Handload for .40SC using W231 or Unique??

[CCT125US]

Did a search looking for loads using Unique and could not find much. Is this powder not commonly used in .40? Looking for some input from the oldtimers with experiance in loading for the .40SC. I use Unique for for .45 TAC and the 9TAC. I use W231 for the .380. I know Unique to be a bulky powder and works very well for me. I am waiting on the toolhead / conversion and will be loading on a D650. The PMC Bronze 165 gr shoots very well out of my SC. I have not run any .40s over the chrono so not sure what velocity i am after but that load will be the first to get duplicated. I currently have some 155gr plated FP and 155gr LSWC. Not so sure if the LSWC will work well but I picked them up in a barter deal. My .45TAC doesn't like the SWC profile at all. Any load data and results would be great.

[sas-xd45]

CCT:

I have used 6.5grains of Unique behind a 180grain Hornady JHP in my practice/training reloads. Works well, seems to duplicate factory loads.

-steve

[fredj338]

Originally Posted by CCT125US

Did a search looking for loads using Unique and could not find much. Is this powder not commonly used in .40? Looking for some input from the oldtimers with experiance in loading for the .40SC. I use Unique for for .45 TAC and the 9TAC. I use W231 for the .380. I know Unique to be a bulky powder and works very well for me. I am waiting on the toolhead / conversion and will be loading on a D650. The PMC Bronze 165 gr shoots very well out of my SC. I have not run any .40s over the chrono so not sure what velocity i am after but that load will be the first to get duplicated. I currently have some 155gr plated FP and 155gr LSWC. Not so sure if the LSWC will work well but I picked them up in a barter deal. My .45TAC doesn't like the SWC profile at all. Any load data and results would be great.

You need to get reloading manuals, seriously. The more data you have at your finger tips, the easier reloading is. Two good manuals is a must IMO. The Speer #14 & Lyman #49 are the best for handgun reloaders IMO. The internet is a great source, but there is a lot of hearsay & unvetted info. Reloading manuals print tested data. Loading w/o them is shortcutting your way into a KB IMO.
Ok, w/ that out of the way, Unique & other med burners, like WSF, Universal, PowerPistol, HS6, all work very well in the 40 for midrange to full power loads. Unique & WSF are my fav choices for any bullet wt or type in my 40s. The Speer #14 shows 7.2gr-8gr for the 155grTMJ. W231 works fine for light loads to midrange loads in the high pressure 40. Speer says 5.8gr-6.5gr. Keep in mind that the max pressure charge of W231 is producing the starting vel of Unique.

[hxd]

The load data for plated and lead are about the same. I load 155gr. lead using unique. The load data says min. 6.2 gr. - max. 6.5 gr. I load for target and plinking so I try to go as low as i can and still have the gun cycle well. I've found I can use 5.6 gr. unique with 155 gr. lead in my 40 tactical (5 inch barrel).