Advice Request - Vihta Vuori

[K22]

Been reading several threads on here regarding Vihta Vuori powders. Would like advice on choosing a powder for 223 Rem Bolt rifles, 12" and 8" twist, 50-55 Nosler BT bullet for the former, 60 Vmax for the latter.

Looking for an alternative to Varget and H4895 since local shops are constantly in short supply of these powders but seem to always have Vihta Vuori.

Studying the data it appears that either N133 or N135 might be the ticket. Would appreciate advice from those of you with experience using the brand of powder in the 223 Rem. bolt rifles for precision shooting. Thanks.

 

[jelenko]

I think n133 is better suited [i.e., faster] than n135.
I'm using n135 for 60 and 69 grain loads in 223 with good accuracy.

 

[Laurie]

N133 is ideal for 50-55s. For 60gn and a bit heavier, it still works, but N135 becomes better the more weight rises above 60gn. (Full charges of N135 can be heavily compressed though.) Above 75gn switch to N140.

 

[dusterdave173]

N133 is like pixie dust for 223 and 55g and less bullets with the 53gVmax it really shines

 

[SeabeeKen]

I shot UBR with a 223 last year. In my testing with 52 gr Bergers, N-135 shot best in this 40X rifle 14 twist. It didnt like N-133 all that much. I placed 13th nationally in modified with only 10 matches.
With that said, my AR-15 prefers N-133 with 52 gr in the 8 twist. I'd test with both to see what yours likes.

 

[Rank Amateur]

N-130 also works very well if you have that on hand.

 

[jwv2001]

There are a bunch of alternative powders for the .223. N133 is one but also Ramshot Xterminator, and Tac, CFE 223, BL-C(2), H322, H335, 10X. I've used all of these to good effect. You should be able to find one of these available.

 

[Bronsin]

I have used and really liked N133 in the .223, but I was only using like 24.6grs with a 55gr bullet. For 60gr and up bullets, and a better case fill with 50-55gr, I feel N135 would be the better choice.

 

[McGrew]

I have only tried N135 in my 1/9 twist 223 with 69 grain SMK, but can say it works great. Danny

 

[Doom]

I have had great success with N135 in 223 with 52 gr Bergers. If definitely will give great case fill. Velocities might be slightly lower than N133. I get about 3300 fps with 25.4 gn. Pretty much 100% fill.

 

[Benchrest Braxton]

n133 is magic with 50-55gr bullets.

i'd tell you what speeds i am getting with 53's out of my factory remington 26" 12 twist but i usually get yelled at for posting "dangerous loads" (even though i've had friends shoot my reloads in their rifles with no issues as well).

my advice is follow vihts load data to start and work up in 0.2gr increments.

i have a completely full case and i get very good es/sd being towards the upper end of pressure.

 

[K22]

Thanks to all who have offered their experiences, very helpful. I am probably going to try N135 first since I am seeking one powder that will work well with primarily 55 to 60 grain bullets.

I am moving away from 50 grain bullet in my 12" twist varmint rifles since the 55's just shoot better, have better wind resistance and retained energy past 200 yards

 

[Timon]

I’ve been shooting 52 SMK’s, with a 12 twist and N133 now for a good while and it’s truly like “magic dust” in my rifle. I started with H335, then went to Benchmark and stopped at the N133, it’s shot the best of the bunch with the 52’s. Also, if you’re comparing Benchmark and N133, the N133 is like $10 cheaper a pound at most places, over the Benchmark.

 

[COLT45SA]

My 12 twist Ruger 77 likes the V133 and of course bullets under 50gr.

 

[jelenko]

comparing Benchmark and N133, the N133 is like $10 cheaper a pound

Just a few years ago VV powders were the 'cadillac' - much more expensive.

 

[barefooter56]

Been reading several threads on here regarding Vihta Vuori powders. Would like advice on choosing a powder for 223 Rem Bolt rifles, 12" and 8" twist, 50-55 Nosler BT bullet for the former, 60 Vmax for the latter.

Looking for an alternative to Varget and H4895 since local shops are constantly in short supply of these powders but seem to always have Vihta Vuori.

Studying the data it appears that either N133 or N135 might be the ticket. Would appreciate advice from those of you with experience using the brand of powder in the 223 Rem. bolt rifles for precision shooting. Thanks.

See VV POWDER WEBSITE HERE: https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloadin...wboy-action-shooting/#/imperials/1/7/-1/-1/-1

 

[BULLET 05]

looked for a good load in my CZ 223 using 52 grain Berger. N133 was the easy winner. Plus it is a cleaner burning powder. I never tried 135.

 

[Benchrest Braxton]

looked for a good load in my CZ 2233 using 52 grain Berger. N133 was the easy winner. Plus it is a cleaner burning powder. I never tried 135.

i'm already at a full case of n133 with 53 vmax/varmageddon so i have no desire to try n135, although i got a bunch here so maybe i'll try it to see, i can't imagine it giving me better speeds though

 

[JT27]

I’ve had really good luck with n140 and R-15 with the lighter bullets. Goes against conventional thinking, I know. But up around 27g of either with 52g SGK or 55g SBK produce bug holes going 3250fps.

 

[ELR LVR]

I’ve had really good luck with n140 and R-15 with the lighter bullets. Goes against conventional thinking, I know. But up around 27g of either with 52g SGK or 55g SBK produce bug holes going 3250fps.

Rl 15 works nice, good accuracy,
W-748 is my choice, with anything 50's up to 69's, a very forgiving accurate powder
748 does not seem Spikey in pressure, such as CFE-223 which another great powder but feels like the pressure spikes once you get to max