Author Topic: 223 LOADS USING UNIQUE? (Read 1001 times)

bud720 · « **on:** April 20, 2005, 10:17:16 AM »

I have about 10lbs of Unique powder from I used to load a lot for shotgun. I realize it is mainly a shotgun and pistol powder but I was just wandering if anyone has loads using it to load 223 just for plinking ammo? I will be shooting them through an AR15. Thanks :grin:

SAWgunner · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2005, 10:31:28 AM »

No, No and furthermore, no. Unless you can find the powder in a reloading manual for that cartridge, or have a stout pressure gun...leave the experimenting to the pros. Alliant donsen't even list Unique as a viable option for the .223 or 5.56X45mm. I still have a pound of Unique that will sit there indefinitely (or until I become interested in shotshell reloading) because it leaves a bunch of crud in my Super Blackhawk. It is a dirty powder and should be relegated to smoothbore use only (in my opinion). Go get some reloader 15 or IMR 4064 and count your losses.

SAwgunner

Tad Houston · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2005, 10:43:20 AM »

There are loads listed for 223 with unique for cast bullets in the lyman cast bullet handbook. Dont think you want to shoot cast bullets in your AR15 though, probably clog the gas port.

SAWgunner · « **Reply #3 on:** April 20, 2005, 10:49:10 AM »

Quote from: Tad Houston

There are loads listed for 223 with unique for cast bullets in the lyman cast bullet handbook. Dont think you want to shoot cast bullets in your AR15 though, probably clog the gas port.

Lyman does, huh? I guess that would make sense for lead bullets, but you are right, I would use it in an AR.

Paul5388 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 21, 2005, 05:36:42 PM »

Unique is commonly used in reduced loads for many calibers. It probably won't function the action of an AR 15, so I don't know how much good that would do you in shooting up 8 lbs.

tcman · « **Reply #5 on:** April 21, 2005, 06:02:09 PM »

Sell the powder & get something you can use.........

willysjeep134 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 21, 2005, 11:07:15 PM »

Unique has supposedly been cleaned up a bit some time around 2001. I have made some reduced jacketed bullet loads in my 30-30 with Unique. No experience with .223.

One of the best resources I have for questions like this is the compiled caliber specific reloading manuals offered by Loadbook USA. They compile all of the data they can get and publish it in a $5.00 book. I don't own the one for the .223, but if you got one it would tell you if there is a Unique load. Also, it would tell you the speer, hornady, lyman, IMR, Sierra, Winchester, and a few other sets of data for that cartridge. If you ever want to look up loads for any components you might have on hand like oddball bullets, or even extra powder you want to burn up, the Loadbook can be a big help.