Is Universal a good choice?

[glockbozo]

I'm thinking of buying Universal to load 38,357,44 spec and 45 colt. Is this OK?
I try to keep things simple and relatively cheap, but I want a good powder like Unique, but one that burns cleaner, and meters better. Any other suggestions? Thanks

[Steve Koski]

I burned a couple pounds of Universal in the old days. I got some unburn flakes with it, which turned me off.

If I recall, it meters a bit better than Unique.

WSF is similar in speed to Unique and meters better. I'd try a pound of that before Universal, or get one of each and see what you like. They're similar in speed.

Koski

[918v]

Universal is good for high pressure applications, otherwise it sux.

[Tree Rat]

If your not looking for upper end loads in those caliber's, I'd go with Titegroup.....or Bullseye.

Universal is not good for low presurre loadings as the others have stated.

TR

[xtimberman]

It's the second best choice for the cartridges you mentioned if you don't want Unique, IMO. My Universal Clays charge weights are identical to my charge weights of Unique in those 4 cartridges.

xtm

[rico567]

My experience with Universal pretty much parallels "918v"'s comments. I use it exclusively in .40 S&W, which is high pressure like the 9mm. My results in .45 ACP were unsatisfactory; too much unburnt powder. For the low-pressure .45 ACP, I stick with Clays or Titegroup.