FWIW my late Dad's notes from the data on my #9 & 10 Ballards shows 7-grns Unique @ 1040 fps and 9-grns @ 1228, with the Lyman 375248 (249-gr FN) cast. His handwritten note says 9-grns Unique was the max in older rifles of pre-smokeless steel.

We always used SR-4759, 13.7 or 14.3. But I have Ken Waters' Pet Loads downstairs and he has the various load levels for the action strengths. So I'll take a look and see what he says and report back later.

Over 20 years used between 16 and 17 grs of 4759  290 gr bullet 38/55 fixed in my CPA. Last few years went to 4227 just because it measures better, loading about a half grain more 4227.  Reason for the charge variance is different lots of 4759 or 4227 will have different burn rates. Same rifle same bullet many changes in makers and lots of powder over the years.

4759 is going out of production might want to start from scratch with 4227.  Our local shop has 4227 in 1 lb and 8 lb jugs.  Shelf full of 4759 too, I bought 4 pounds to have on hand should I ever load my 40/65 with smokeless. Told me when it's gone no more. 

Unique is always a good choice, like most pistol powders today, unavailable   

Boats

Thanks folks...I'm sure we have all read about the Ballard that blew up at the Quigley Shoot a few years ago and nearly took off the shooters hand. But my understanding, that was a cast frame rifle. And my rifle is a forged receiver.

BTW, to keep Unique down over the primer, I cut tiny 1/2" squares out of single ply toilet paper and use a pencil to push it down over the powder. That load is super accurate with a few different 250-265g bullets in half a dozen 38-55 rifles I own.

I use 19 grains IMR 4227 under 300 grain bullets in my Cody Ballard. Low pressure and accurate. Would use the same load in any Ballard. 

    Joe.

A lot of times a Ballard will not stand a double charge. That is one reason I am against using Unique in these rifles. Just too little volume to see if there is a problem.

I use my anti double charge device. Can't double charge a case. 

    Joe.

I had the same question but not for Unique.   Just got the paper work that followed purchase of a Ballard #1 1/2 Hunter with Octagon #3 Barrel, made in Cody by Ballard Rifle and Cartridge.   Flyer that came with it says "This Ballard Rifle is for Black Powder only".    

Now I don't yet know what a #3 barrel indicates but am hoping that SR 4759, IMR 4227 and IMR 4198 are all good candidates because I like those powders and read that the pressure graphs compare favorably with Black Powder.

I have not started any development yet since I just did the chamber cast tonight but have a 264gr mold for my 1893 that should work sized a little smaller.   I'm shooting IMR 4198 in that so may back off that load to what I'd calculate will be under 1300fps from the longer barrel and start looking for accuracy.   Lube is adaquate in a 26" barrel so should be interesting to see if it remains adaquate for another 4".   

Does anyone know what the #3 Barrel indicates?  Don't know much about the production history of Cody so not even sure if they produced rifles specifically for Smokeless while producing other specifically for BP????   

Westerner, is yours specifically BP?