Unique does not meter consistently

[Racer X]

I have a RCBS Uniflow powder measure. I would like to load my 45 Colts with Unique, but it does not throw consistent charge weights of Unique. They usually vary by 1 to 2 tenths of a grain. It throws W231, AA#5, AA#9, 2400 and H110 just very consistently.

[jgalar]

Unique doesn't meter well through any powder measure, but your groups won't be able to tell the difference. Take an average and don't load max charges when using a measure.

[R.W.Dale]

 Yep been there done that, Unique just isn't really meant to be metered.  But I agree with Jgular .2 of a grain in a case the size of 45 colt isn't something I'd lose sleep over.

[bigjeepman]

I load a lot of .45 lc with Unique too. No it doesn't meter well but I will continue to use it as it meters close enough for my range ammo. My favorite load is 8.5 gr of Unique so it is safe if it meters a little high or a little low.

[Glanceblamm]

I also load alot and have beat this problem with Unique but am using the Lyman #55 measure.
This is a three slide measure and I keep the large bottom chamber closed off completely. the top two slides are used to create a long, shallow trough that will let the powder meter very well. There is enough area here to easily meter max charges if desired.
If your RCBS has these fine slides, I would highly recommend trying it. I also use that trip hammer... once on the upswing, and once on the downswing.

[Larry Gibson]

I also load alot and have beat this problem with Unique but am using the Lyman #55 measure.
This is a three slide measure and I keep the large bottom chamber closed off completely. the top two slides are used to create a long, shallow trough that will let the powder meter very well. There is enough area here to easily meter max charges if desired.
If your RCBS has these fine slides, I would highly recommend trying it. I also use that trip hammer... once on the upswing, and once on the downswing.

I've also been using the Lyman 55s for years with complete satisfaction. Use the same technique; "I also use that trip hammer... once on the upswing, and once on the downswing." Although sometimes I use two upswings to settle some powders for a more consistant load.  The 55s are much more accurate, even with Unique, than the RCBS, Hornady and a couple other similar type powder throwers I've tried.

Larry Gibson

[DWTim]

I've yet to find any measure that is consistent within 1/10th grain with any powder.

I also have a Uniflow, and it gives an average 3/10th-grain spread on Unique, AA #7/#9, 2400, Trail Boss... you name it! I have a baffle in mine, and it does help, but only if I do other things. I get the best uniformity with Unique when I fill just above the baffle so that there is a consistent weight of it over top of the cylinder. I've tried knocking the charge handle and other stuff, but no technique is as effective as making the weight on top of the cylinder consistent.

Even so, I generally individually-weight charges, and keep my trickler handy to even 'em out.

[jpsmith1]

Have used the Uniflow measure for several years with no complaints.  I rarely load to maximum with Unique.  It REALLY don't like stick powders, but Unique is OK.  Try 4064 if you want a real fun powder to meter.  Your other option is to switch to a ball type powder that will meter better.  I've never had problems with powders like 2400, H110, w296.  These are magnum powders, though so you may want to give w231 a whirl.

[Greybeard]

Yep been there done that, Unique just isn't really meant to be metered.  But I agree with Jgular .2 of a grain in a case the size of 45 colt isn't something I'd lose sleep over.

I beg to differ. Unique was first a shotshell powder and ALL shotshells are loading by measuring the powder charge. I've never experienced any problems with it not metering thru my RCBS Uniflow for handgun loads either. I'm not really a heavy user of Unique but I'd guess I've gone thru at least 40 pounds or more of it with no metering problems.

[DWTim]

I guess it's a problem depending on the load. I personally wouldn't worry too much about even a half-grain variance in a shotshell, but 3/10ths makes a difference in my 38s, especially if I'm loading jacketed bullets at standard pressures.

[Lloyd Smale]

I use a pile of it and never had a problem. If your looking for exactness it doesnt do that but it will meter within a .10 of a grain in my dillon measures and that small variation doesnt effect accuracy. If you are looking for the same burning rate and a little better metering try power pistol or universal clays. I use them both but they will never replace unique with me.

[Luckyducker]

I have loaded Unique in 41Mag and 357Mag with an RCBS Uniflow thrower with very good consistancy.  I found the key to this is to remove the green screw in drop tubes and throw directly out of the base of the charger. I put a powder funnel under the case and throw into the funnel.  Its a little tricky as first but with a little practice it works nicely.   I have also heard that Universal Clays is extremely similar to Unigue and burns a lot cleaner, but haven't tried it yet.  The next time I need a replacement of Unique I will buy the Universal Clays and see for myself.

[R.W.Dale]

Yep been there done that, Unique just isn't really meant to be metered.  But I agree with Jgular .2 of a grain in a case the size of 45 colt isn't something I'd lose sleep over.

I beg to differ. Unique was first a shotshell powder and ALL shotshells are loading by measuring the powder charge. I've never experienced any problems with it not metering thru my RCBS Uniflow for handgun loads either. I'm not really a heavy user of Unique but I'd guess I've gone thru at least 40 pounds or more of it with no metering problems.

 The issue really doesn't arise when loading 6 grains or more for cartriges like .44 mag, But when the charge gets much below that the going gets kinda tough as is the case wihen loading for my .32 H&R. When I try to go below 3 grains of unique the Uniflow usually will lock up. Not really a big issue for me I'm still pretty happy with any measure that'll meter fairly accurately from 4 grains of Unique to 90 grains of IMR5010

[Racer X]

I have loaded Unique in 41Mag and 357Mag with an RCBS Uniflow thrower with very good consistancy.  I found the key to this is to remove the green screw in drop tubes and throw directly out of the base of the charger. I put a powder funnel under the case and throw into the funnel.  Its a little tricky as first but with a little practice it works nicely.   I have also heard that Universal Clays is extremely similar to Unigue and burns a lot cleaner, but haven't tried it yet.  The next time I need a replacement of Unique I will buy the Universal Clays and see for myself.

Isn't Universal Clays a different powder than Universal? Maybe I will try that next if I can't find the load I like with W231 or AA#5.

[Guncrazy]

Being new to reloading, and having bought Unique as my first powder, I have to say that I'm relieved that it's not just me who's having trouble throwing consistent loads with the RCBS Uniflow.  My charges are coming out +/- 1 to 2 tenths of a grain with disappointing regularity, so I, too, am forced to use a trickler.

If anyone can suggest a powder for .45ACP that measures better and burns cleaner, I'd love to hear about it.

[Lloyd Smale]

I wouldnt even worry about .1 of a grain or even .2 but if you are try power pistol it burns the same and meters well as does univeral clays.

Being new to reloading, and having bought Unique as my first powder, I have to say that I'm relieved that it's not just me who's having trouble throwing consistent loads with the RCBS Uniflow.  My charges are coming out +/- 1 to 2 tenths of a grain with disappointing regularity, so I, too, am forced to use a trickler.

If anyone can suggest a powder for .45ACP that measures better and burns cleaner, I'd love to hear about it.

[Wingman26]

I have a RCBS Uniflow powder measure. I would like to load my 45 Colts with Unique, but it does not throw consistent charge weights of Unique. They usually vary by 1 to 2 tenths of a grain. It throws W231, AA#5, AA#9, 2400 and H110 just very consistently.

Are you using the pistol (small) metering assembly?  The only time I've had trouble metering pistol charges is if I'm trying to use the large metering assembly meant for rifle loads.  I have a Redding powder measure that's very similar in design to the RCBS and it meters very well as long as you have the right metering assembly in it, large or small. 

I do 98% of my loading now using a Dillon 550, and the Dillon powder measure meters Unique extremely consistently, as it does most powders.

[Racer X]

I have a RCBS Uniflow powder measure. I would like to load my 45 Colts with Unique, but it does not throw consistent charge weights of Unique. They usually vary by 1 to 2 tenths of a grain. It throws W231, AA#5, AA#9, 2400 and H110 just very consistently.

Are you using the pistol (small) metering assembly?  The only time I've had trouble metering pistol charges is if I'm trying to use the large metering assembly meant for rifle loads.  I have a Redding powder measure that's very similar in design to the RCBS and it meters very well as long as you have the right metering assembly in it, large or small.  I do 98% of my loading now using a Dillon 550, and the Dillon powder measure meters Unique extremely consistently, as it does most powders.

It came with 2 powder drop tubes (1 large and 1 small). Mine did not come with more than one metering assembly.

[De41mag]

Basil;

I've tried about three pounds of Unique and I've got a Hornady powder measure.
I've had nothing but trouble in the stuff metering. In shooting 44mag loads with 9 to 10 grains of Unique every third throw would only cover the bottom of the case, about a grain or two. It would bridge over. I gave up on the powder, although it is a great and accurate powder.
A friend of mine said try Hodgen Universal and man... what a difference. I had a half of pound of Unique left and gave it to a friend.
Universal is all I use now and the charge weight is almost equal to Unique.

Dennis 

[stimpylu32]

guncrazy

Try giving Bullseye or Greendot a chance in the 45 auto , both will work better that Unique for what your doing .

stimpy