Vihtavuori Powder…do you use it?

Buzznrose said:
Walkalong,

Thanks for your response. I learned on another THR reloading thread that powder choice is a driver on what primer must be used. I also see how every reloading manual I have and see online seem to default on regular primers for standard calibers and magnum primers for magnum calibers. That is my confusion.

I am specifically referring to N340. I look up load data from the Vihtavuori app on .38 and .357. Same powder (N340), same projectile (158gr XTP), but .38 load calls for SPP and .357 calls for SP magnum primers.

.38 Spl powder range (5.2-5.8 grains) is less than .357 (7.1-8.6 grains).

So my question is if I work up a warm-hot load for the .357 (say 8.0-8.2 grains), can I effectively use standard small pistol primers?

I would anticipate a slight difference in velocities, but I would not expect it to be significant…or am I wrong?

Finally, these rounds would be used in both a 4” GP-100 and a 18” lever action rifle.

I know the best thing to do would be to ladder some loads with both SPP and SPM primers, shoot through a chronograph, check accuracy, and analyze data for best loads…and at some point in my evolving reloading life, I will. But I don’t have the time or resources to really get that deep at the present time.

So I’m just trying to be safe and conservative on this load. And the bottom-line question I am asking is if I can use SPP with the .357 load safely based on the scenario above.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
The difference between mag and regular is important but not for the reason most people use them 1. They have slightly more power, useful for cold weather and hard to ignite powder like h110. 2. That additional power will unsettle the case more and raw accuracy will be effected. Most people don't shoot good enough or have guns capable of those differences. The ppc cartridge uses a small primer for this reason.

To your question directly yes use spp unless you observe an ignition problem or your SD numbers show irratic ignition
 
Thank you Walkalong and AJC1!

Just want to say you guys, along with about a dozen others here, have really helped me as I get deeper into this hobby. I truly appreciate your insight and the education you’ve provided me.

Buzz
 
I've never seen Vihtavouri powders locally and I won't order online (although, occasionally a friend will give me a heads up to get in on an order he's already placing to spread out hazmat)

Maybe, if I found it locally, I'd throw a lb in my inventory just to have but I already have 16 different pistol powders ranging from Bullseye to 296 and everything in between so it wouldn't be high on my priority, especially for the premium in price.

Regarding Titegroup I've seen mentioned in this thread, even though I found a nice plinker load in .38spl; I used specifically because of it's reputation for smaller charges not being position sensitive in larger cases (and was gifted to me so the price was right) when it's burned up I won't be replacing it.

Too hot.

Just my $.02
 
ParallelCode said:
I was considering N320 for 9mm. I primarily shoot the RMR 115gr with Power Pistol
Click to expand...
I never used Power Pistol as I started off with it's intended replacement BE-86, however...

N320 is excellent under a 115gr RMR RN in my PCC. The 115gr bullet weight is a bit lighter than I normally load, but it was the recommended load when I bought the PCC from it's builder.

My standard load for my 147gr RMR MatchWinners is N320 which burns very cleanly and is very accurate. Under the 124gr RMR MatchWinner, I usually load Sport Pistol or e3 which were both developed as alternatives to N320
 
ParallelCode said:
Have you found it to meter relatively well? My understanding is that it's extruded, but perhaps smaller "sticks" than Varget.
Click to expand...
It metered very well in a Hornady drum style powder measure and in a Dillon sliding bar powder measure.

Not quite as well as WST or WSF, but as well as, or better than, any other powder I've used
 
9mmepiphany said:
Under the 124gr RMR MatchWinner, I usually load Sport Pistol or e3 which were both developed as alternatives to N320
Click to expand...
AA #2 will also do almost anything N-320 will, just not as clean. I liked Sport Pistol when I tried it in 9MM, but it will never replace N-320 for me.
 
My only objection to VV powders is that the largest jug size is four pounds. Usually I buy my powder in eight pound jugs and only get four pound jugs to try a new powder out
 
9mmepiphany said:
My only objection to VV powders is that the largest jug size is four pounds. Usually I buy my powder in eight pound jugs and only get four pound jugs to try a new powder out
Click to expand...

I have several 8lb containers of Vihtavuori powders.

Is the 4lb max container for pistol powders?
 
I was surprised to find that Hornady 10th, Sierra 6th, and Nosler's website don't have N320 load data. I know VV has some, but I was hoping to locate some printed sources -- any recommendations?
 
ParallelCode said:
I was surprised to find that Hornady 10th, Sierra 6th, and Nosler's website don't have N320 load data. I know VV has some, but I was hoping to locate some printed sources -- any recommendations?
Click to expand...
Here is an ignorant question, does any of the European manuals cover vv load data. I have no idea, and their website is my only source of data for their powder.
 
VV Load Data help

So I’m still a newbie reloader when it comes to figuring out what loads to use when bullet specific data isn’t available.

Specifically, I wanted some load data for VV N340 and 3N37 for coated bullets. I do know you can use lead and plated as a starting point, but I had a few minutes and sent some questions directly to VV at this link:

https://www.vihtavuori.com/resources/contact-form/

I received this answer in under 2 hours:

“Buzz,
For "coated" and 'plated" bullets . We suugest that you use CAST LEAD BULLET load data .
Warning!
Recipients of load data and/or product technical support from Capstone Precision Group LLC, assume all risk, responsibility, and liability for any injuries (including death), losses or damage to persons or property (including consequential damages), arising from the use of any load data or product, whether occasioned by seller's negligence or not. Capstone Precision Group LLC, neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume liability in connection with the use of any data or product provided.

Always begin load development by using the minimum load data and approach maximum load data with extreme caution, as all rifles and reloading techniques differ. CAUTION: If you substitute or change any components (including lot numbers for different powder, brass, bullets, and/or primers), you must restart the load development process by returning to the minimum published load.

Use the FIOCCHI LTC 180gr ( ead truncated cone = swc) for the 40 S&W here;
Handgun reloading data | Loads for pistol calibers | Handloads | Pistol powders | Reload your own ammo - Vihtavuori

For the 10mm use the BERRYS HOLLOWPOINT bullet load data here: Handgun reloading data | Loads for pistol calibers | Handloads | Pistol powders | Reload your own ammo - Vihtavuori

For the .45 ACP 230gr USE THE BERRYS 230 HYB HP bullet here: Handgun reloading data | Loads for pistol calibers | Handloads | Pistol powders | Reload your own ammo - Vihtavuori

In all three cases you MAY HAVE TO ADJUST THE COAL of your round for reliable feeding of the cartridge in your auto pistols.

Take care,
Phil Hoham
Technical Support “


I’m pretty impressed with the response time…and the info is solid.
 
Walkalong said:
AA #2 will also do almost anything N-320 will, just not as clean. I liked Sport Pistol when I tried it in 9MM, but it will never replace N-320 for me.
Click to expand...

Out of curiosity why?
I've burnt about 10lbs of sport pistol but never any VV powders.
I found SP to be very clean and soft recoil impulse, now am out of SP and been using ramshot silhouette.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

L
  • Locked
Vihtavuori powders
2
Replies
25
Views
3K
Walkalong
Walkalong
L
  • Locked
Which VihtaVuori Powder do I want to try for 45 ACP?
Replies
6
Views
3K
Ol` Joe
O
T
  • Locked
Powder Choice
Replies
19
Views
1K
Longbow
L
P
  • Locked
Vihtavuori N110 powder
Replies
3
Views
1K
gonoles_1980
gonoles_1980
G
  • Locked
What VihtaVuori Powder Do You Recommend for 9mm-124gr and 147gr
Replies
6
Views
2K
lordpaxman
L
Back
Top