N165 Powder question

[Hrsmn51]

I have been working up loads for a 243 win using 115 DTACs and recently tried VV N165. When working with the powder charges I noticed granules of different sizes and shapes some appear as splinters and pieces. Any one seen this before? Is this typical? The loads shot OK not spectacular and over the chromo there was 20-50 fps spread (4 shots). All loads were double weighed RCBS charge master and trickled up on RCBS 5/10. AVG group .6-.4 @ 100 yds.

This powder has produced the best groups VS h4350 & h100v but I am dubious of consistency with the kernels being nonuniform.

thanks
Harv

 

[dkhunt14]

The 20 to 50 spreads would be more then I want. It would not be good for long range shooting. That much spread would likely show vertical. Matt

 

[Hrsmn51]

Thanks for the reply. Groups showed some vertical but not as bad as I would have thought but I have not taken this load long range. This was the first time I purchased VV powder and was mostly curious if others have experienced the varied size granules?? I may have posted this in the wrong section??
Harv

 

[Leeman]

The description of the powder kernels is perfectly normal for Vit N165. I'm getting ES of 5fps, albeit with five shots, so probably not statistically significant, although at an 800 yard match yesterday the load kept a tight waterline elevation for 20 shots, probably in the region of 3"

Richard

 

[Hrsmn51]

Thanks Richard! That is encouraging. I had loaded up 50 rounds to try at longer distances before I asked the question. Now just have to wait out the wind gusts 40-60 mph the last 2 days.
Harv

 

[1shot]

I used that powder exclusively when I was shooting my 6SLR and 115 JLK bullets. But, like others have said, use what your system likes.
Lloyd