dhaase30 Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 Hello all, I am new to reloading and am setting up my new Dillon Square Deal B. I am loading .45 acp with Unique powder (its all I could find in San Diego). Any suggestions on load weights. I was thinking 5.0, but would like to go down to 4.6-4.8. Will my Springfield 1911/17 lb. recoil spring run. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carharttfarmer Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 230gr? Should run fine mine does I load 5gr but you should be fine going down to 4.6-4.8 just make sure to shoot a few before you go crazy loading Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty Rod Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 (edited) Hello all, I am new to reloading and am setting up my new Dillon Square Deal B. I am loading .45 acp with Unique powder (its all I could find in San Diego). Any suggestions on load weights. I was thinking 5.0, but would like to go down to 4.6-4.8. Will my Springfield 1911/17 lb. recoil spring run. Thanks. What bullet are you using and what OAL? Do you have any reloading manuals? I'm not in front of my books but 4.6 sounds WAY low unless you are not using 230gr. For 230gr FMJ I was using 6.0gr for a 230gr plated round @ 1.26 with a 16lbs spring. I strongly recommend picking up some reloading manuals if you don't have any. Edited July 2, 2012 by Dirty Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhaase30 Posted July 2, 2012 Author Share Posted July 2, 2012 Yes, 230gr FMJ. It appears that Unique requires more powder than other brands. Regarding muzzle velocity. as a beginner IPSC shooter, do I care how much FPS the charge provides or am I looking for the lighest recoil while still running my gun flawlessly? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zhunter Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 IPSC/USPSA is governed by Power Factors. Major Scoring is 165. Bullet weight times Velocity divided by 1000, eg: 720 fps times 230 grain bullet= 165.6 PF Minor Scoring is 125 (I think). Bullet weight times Velocity divided by 1000 Shooting a .45 with a 230 grain bullet at 750 is pretty soft shooting, especially if you have the correct powder. I am sorry, I am not familiar with your powder, but as the above posters have mentioned, loading manuals or a must, many can be found online. You will also need access to a chronograph at some point. Befriend a shooter on your squad, most have them. Enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty Rod Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 Yes, 230gr FMJ. It appears that Unique requires more powder than other brands. Regarding muzzle velocity. as a beginner IPSC shooter, do I care how much FPS the charge provides or am I looking for the lighest recoil while still running my gun flawlessly? The first thing, after figuring out the proper OAL, is find a load that shoot accurately and consistently out of our gun(s) and then adjust charge weights, springs, etc. If your load doesn't shoot well FPS probably doesn't matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsmw5142 Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 Yes, 230gr FMJ. It appears that Unique requires more powder than other brands. Regarding muzzle velocity. as a beginner IPSC shooter, do I care how much FPS the charge provides or am I looking for the lighest recoil while still running my gun flawlessly? If your load doesn't shoot well FPS probably doesn't matter. Mmm... Yes and No... I have, a few times, had a load that grouped like crap and when I chrono'd it was 125-126ish PF. When I bumped the load up a few tenths so that I was getting 132-134 PF my groups tightened right up. So, while I agree with your premise (because we obviously all want tight groups), it always matters what your load is doing. The most accurate load we all desire isn't always (and usually isn't) the lightest mouse fart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty Rod Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 Yes, 230gr FMJ. It appears that Unique requires more powder than other brands. Regarding muzzle velocity. as a beginner IPSC shooter, do I care how much FPS the charge provides or am I looking for the lighest recoil while still running my gun flawlessly? If your load doesn't shoot well FPS probably doesn't matter. Mmm... Yes and No... I have, a few times, had a load that grouped like crap and when I chrono'd it was 125-126ish PF. When I bumped the load up a few tenths so that I was getting 132-134 PF my groups tightened right up. So, while I agree with your premise (because we obviously all want tight groups), it always matters what your load is doing. The most accurate load we all desire isn't always (and usually isn't) the lightest mouse fart. I guess my point was that you find the load that shoots well first and then worry about how fast it goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildman Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 Six grains Unique, 200 gr SWC makes major most months. 6.2 makes major in freezing weather (to -5F). I like the recoil impulse of unique. JJH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tac_driver Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 3.8 to 4.2 clays under a 230gr jacketed bullet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noylj Posted August 13, 2012 Share Posted August 13, 2012 You may find, like I have, that 5.0gn and 6.0gn of Unique are excellent loads in bullets from 185gn to 230gn. You can load Unique down as low as you like. The only problems are the powder will burn poorly and, at very low charge weights, you can stick a bullet (I find this is usually at a charge weight less the 1.5gn) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dblaelliott Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 (edited) My Lee manual has a start load for unique of 6.0 gr. and a max load of 6.0 gr. not sure what thats about? anybody have experience in loading over 6.0 gr. with unique? BTW I'm using Precision Delta 230 gr. FMJ Edited November 25, 2012 by dblaelliott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hovbuild Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 I run unique in 255 and 225. The 225 load will not burn clean enough 5.5 and under. 5.8 just right for shooting paper. A lead TC at 1.20 is good for about 780-810 fps and can shoot 1" groups at 30 feet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dblaelliott Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 Nice! I've just started playing with unique. my data said 6.0 gr. powder at min. OAL of 1.190 and that seems way to short! I loaded a few at 5.8 gr. and 1.260 OAL pushing a 230 gr. FMJ. I guess we'll see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mferruccio Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 I load 5.8 gr of Unique under a Rainier plated 230gr RN. OAL 1.27.. Good accuracy and soft recoil in a S&W 1911 Government. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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