Yesterday's Weapons Forums

This powder shortage is ... umm, annoying

I've been developing a load for my Webley Mk VI .455, with Unique. I've got it to the point now that I'm sure one of the three loads I've got now will be "The One". And I've got enough Unique left to load maybe another 18 - 24 rounds (assuming I don't use it for the 1911) and no hope of finding more anytime soon

And I don't have any of the other powders listed in the charts I'm working from. I do have some Titegroup, but that doesn't show in my charts.

Is there a rule of thumb of where to START developing a load with any other powder that isn't listed? I saw an article on Trail Boss whereby you fill the case, measure that, and then your start load is 70% of that. I'm guessing that only works (safely) for Trail Boss.

Oh well, worst case I can still load it with black powder ... at least until that runs out.

Found a nice load for my 7mm Mauser using Unique. At least that chart shows another powder that I do have. Can I just jump to the load for that powder for the same velocity as my Unique load? i.e. for any chart, if a certain load for one powder is 1000fps, is it safe to use the recommended load for 1000fps any powder in the chart? (Although, even if it is, it would probably be smart to reduce it and work back up to it. They say discretion is the better part of valor. Although I've never heard of anyone being awarded the Medal for Discretion.)

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You have to proceed with caution when using Unique. As a double base powder, the time/pressure curve can quickly become a vertical line. As well as I know, TiteGroup is close to Bullseye - another double base powder. For comparison, I use 4.5 grains of Titegroup with a 115 grain bullet to get a very accurate load.

You could check your manuals for Bullseye loads, reduce that and proceed accordingly. Too bad you don't live closer, I have extra Unique on hand. The powder shortage continues here, too. For a mild 38 special load in my converted Pietta 1851 revolver, I went with 700X. Works great!

I read of Elmer Keith's gunpowder experiments when he was snowed in one winter long ago. He liked 45 Colt & 44 Special. Completely out of his fave powder, he experimented with what he had on hand... I think it was Green Dot shotgun powder.

He wasn't too happy with the results, but did shoot game for the table with it. SW

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Them that know, know that they know. Them that don't know don't know they don't know.