I would stay away from that 10 grains of Unique and a 180 in the .38-40. I had an old reloading manual from the 40s and loaded that in a Colt SAA 'cause I didn't know any better. It was hot. Clipped lead. Didn't realize how hot it was 'til I shot some in a Blackhawk a few months back .. dang, it had some bark for a .38-40.
I'm not sure what I'd use in Colt or S&W today. The Ruger shoots better as the load gets hotter .. hotter than I want to shoot in any other gun. I've run up to 18.5 grains of IMR 4227 under 180 and 200 grain cast bullets. I went up to 14 grains of 2400 under a 180 cast recently. Accuracy was improving as the charges got heavier. Pondering exceeding posted max for a bit more accuracy .. no decision yet. With a Colt or S&W I might just try Holy Black.
Tom
