Universal versus Unique

[hammie]

I noticed in the current "Reloading 38/357" thread that many of you, if not most, are recommending Hodgdon's Universal Clays. I'm an old guy who has always used unique for the past 45 years for mid-range and plinking loads. I don't like to stock a lot of different powders and I like unique for its flexibility. The problem is that it's dirty.

From my research today, it looks like Universal Clays has approximately the same burning rate as unique, is as flexible, and is much cleaner. It looks to be an attractive alternative. So, should an old dog learn new tricks and switch to universal?

 

[Jimbo357mag]

From my research today, it looks like Universal Clays has approximately the same burning rate as unique, is as flexible, and is much cleaner. It looks to be an attractive alternative. So, should an old dog learn new tricks and switch to universal?

Yes, and it meters better also. There is tons of data online at: http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

 

[Nowata]

Getting to the end of my Unique stash, so intently watching this thread.

 

[donut757]

I am beginning the journey into reloading right now. My research has come with both are great powders to use. Unique users love it and have used it for years and years and use it for everything. Universal users are the same.

The differences i have found to be the most often said is the ease of metering and cleaning burning. I will begin my first reloads in a month or so and have a pound of universal... depending how long it last i might try unique also at the same time.

 

[hammie]

@jimbo: Although I have a hodgdon's manual in my reloading shed, I took your suggestion and went on-line - faster and easier. It looks like Universal is also perfect for 28 gauge, which I reload a LOT, because of price and availability of 28 gauge shells.

Maybe it's time to switch. I've been re-stocking components lately due to rumblings about limiting mail order sales of ammunition and components after the colorado movie shootings. Obviously some of that will depend on the outcome of the elections. I've been shocked at component prices. Instead of gold, I should have bought empty brass.

 

[volshooter]

I like Unique, it has performed extremely well for me. The newer version burns less dirty. I only use it for revolvers but results are outstanding. There are many new powders on the market but I will just stick to what works.

 

[hammie]

@volshooter: You're right. Unique has worked well and worked for a long time - since 1900 when it was introduced by the Laflin & Rand chemical corporation of Haskell New Jersey. L&R was bought by Dupont in 1902, and then in 1912, the powder production was assigned to a new subsidiary, Hercules. So unique is even older than I am. You are also correct that Unique is cleaner due to a re-formulation in 2001.

Perhaps my observation is too limited and wrong, but with unique I seem to be trading some accuracy for flexibility. I get better target load groups with 231/HP38 in my .38 spl model 14 and my colt, gold cup. In any case, I'm going to give universal a try.

Older things do work, e.g. John Browning's 1911 design. However, sometimes newer technology has its merits. I enjoy shooting both my 1911 and my ruger 345.

 

[Nowata]

pretty soon I'm gonna get snippy about this "old" theme.....joking

 

[Jimbo357mag]

pretty soon I'm gonna get snippy about this "old" theme.....joking

Once overheard in the old west, "That newfangled smokeless powder will never catch on".

 

[PO2Hammer]

I'll always keep a pound of Unique on hand, But I use Universal for all those middle of the road loads. Meters better, no greasy residue on my revolvers, works great in the auto pistol calibers too.

 

[stevemb]

Just don't forget the "Clays" part of Universal Clays. Gets confusing. stevemb

 

[hammie]

... "That newfangled smokeless powder will never catch on".

Hilarious. :lol:

 

[dougader]

I have only used 1 pound of Hercules Unique in about 1985/86. Good powder. I didn't notice that it was much dirtier than other powders I was using at the time. But Blue dot seemed to burn very clean for me and offer a bit more in the velocity department.

I have 8 pounds of Universal but have yet to open it up. I guess I'll crack open that keg when I run out of WW231.

I have been looking at Power Pistol, too, as a good powder in that burn rate range.

 

[M'BOGO]

One difference between Universal and Unique. When looking at prices ealier this year, the price difference was about $20 for eight pounds, FWIW.

 

[Bryan]

I burn more unique than any other powder.I don't mind that it's a little dirty I'm gonna clean them any way.I guess I am a if it ain't broke don't fix it kind of guy.

 

[Rclark]

I continue to use Unique and Universal. I will gladly use either with no 'preference'. All I shoot is lead bullets so dirty ... is dirty. Clean up after shooting anyway.

 

[sourdough44]

I have both but use H. 'Universal' more. I also never use the word 'clays' when I mention H. Universal, can confuse some folks.

 

[mattsbox99]

Yea but the product is called 'Universal Clays', not Universal. Its an ADI powder just like Clays & International Clays.

 

[WESHOOT2]

Legit question: "Is Unique/Universal better than Universal/Unique?"


Yes. Universal IS "better than" Unique, if you value ease of metering, or cleanliness of burn.
Ballistic equivalent.
Either may provide superior accuracy for any given load in any given gun, but extensive testing shows both offer high potential. Any accuracy or velocity difference is minimal.

I buy Universal in 8lb quantities; I still have some of an old lb of Unique..... 8)

 

[targetshootr]

Universal and no more greasy guns.

 

[Chief 101]

Howabout Universal in reduced loads in large rifle cases, say 45/70 and 30/30. I have used Unique forever because I can use it in anything. Can I use Universal that way too?

 

[PO2Hammer]

Yea but the product is called 'Universal Clays', not Universal. Its an ADI powder just like Clays & International Clays.

Well, it was called 'Universal Clays', Now it's labeled as 'Universal' with a smaller, separate line that reads 'Clays Technology'. A little late and they could have removed the word 'Clays' altogether IMO.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Howabout Universal in reduced loads in large rifle cases, say 45/70 and 30/30. I have used Unique forever because I can use it in anything. Can I use Universal that way too?

I don't think Hodgdon has any official data for Universal in 30-30 or 45-70. I can find data for all 'Cowboy' pistol and carbine cartridges but not those you mention. I have no doubt it would work and you could use the Unique data to get started but I can't confirm anywhere.

Hodgdon does have reduced load data for 30-30 and 45-70 using Trail Boss, H4895, H4198, and Varget. http://www.hodgdon.com/