480 Ruger and Unique

[verzilli]

Hi folks.  Anyone have any experience with a 400 gr lead Lee bullet and lighter loads with Unique?  I have Lil Gun and H110, but I also have a ton of Unique just sitting there.


I have seen loads for a 325 gr bullet with 10 grs of Unique, but nothing for the 400 gr bullet (which is all I have).  Thoughts would be appreciated.

[Graybeard]

Never used it and don't recall ever seeing any book loads for it. If you can't find a pressure tested load for it I'd not do it. Check with Hornady for data. If they don't have it for their 400 grain I doubt it's a worthwhile combo.

[drdougrx]

Nope, me neither...only used H110 in the 480.

[Graybeard]

I used only two powders really W296/H110 and 2400. By far the most appropriate was the W296/H110 twins.

[verzilli]

Just for refernece, the Alliant web page lists 13 gr of Unique with a 325 gr bullet.  But they do not have a load for the 400 gr.  I can only assume (as was stated earlier by someone), that Unique becomes inefficient with the 400 gr bullet. 

[Graybeard]

The proper word might be unsafe but I'm not sure. I think it's way faster burning than appropriate with the heavier bullet. If you're looking for reduced velocity loads try 2400 it's about as forgiving as any pistol powder for reduced loads and you should be able to find tested data for it.

[verzilli]

Thanks.  will do.