357 Unique load data vs Universal...

[Geofois]

I have 1 lb of unique and saw it's burn rate was close to universal and I think it's density is really close also and was wondering why the load data for unique was so different than universal. Probably a dumb question. I see 9.6gr of unique for 357 125gr 1343 fps. 7.6gr of Universal 125gr 1453 fps. The hodgdon website gives a range but the Alliant manual just has one load. I can't tell if that is a max or min load.

[divingin]

From the Alliant website, opening page of the reloaders guide (the disclaimer that no-one ever reads):

"REDUCE RIFLE AND HANDGUN CHARGE WEIGHTS BY 10% TO ESTABLISH A STARTING LOAD.

DO NOT EXCEED THE LOADS DISPLAYED ON THE SITE OR ALLIANT'S RELOADERS GUIDE."

To me, this implies that their single listed recipe is a max load.


Different manufacturers use different criteria for a max load. Due to the growing litigious nature of society, most have gotten more and more conservative in their maximums, which can be seen by looking at loads listed in newer manuals vs. older ones. IMO, the best method is to have several different references (different manuals) and use your judgement as to where you want to load.

[Geofois]

I was assuming it was a max load but you're right it's good to not skip over the important notice =/. I love how the hodgdon site sets up their webpage and how you can compare powders side by side and the ranges so I got spoiled. Maybe missed their barrel length on Alliant's website did you happen to see it also? Hodgdon has 10" which could be why for a smaller load it has a higher velocity. I wish they all used the same barrel length.