  If you absolutely have to use Unique, stay with about 3.5gr.  When you go much above that, you gain velocity too quickly and obviously pressure.  Remember, pressure builds very quickly since the HBWC shape, and being seated flush, decreases  case capacity very quickly compared to a PB with a crimp groove.  At almost anything above target levels (650-750fps) the pressure will begin to deform the base as it leaves the barrel causing accuracy to deteriorate.  This can go to the point of splitting the wall of the base or even tearing out a piece causing the danger of a secondary projectile.  In either case, accuracy is history.  Quicker powders at target speed are best with hollow bases.

[mtrude]

Thanks for the replies. I guess Ill save the Unique for solid base bullets. I have been using 2.2 gr.of reddot behind a 148 gr HBWC for a low end plinking load, and was hoping to do the same with the Unique. I never realized until after reading the posts and looking at my Sierra manual how much difference the hollow base made. Thanks , Have fun,Mtrude