Originally Posted by FA_WRX
I think the reason Unique and Bullseye powders are still around is because they are used by a lot of older reloaders. Why, because they do cover the pistol and revolver segment and people have load data worked up for them. There certainly are newer powders out now that are cleaner and meter better. I have used it as well in rounds for 9mm, 38 SPL, and 44 SPL. These days I like CFE pistol, Power Pistol, and BE 86.
I'm a young guy-32 now, and started reloading in my early 20s.
As I mentioned, I have a Unique load for every powder I shoot. I also have a closet full of powders, including most every handgun powder that Alliant makes along with plenty of Hodgden/Winchester, Accurate, Vihtavouri, and I'm sure a few others I'm forgetting.
Many powders I keep bunches of around(like a couple of cases of PB that I stocked up on when it was discontinued) because I've found that they really "sing" in a certain caliber. PB is my go-to 45 Colt powder, while I've yet to find a powder I like better for full power 38 Supers than Blue Dot(although CFE Pistol and Power Pistol are great choices in that caliber especially down loaded a bit). For the range-thumping, fire breathing loads in 357 Mag, 44 Mag, and 45 Colt(Ruger only) nothing beats Win 296/H110(although I'm convinced that Alliant 300MP is also the same thing). For light target loads, especially 38 Special HBWCs, I've yet to find a replacement for Bullseye-I've tried Titegroup and don't find it as accurate int hat application as Bullseye.
Unique has a few specific applications for me. One of my favorites is what I've called my "357 Special Magnum" load-basically a 158gr SWC in a 357 Magnum case that's loaded a bit hotter than 38 Special +P velocities(i.e. you know it's a magnum) but takes the recoil and isn't as ear-splitting. I can make cloverleafs in the target all day with that load and not wear myself out shooting it.
The real strength to me in Unique, though, is that it really does work in everything. No, it's not optimum for everything(but is pretty darn close for older low-pressure rounds like 38 Special) but works for everything. It gives good enough case fill that it's easy to spot a double charge(unlike Bullseye or Titegroup) so I consider it a relatively safe powder.