38 Special 125-130 CAST w/ Unique

[Kittitas George]

I'd like to load some cast bullets in 38 Special. The only powder on hand is Unique. I have some 125 and 130 grain cast bullets on order. I only have data for 1 load of 130 gr and 4 gr of Unique. Can someone point me towards a source for some other loads. I have the Lyman loading books #49, #51, and Cast Bullet Handbook, the Sierra and Speer books. I know there is much more and also more current information out there. I know other powders will work with the 125 &130 gr. bullets but Unique is what I have and with limited ability to get around, I'd like to use it. I'm using light bullets and lights loads to reduce recoil, full power loads don't work so good in these old hands.

 

[243winxb]

Here is a collection of data from different sources.

https://stevespages.com/page8a.htm
Your as low as i would go with Unique. Bullseye powder can be loaded lighter? Maybe?

130 gr Unique From 4.0 grains to 7.0 grains 38 special.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

JUNK the Unique and use, Win 231 powder !
Unique "Meters",.Horribbley,. in my 2 powder measures.
W- 231 shoots 1.5 inch 25 yd group's ( rested ) with 125 gr Hornady's, in My .38 spl. Smith / Wesson 6" Revolver

 

[AckleymanII]

with the lead, hold the velocity to 750 fps, 800 fps max

 

[243winxb]

reduce recoil

By going to heavier gun. My S&W M28 6" barrel with 38 spec recoils like a 22 lr.

My carry gun @ 10 oz in 38+P is only for 81 year olds that like pain.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

My model 14 6" S& W, shoots the 125's way, WAY Better than, any 158 grain Bullets at,.. 1,100 fps ( +P velocity )
with, Hornady 125 gr., XTP's and Win 231

 

[Kittitas George]

By going to heavier gun. My S&W M28 6" barrel with 38 spec recoils like a 22 lr.

My carry gun @ 10 oz in 38+P is only for 81 year olds that like pain.

My plan 'A' is to use a S&W 686 w/5" barrel, unfluted cylinder with Hogue grips. I need to shoot what I have, but would like more load information, I know it is out there. I'd like some thing in the 7-900 fps. Is over crimping light loads possible?

 

[kenhwind]

I'm not sure what bullet you'll be using but here's two good loads. I shoot the 125/130 RNFP out of the Uberti 1871 Reproduction Conversion.

Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

www.alliantpowder.com

 

[K22]

For years I shot 125 grain Oregon Trail Laser Cast bullets in my 38's and 357 magnum pistols, using moderate loads of 231 in 38 cases. These were extremely accurate and pleasant to shoot.

Last time I used unique was the last century and I used it in moderate 38 Special loadings with 158 grain hard cast bullets. I used the Lyman Data. It was so long ago, I cannot attest to the accuracy, but Unique is often used in 38 Special Loadings and should work just fine for your purposes. As noted by others, it doesn't meter as well and 231.

With high cost of components, I would want to use it up also but when it's gone you may want to consider 231 which I believe is perfect for moderate 38 Special loads.

 

[Kittitas George]

Thank you for your quick reply. I've read about 231 and know it will work also. Mobility issues limit my ability to shoot and also get out to get components. That's why I would like to use the Unique, if I can use it and get out to shoot, the next step would be getting different components. I have some 125gr and 130 gr. cast bullets and Unique and just need more information to be comfortable with light loads. I've loaded many heavy rounds of 357 with 158-170 gr. and 41 Mag. with 2400. I'm far from being an expert, but paying attention, good information and safe procedures have kept me safe and been my friend.
Again thank you for the help, George

 

[dantiff2]

JUNK the Unique and use, Win 231 powder !
Unique "Meters",.Horribbley,. in my 2 powder measures.
W- 231 shoots 1.5 inch 25 yd group's ( rested ) with 125 gr Hornady's, in My .38 spl. Smith / Wesson 6" Revolver

Unique is a fickle pickle but if you want a pro tip from someone who used it A LOT, the brand new Lee Perfect Powder Measure (yes the cheap 20$ one) will throw 4.0 grain charges of Unique with almost pure perfection. within a 1/10 grain every time. I can throw 10 charges into a pan with the Lee and only be off by 2/10 total when weighed combined. I don't know what little elves are in that sucker but my rcbs can't stay within a half of a grain (at best) and sometime will throw one close to one grain off. I've test weighed hundreds, if not thousands comparing to a digital and balance scale and the darn little thing just works!
Dan

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

Unique is a fickle pickle but if you want a pro tip from someone who used it A LOT, the brand new Lee Perfect Powder Measure (yes the cheap 20$ one) will throw 4.0 grain charges of Unique with almost pure perfection. within a 1/10 grain every time. I can throw 10 charges into a pan with the Lee and only be off by 2/10 total when weighed combined. I don't know what little elves are in that sucker but my rcbs can't stay within a half of a grain (at best) and sometime will throw one close to one grain off. I've test weighed hundreds, if not thousands comparing to a digital and balance scale and the darn little thing just works!
Dan

View attachment 1713848

Funny that, you Posted this, as I just set up, a New Lee Perfect Powder measure,.. Yesterday,.. LOL !
Bought it to "Run",. IMR 8208 xbr, IMR 4350 and H-4895, for my Rifles ! ( I'm excited to, Try it ! )
My old Redding that I Polished up, throws All, the Ball Powders,.. "Perfectly" and,..
I already Have "Tack Driving" Loads for my .38 spl and 9 MM Glock G-34 with, Win 231 ( using Lil' Dandy rotors )
A few years ago, I Had noticed inconsistencies, in Case Fill with, Unique so started, weighing Charges ( Yikes ! )
My 9 MM Glock and 38 spl. S & W shoot, SO WELL that, I ain't changing Back to,.. Unique.
Unique works well, in my 20 gauge Mec loader, tho and that's where,.. it "Stays" and
my 2 Pistols shoot $50 cent piece, sized groups at, 25 yds w/ 124 /125 Horn Bullets ( I'm, a Happy Camper ! )
Once I Find, a real Good Load, I almost NEVER,.. "Look Further"

 

[dantiff2]

Funny that, you Posted this, as I just set up, a New Lee Perfect Powder measure,.. Yesterday,.. LOL !
Bought it to "Run",. IMR 8208 xbr, IMR 4350 and H-4895, for my Rifles ! ( I'm excited to, Try it ! )
My old Redding that I Polished up, throws All, the Ball Powders,.. "Perfectly" and,..
I already Have "Tack Driving" Loads for my .38 spl and 9 MM Glock G-34 with, Win 231 ( using Lil' Dandy rotors )
A few years ago, I Had noticed inconsistencies, in Case Fill with, Unique so started, weighing Charges ( Yikes ! )
My 9 MM Glock and 38 spl. S & W shoot, SO WELL that, I ain't changing Back to,.. Unique.
Unique works well, in my 20 gauge Mec loader, tho and that's where,.. it "Stays" and
my 2 Pistols shoot $50 cent piece, sized groups at, 25 yds w/ 124 /125 Horn Bullets ( I'm, a Happy Camper ! )
Once I Find, a real Good Load, I almost NEVER,.. "Look Further"

My Lee Measure was and still is very tight right out of the box. I know you can adjust them to make the rotor smoother and easier but mine's so consistent with powder throws, I am NOT touching it! I'm leaving well enough alone! HAHA

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

I really LIKE "throwing" metered Charges IF possible, so I'm hoping that, I'll have Good Luck, throwing the "Stick" Powders, for my Rifles with, the Lee Perfect !
My Research says that, it's,.. a GOOD, One for, that !!
My son throws "stick powders" just Fine with, His Lee measure, so I'm Hopeful !

 

[Kittitas George]

Thanks for the information on the Lee powder measure. I'd bet Amazon can have it here in a day or two. I might be able to justify a new measure after about 50 years with an old yellow Lyman. I'll discuss it with my CFO and wonderful wife. At 83 simple and easier is good.

 

[divingin]

My plan 'A' is to use a S&W 686 w/5" barrel, unfluted cylinder with Hogue grips. I need to shoot what I have, but would like more load information, I know it is out there. I'd like some thing in the 7-900 fps. Is over crimping light loads possible?

4 grains of Unique with the 125 should put you in the800 fps range. Not really enough recoil to worry about bullets creeping out, so a light crimp is likely all that's required (heavier won't hurt anything other than brass life.) Several people have reported loading as light as 3 grains of Unique with a 125.

I don't think you can go dangerously low with Unique; it ignites pretty easily, so the worst that will happen is you'll have to clear the barrel (and I suspect that will be in the low 2 gn range.) I'd suggest loading up a dozen or so rounds starting at 3.0 and ending at just over 4 in .2 or .3 grain increments, and see what suits you.

38 Spl is a pretty forgiving cartridge from a reloading perspective. It shoots well from air pistol velocities up through stupid fast. Lots of case room for errors though - make sure to avoid multiple charges.

Have fun

 

[Kittitas George]

Thank you for your input, it will be used. I'll load a small batch of bullets, as you suggest. I'll have 3 brands of 125 and 130 gr. bullets, lubed and Hi-Tek coated. They will be lightly crimped, and I'll star with 3.0 or 3.5 grains of Unique. If these light loads will work and I have an easy time at the range, I'll be looking to buy a new Lee powder measure. I shouldn't be buying more treasure at this age, I should be getting rid of it. Oh well, I've got young reloaders in the family. Thanks for the very usable information.

 

[hpshooter]

make sure to avoid multiple charges.

Have fun

Two excellent comments!

 

[Kittitas George]

JUNK the Unique and use, Win 231 powder !
Unique "Meters",.Horribbley,. in my 2 powder measures.
W- 231 shoots 1.5 inch 25 yd group's ( rested ) with 125 gr Hornady's, in My .38 spl. Smith / Wesson 6" Revolver

I loaded about thirty cases last night. I used the Unique, that's what I have. Mobility and energy issues slow me down on shopping and the hazmat fees are outasite. The Unique is old ($13.50/lb), it may be a little different from the current powder. It meters very well thru my near 50 y.o. Lyman Ideal #55 measure. If I'm able to make this all work, I may try another powder when I'm out of Unique. I know there are many new powders available that may be better. But being old and impaired this adventure my not go as planned.
Thank you for your input and taking the time to help me.

 

[LAH]

Start at 4 grains and go up till you find what you are looking for. Unique isn't the cleanest powder but you can do a 1000 rounds with out cleaning.