45 ACP: Pet Loads With Unique

Edmo01 · 06-28-2011, 09:06

I have been reloading since 1984 and have burned a lot of Unique powder through my 1911 (and other pistols). This thread is to discuss your 45 ACP loads and how they perform.

I recently purchased some of the Rainier 230 grain FMJ bullets and was wondering what Unique loads you have used with these bullets for target shooting. The company suggests using load levels for lead since their bullets are not truely jacketed, but instead have an electroplated copper finish.

In the past I have had good results with 5.5 - 6.0 grains of Unique under a 230 grain lead bullet, but haven't tested this load with the Rainiers.

Any inputs?

Edmo

FLSlim · 06-28-2011, 09:13

I don't shoot plated in 45, but your lead load of 5.5-6 seems like it be a nice range load for the Rainiers.

XDRoX · 06-28-2011, 09:51

I load 6gr under a 230gr plated bullet. They shoot fine.

DoctaGlockta · 06-28-2011, 10:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by XDRoX

I load 6gr under a 230gr plated bullet. They shoot fine.

Same here.

We should have a sticky at the top of the forums as this question comes up so often.

rg1 · 06-28-2011, 10:09

Here's a site I found from another poster with some Rainier data:
http://classic-web.archive.org/web/2...loaddataMW.htm
6.0-6.1 would be a good load. I would be careful going above 6.3. Just my opinion. Note that there's info for Accurate and Viht. powder, click on the names at the top. Also their test used the maximum overall length at 1.275" and shortening the oal would increase pressure some.

Zombie Steve · 06-28-2011, 12:26

Well, if it helps, I like 5.8 grains under my cast 225 grain truncated cone boolits. 815 fps with R-P brass and a CCI large pistol primer.

ETA: 1.225 OAL

Steve in PA · 06-28-2011, 12:59

6.5gr of Unique and Rainier 230gr bullets is the load I use.

tjpet · 06-28-2011, 19:28

5.0grns. WST w/200grn. LSWC.

Superbly accurate, clean burning, low recoiling it's the best .45ACP reload for GP use I've ever run through my 1911s.

For Glocks change the bullet to a RN configuration as the SWC design doesn't feed worth a crap. I like the RNFP style popular with the cowboy action shooter crowd.

ursoboostd · 06-28-2011, 19:57

I load 6.0gr of Unique under Xtreme plated 230gr. Shoots very well out of my Rock Island tactical. I think I'm gonna try some 230gr Precision Deltas next. -Wade-

Edmo01 · 06-28-2011, 20:29

Thanks for the replies... I liked the Rainier bullets in my 40 S&W pistols so much that I thought I might try 45 ACP.

I think I'll try the 6.0.

Edmo

fredj338 · 06-30-2011, 00:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edmo01

Thanks for the replies... I liked the Rainier bullets in my 40 S&W pistols so much that I thought I might try 45 ACP.

I think I'll try the 6.0.

Edmo

When running Unique, 6gr is also what I load for a 230grRN plated or LRN. Like TJ said, doesn't get much better than WST in the 45acp, any bullet type or wt.

kshutt · 06-30-2011, 04:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by XDRoX

I load 6gr under a 230gr plated bullet. They shoot fine.

Me too.

cole · 06-30-2011, 19:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredj338

When running Unique, 6gr is also what I load for a 230grRN plated or LRN. Like TJ said, doesn't get much better than WST in the 45acp, any bullet type or wt.

I ran 5.3-5.5gr under a 230gr LRN at 1.250", and 6.2gr ran well enough with added recoil. I have a nice, tight LWB barrel for my G30 which seems to run loads hotter. The 5.3gr was a great load for me, but I'm running 4.3gr of BE now in .45acp 230gr LRN at 1.250". PV has Uniqie for $2 less than WST per # in the 8# kegs. I save where I can and Unique is good enough for my purposes. Plus, I find the new Unique burns clean (same as the BE), meters well (same as the BE) and remains a very versatile powder. I run Unique exclusively in 124gr 9mm plated for now.