Home Forums Reloading Handgun Reloading Brinell hardness & muzzle velocity question

Can't find Unique (my all around favorite), want to find some alternatives, and save what Unique I still have, for other purposes than the 38.

Mark, if you have Universal on your shelf, that's what I'd try (assuming you're looking at using a cast 158-grain bullet) if you're wanting to conserve a stash of Unique.

BE-86 is also a good alternative. It does meter a bit more smoothly than Unique, 'lest yer ponderin'.

RR, Universal is just scarce around here as Unique!
I'll check with oldest grandson - he works part-time at Sportsmans Warehouse in ABQ. maybe they're starting to see some trickle in.

trplem, I'm unfamiliar with BE 86, who is the maker/carrier?
Around here, I can't even find Ramshot powders reliably - so don't use them, for example.

It's an Alliant powder. Great stuff. Does really well for top-end loads in 9 and 38.

Beat me to it. Most of mine is burned up in 38 special loads.

Following the Unique-substitute discussion with interest.

Up until a few years ago I shot a lot of shotgun sports and reloaded all my ammo, buying my powder in 4-5 pound jugs. As a result I find myself sitting on a ton of Clays, Universal Clays, Red Dot, Green Dot, and Unique that now only gets consumed in tiny amounts for .32, .38, and .45ACP. It should last me 'til the end. But what if it doesn't, and I then need to consider alternatives? Knowledge is a good thing. What I really should do is convert my stash of shotshell primers into pistol primers or it'll all be a moot point.

I have been having good results with BE-86 as well as Shooters World Ultimate Pistol. The SW powder seems to work great in 38 spc loads and meters like a ball powder. I need to test it in 357 loads.