30BR with Benchmark

[Bob in WI]

As my limited supply of 4198 dwindles the search for a replacement is in process.
Having read the comments on the main forum Benchmark was mentioned from Mr Davidson so I figured I'd try it. My experience was no so inspiring. I got 36.6 grains in my case which filled my case to a familiar level I get with 4198, a tad above halfway up the neck. Velocitie for 2 rifles were way off par and I got 3 bullets diameters of vertical. Possibly that could be tuned out but hardly seems worth pursuing based on velocity...especially when other powders are better suited ..such as N130, which is where I will be heading.

 

[Bill Norris]

As my limited supply of 4198 dwindles the search for a replacement is in process.
Having read the comments on the main forum Benchmark was mentioned from Mr Davidson so I figured I'd try it. My experience was no so inspiring. I got 36.6 grains in my case which filled my case to a familiar level I get with 4198, a tad above halfway up the neck. Velocitie for 2 rifles were way off par and I got 3 bullets diameters of vertical. Possibly that could be tuned out but hardly seems worth pursuing based on velocity...especially when other powders are better suited ..such as N130, which is where I will be heading.

Yea, I think you will see much better velocities with VV-N130.

 

[steve210]

Lt 30 is good also but it is a tad on the pricey side

 

[SVT_Tactical]

N120 worked very well for me with the 115gr bergers but N130 does better for the 125gr clines I'm using now.

 

[Bob in WI]

Appreciate the insight..twist for the 125's? Did you check velocity of each ?

 

[Bob in WI]

Lt 30 is good also but it is a tad on the pricey side

Just a tad..$464.99 for 8lbs vs $329.99 for N130 I just ordered. Hodgdon seems to be going out of their way to get people to shop elsewhere..happy to oblige.

 

[AckleymanII]

I predict, you Ain't seen nothing yet!

 

[SVT_Tactical]

Appreciate the insight..twist for the 125's? Did you check velocity of each ?

I think I ran the 115s at 2950 or so, been a while since I loaded those once I got the clines. My barrel is a 14 twist.

 

[steve210]

I predict, you Ain't seen nothing yet!

I'm afraid you are correct!

 

[LCazador]

You might want to try H322, it's faster burning than Benchmark and would yield better velocity.

 

[Bob in WI]

You might want to try H322, it's faster burning than Benchmark and would yield better velocity.

Tried it.... .09 group and great velocity. Another white elephant..like 4198

 

[Bob in WI]

Tried it.... .09 group and great velocity. Another white elephant..like 4198

I have an 8lbs-er of N130 on the way. It has been suggested, a lot of people are doing very well with it and more and more match results are being posted as more people take Vihtavuori under their wing.

 

[SVT_Tactical]

Can't go wrong with it.

 

[FNSafari]

Yea, I think you will see much better velocities with VV-N130.

I used BM in my 30BR a long time ago IMO too slow. half way up the neck and low 2900's. was accurate tho. AS MENTIONED n130 IF U CAN FIND IT.

 

[Bob in WI]

I used BM in my 30BR a long time ago IMO too slow. half way up the neck and low 2900's. was accurate tho. AS MENTIONED n130 IF U CAN FIND IT.

have an 8lbs-er of N130 on the way. It has been suggested, a lot of people are doing very well with it and more and more match results are being posted as more people take Vihtavuori under their wing.

 

[Larry Koch]

Any Powder under the Hodgdon umbrella has been over priced in the last year, especially if there is a demand for it.

 

[Bob in WI]

Any Powder under the Hodgdon umbrella has been over priced in the last year, especially if there is a demand for it.

Exactly.
Will be interesting to see how they screw up the RCBS line of products they aquired.

 

[Websurfer]

Don’t overlook LT30. It’s available and is on many winners lists

 

[Bob in WI]

Don’t overlook LT30. It’s available and is on many winners lists

Something else Hodgdon owns..I am happy to welcome Vihtavuori in my reloading room.

 

[FNSafari]

have an 8lbs-er of N130 on the way. It has been suggested, a lot of people are doing very well with it and more and more match results are being posted as more people take Vihtavuori under their wing.

Exactly.
Will be interesting to see how they screw up the RCBS line of products they aquired.

Oh no! What a disappointment. I've contacted Hodgden several times with product questions. Zero responses. RCBS on the other hand, very customer centric.