45LC marlin - using Unique with 360 grainers

[coyote]

need your input:

i've gone thru every reloading manual and article i have on 45 Colt loads using Unique. i can find loads for bullets up to 300 gr, but can't find anything about using Unique with 360 gr lead bullets.

i use a dillon square deal, currently set up for loading 200-265 gr lead bullets on top 8.5 grains of unique, for all my single action revolvers and marlin 1894S.

i'd also like to use the dillon to drop a 360 gr WFNGC on the same amount of unique for use in the MARLIN LEVER ONLY .

i know i could go thru the process of changing to a better powder, like H110, 296 or H4227, but i'm not looking to push any limits (i want to run under 30K CUP). i just want to enjoy using up a bunch of these heavy bullets as simply as possible using a powder i have on hand.

(fyi - measurements say the overall cartridge length to be well within limits, so it should feed OK)

i've written Alliant but they just replied: "...we have no data for a bullet this heavy in the 45 Colt."

so my question: is the 360 gr Lasercast and 8.5 gr Unique a workable load for the Marlin???

and if you have an answer to that, maybe you would also know what would be the max Unique load to stay at 30K CUP?

thnx ahead of time.

[taffin]

i know i could go thru the process of changing to a better powder, like H110, 296 or H4227,

I SUGGEST YOU DO EXACTLY THAT!!!

[edk]

While this is not ideal (Unique and very heavy 45 bullet), of course it can be done. The problem is going to be nobody with any sense is going to go out on a limb and quote a figure unless they have a source (ballistic lab) to quote. If you can get someone to quote you a load and they feel it is safe in their gun, is it 30K CUP or 40K CUP "safe"? How will you know?

[coyote]

point taken. thnx edk.

i was just hoping there were folks with more knowledge than i. or who had done experimenting at some point, or who had published data that i don't have.

in term of the CUP limit i mentioned, the 30K given was based on Hodgdon's published data using three of their powders with the 360 grainer. that was the max they suggested when loading the 360 for use in OM Blackhawks.

but when an authority like taffin suggests i don't even fool with Unique, that puts an end to my search. another powder it is!

thnx guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lee Martin]

Unique and heavy-weight slugs just don't mix...the result can be dangerous pressure spikes. In fact, I never go faster than HS6 with big bullets. As John suggested though, you're much better served with H110/W296, Lil Gun, H4227, etc with 360s.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[coyote]

thnx lee. being told what not to do was great, understanding why is even better.

i'm taking all this advice: no unique with heavy bullets!