New Unique v Old Unique

[claimsassassin]

Just bought 4lbs of Unique for pistol. I was given 1lb from a guy that no longer reloads. The 1lb is old as hell (pic below). The old canister was still sealed when I got it.

My question is this, can I use the same loading data for both??

 

[bohem]

Re: New Unique v Old Unique

Old Unique is faster than new Unique. My dad has some from about 1980 and my jug that was made in Sept. 2008 are different loads.

Max load in 9mm with a 90gr bullet was 7.2gr for the new stuff (that was all I could get into the case, even with compression).

His load is 6.7gr and it all fits in the case, compressed, but his is showing pressure signs.

 

[claimsassassin]

Re: New Unique v Old Unique

I loaded up some Hornady XTP 124g JHP to 4.7g with the old Unique. Too light??

 

[bohem]

Re: New Unique v Old Unique


Loads should be lighter with old unique than new unique. I don't know the loads offhand, but if it's within the "allowable range" in a manual, and you're not right on the upper end you'll be fine.

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: New Unique v Old Unique

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Old Unique is faster than new Unique. </div></div>
YES! The older stuff will need to be reduced some from current load data. I loaded up some 38 specials in my old revolver with a middle of the road data, and it was hot stuff. Powder was from the 70's I think. Still have some of it, too!

 

[bohem]

Re: New Unique v Old Unique

I tried to get my dad to part with 1lb of the 3.5 or so that he has left from his 1980ish tub. He gets 1700 fps from 90 xtp's in his completely stock G17. The best my powder gets to is about 1600 with the most powder I can fit in the case.

He won't budge.

 

[former naval person]

Re: New Unique v Old Unique

If you want to use it all with one workup, just mix the whole bunch together and work up one load. Stability of the stuff within lots is excellent. Alliant has a sample of many pounds from the early days of the last century. They store it under water. Every few years they take out a bit, dry it out to specifications and fire for test. Same results every time.

 

[claimsassassin]

Re: New Unique v Old Unique

Per the Hornady manual, 4.7 is middle of the road on Unique for a 124g JHP. I only loaded 50 so that I wouldnt have to pull a shit load of projectiles.

 

[bohem]

Re: New Unique v Old Unique

Fire away, and enjoy...

 

[oneswithfunes]

Re: New Unique v Old Unique

Good stuff but it is dirty.