1st Time Using Unique

[Aldemar]

I've had a devil of a time getting consistent powder drops on my Xl650. I'm trying for 5.7 grains and I've been getting anywhere from 5.5 - 5.9. I contacted Dillon and the tech rep said that due to Unique being a flake powder, a .3 grain variation is normal, so I'm well within the tolerance for that powder. I've double checked that I've got the small powder bar installed and everything else is tight.

It's just for plinking loads. A 125 FMJ .38spl that will be shot in .357 revolvers so I'm not concerned so much about a hot load, but I sure would like a bit more consistency for accuracy sake.

I have never had an issue with BE or TG and only bought the Unique when I couldn't find any of my two usual powders....an 8lb keg of it.

[XDRoX]

Unique is one of the worst metering pistol powders. The good news is it is such a forgiving powder it doesn't really matter.

Personally I wouldn't worry about it. Just load, shoot, and enjoy. I doubt you will notice a difference in accuracy. (Not trying to insult you, but I know I wouldn't be able to tell a difference.)

BE and TG both meter extremely well, especially compared to Unique.

[XDRoX]

Forgot to mention that you could polish the inside of your powder measure to increase more accurate throws. It also really helps when throwing stick powders. You can youtube how to do it.

[CalTeacher]

I've never really had a problem throwing consistent charges with Unique on my Dillon. The variance is around +/- .1gr. I always rub my powder measures with a dryer sheet to remove static when I first unpackage them, and then I run powdered graphite through he measure and dry lube the powder measure bar and cavity with graphite as well. This seems to help with consistency. Also of importance is making sure you're reloading with a consistent stroke on the lever. If that doesn't work, then try switching powders to one with smaller flakes, or just use a spherical powder.

[Corbin Dallas]

Polishing the throw will help with metering and Unique.

But do you really need it to be that precise? By the description of your post I doubt you're burning all the powder by the time the round exits the barrel.

What length is your 357? BTW, 5.7g of Unique for a 125g FMJ seems a bit hot to me. Have you chrono'd this load? Alliant's site says 5.7 max for Speer JHP.

I would start at 4.8 and work my way up personally.

[Aldemar]

Thanks for the help so far guys. I'll look at the polishing video when I get home and try the static electricity trick also. Would rigging up some type of ground wire help also?

The revolvers are a 2.5" 327 Nightguard (my wife's carry gun), a 4" Security Six and a soon to get 686+ with a 6" barrel. All are .357's so I'm not concerned with a hot load.

[ireload]

If Dillon offers a powder "baffle" like what RCBS carry get one besides polishing the inside of the dispenser.

[socalnonsage]

Thanks for the help so far guys. I'll look at the polishing video when I get home and try the static electricity trick also. Would rigging up some type of ground wire help also?

I've rigged up a ground wire to my press/powder thrower and I regularly coat the inside of the charge tube with graphite (#2 pencil). I get pretty consistent throws (+/-.1gr) using TiteGroup (flake?) and AutoComp (ball).

[RandyD]

I had a Dillon 550 and now use a 650. I have found that the more consistently you operate the press' handle (speed and force), the more consistent the powder charge.

[mjmagee67]

I had a Dillon 550 and now use a 650. I have found that the more consistently you operate the press' handle (speed and force), the more consistent the powder charge.

Bingo--I've found the same thing with my Lee Classic Turret. Smooth steady pulls and pushed with the handle give me consistent repeatable results. I can get 95% of my loads to +/- .1gr and the other 5% +/- .2gr with Unique. The more I load the more consistent it gets, coats the inside of the powder thrower.

[uhlan1]

Unique is one of the worst metering pistol powders. The good news is it is such a forgiving powder it doesn't really matter.

Personally I wouldn't worry about it. Just load, shoot, and enjoy. I doubt you will notice a difference in accuracy. (Not trying to insult you, but I know I wouldn't be able to tell a difference.)

BE and TG both meter extremely well, especially compared to Unique.

^^^^This. I don't really sweat Unique.

[mark501w]

Good stuff dirty accurate versatile load go shooting.

[gmbat]

XL650 here, use Unique, and get +/- .1 consistently. Haven't polished anything. Bought my press around 1992.

[hermosabeach]

Not a solution to your problem, but I have been happy with 700X for .38

[diveRN]

Unique is one of the worst metering pistol powders. The good news is it is such a forgiving powder it doesn't really matter.

Personally I wouldn't worry about it. Just load, shoot, and enjoy. I doubt you will notice a difference in accuracy. (Not trying to insult you, but I know I wouldn't be able to tell a difference.)

BE and TG both meter extremely well, especially compared to Unique.

+1. For pistol plinking, 0.3 isn't going to matter if you're loading low-to-midrange rounds. Because I have several kegs of it, I use Unique almost exclusively for pistol loads. I also use a dryer sheet in the dropper.

It tends to burn dirty on the low end, but otherwise, NBD.