Unique powder experience?

[halfpipe88]

I'm having trouble finding the recipe for reloading 9mm with unique powder. I've got 124 grain lead bullets. How many grains of powder to keep it around 950 fps? Thanks for your help.

[CP]

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/powderlist.aspx?type=1&powderid=3&cartridge=23

I doubt if you can get down to 950 fps with Unique.  It needs a good amount of pressure to burn consistently.

[6x6in6]

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/powderlist.aspx?type=1&powderid=3&cartridge=23

I doubt if you can get down to 950 fps with Unique.  It needs a good amount of pressure to burn consistently.

I agree!

There looks to be a couple in the "not yet verified....." category but nothing the 950fps range.   Be careful, of course......
http://www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage_handgun.asp?CaliberID=6

[halfpipe88]

What would be the slowest speed you think I could get it to and be consistent?  How much powder?  I reloaded a couple rounds at 5 gr. and it looked like the powder was just about to the point that it was a compressed load.  I shot them and there was a significant difference in the kick, but according to the Alliant reloading webpage 5 gr. was nowhere near the max.

[CP]

I'd try 4.0 grains - fire one shot.  Make sure that the bullet cleared the barrel - check for unburned powder.  Adjust as required.

Steve's pages has lots of loads - all unverified - use with caution. 

http://stevespages.com/355p_4_124.html

[6x6in6]

What would be the slowest speed you think I could get it to and be consistent?  How much powder?  I reloaded a couple rounds at 5 gr. and it looked like the powder was just about to the point that it was a compressed load.  I shot them and there was a significant difference in the kick, but according to the Alliant reloading webpage 5 gr. was nowhere near the max.

It all depends on the characteristics of the Unique.  Burn rates, pressures, load density's, compressed loads, bullet composition (and probably more that I'm not thinking off the top of my head) are factored into how a powder performs.

Throwing powder charges that are significantly lighter then the manufacturer suggest can be just as precarious as working up loads over the max recommended charge.

Are you married to Unique somewhat due to supply on hand or is going down a different powder road an option?

Apples and oranges - I do load up "plinker" loads for my 44 mag which are about 1.0 (memory check) under the minimum Blue Dot recommendation.  They are fine with not much variation in accuracy with other load recipes. 

[halfpipe88]

What would be the slowest speed you think I could get it to and be consistent?  How much powder?  I reloaded a couple rounds at 5 gr. and it looked like the powder was just about to the point that it was a compressed load.  I shot them and there was a significant difference in the kick, but according to the Alliant reloading webpage 5 gr. was nowhere near the max.

It all depends on the characteristics of the Unique.  Burn rates, pressures, load density's, compressed loads, bullet composition (and probably more that I'm not thinking off the top of my head) are factored into how a powder performs.

Throwing powder charges that are significantly lighter then the manufacturer suggest can be just as precarious as working up loads over the max recommended charge.

Are you married to Unique somewhat due to supply on hand or is going down a different powder road an option?

Apples and oranges - I do load up "plinker" loads for my 44 mag which are about 1.0 (memory check) under the minimum Blue Dot recommendation.  They are fine with not much variation in accuracy with other load recipes.

I've got some HS-6, which I haven't had any trouble with, some Red dot, and blue dot also.  I bought the Unique over the weekend (mainly because I found it and I read that it was one of the most versatile powders for shotgun and pistol).  That's why I'm trying to see what works. 

[Wazukie]

This is from Lyman 49th addition book. Firearm used was a 4" barrel and universal receiver.
Sierra JHP 125 grain.  Unique 4.5 grains 997 fps

[halfpipe88]

Thanks. I've got some playing to do which is all part of the experience!