New Vihtavuori Powder Released?

[Ccrider]

I just really hope if they do something, anything, to the powder please call it something else and keep the old ones. Like keep n133 exactly the way it is but make the new style like 2n133. If they “improve” the current powders people know by heart im afraid itll be the end of vihtavuori in benchrest since theres other choices now thats easy to use.

So, are most BR shooters using pre-2016 lots of N133? I ordered from Brownell several months ago and received 2015 lots.

Do you think the graphite and decoppering agent will change the burn rate of the powder?

 

[Bojo]

I wonder how much each kernel would gain in weight on average with the new additives? All burn rates being same a higher grain charge may be needed to get to the same node.

 

[SeabeeKen]

A few weeks ago I spoke with Jason Bruno (He is Lester's son) who stated that he spoke with the North American rep for Viht. According to the rep, some time during the first quarter of this year the NEW powder should hit our shores. I don't know who is making the stuff, but ALL of their NEW powders are the same "old" ones BUT made like RL-16 and RL-23! Makes me wonder if they are not coming from the same powder manufacturer??

Bofors of Sweden makes several Alliant reloder powders and they are awesome. Good accuracy and high velocity at low pressure. I've had great results with them

 

[Dusty Stevens]

So, are most BR shooters using pre-2016 lots of N133? I ordered from Brownell several months ago and received 2015 lots.

Do you think the graphite and decoppering agent will change the burn rate of the powder?

Yes and yes

 

[Ccrider]

Well. I bet there is a bunch of pre 2016 N133 still out there.

 

[SGK]

I would have to say the N100 series will usually be a bit more stable

So, having only used N530 with my .223 1:10 and 52gr Sierra HPBT MK in the UK, which 100 series for this rifle? I purchased 500 52 gr Hornady ELD-M thinking they would be better than the Sierra. (Maybe that was a poor decision.) I've no experience with FB style bullets. Shooting would be to 500 yards max.

I understand a 1:10 twist won't stabilise anything much heavier than about 55gr.

Hornady doesn't provide load data for N530 and Viht don't provide N530 load data for the Sierra HPBT yet HPS Target Rifle was supplying ammo with 25.3 grains of N530 at COAL 2.26".

 

[KevinThomas]

SGK,
The 1x10” should be adequate for anything up to (and probably including) those 69 HPBTs you mentioned. Close to the edge there, but if some of the variables in the equation line up in your favor, you should be good to go. As far as the data for N530 with the 52-53 grain bullets goes, it’s going to be quite similar between the various makes of bullets, simply because they are so similar in design and construction. In other words, there’s going to be a lot of overlap in that data. Starting with the lower loads done with one make of bullet, but substituting anothe very similar bullet, isn’t going to give you any major difficulty. The usual cautions apply, start low, work up slowly only as pressure signs dictate.

 

[barefooter56]

Yes and yes

Guys,
I have been looking at this string for awhile now. So I asked Jack Neary who is in our sales dept. and is a top benchrest shooter about your questions on if the addition of the de-coppering and graphite additives have affected the burn rates of our powders in any way. And especially in regards to the N-133. His reply
"
Hi Phil!


I can tell you for certain they do not!


Jack "

In regards to the N-133 QUESTION "
We (and most all powder manufactures) use graphite to coat their powder to help it meter properly.


I have used all N133 lots except for 2018 with little density differnces. The anti-coppering agent was added to all VV powders starting in January of 2015.


Jack Neary

 

[Ccrider]

So, putting what both reps said together, the anti copper additive started in 2015-2016. The new “advanced graphite” starts in 2019. Jack says there is some difference that he has noted in 2018 lots. And does not speak directly or indirectly to the 2019 lots with the new additive.

 

[Ccrider]

For what it’s worth, my inquiries were motivated mostly by me considering whether to purchase some older 2003 lots of N133 at a discount.

After weighing the pros and cons, I passed and went a different route. Although, I am pretty sure that the 2003 lots would have shot just fine.

 

[D Coots]

How about shelf life with the new powder?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

For what it’s worth, my inquiries were motivated mostly by me considering whether to purchase some older 2003 lots of N133 at a discount.

After weighing the pros and cons, I passed and went a different route. Although, I am pretty sure that the 2003 lots would have shot just fine.

If you can get some 03 its good stuff

 

[Ccrider]

If you can get some 03 its good stuff

Yea. 121bs for 200 bucks.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Yea. 121bs for 200 bucks.

Wow man thats the deal of the century. You cant pass that up

 

[Ccrider]

Wow man thats the deal of the century. You cant pass that up

12 lbs. Not 121.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Still a steal

 

[jimmymac]

So, putting what both reps said together, the anti copper additive started in 2015-2016. The new “advanced graphite” starts in 2019. Jack says there is some difference that he has noted in 2018 lots. And does not speak directly or indirectly to the 2019 lots with the new additive.

That’s not how I read it. I read it as if Jack hasn’t tried the 2018 powder lots.

 

[Ccrider]

That’s not how I read it. I read it as if Jack hasn’t tried the 2018 powder lots.

Ok. I agree that it can be read that way. Sort of ambiguous to me.

 

[Ccrider]

If Jack has not tried the 2018 powder I wonder if he has tried the 2019 powder.

 

[SGK]

SGK,
The 1x10” should be adequate for anything up to (and probably including) those 69 HPBTs you mentioned. Close to the edge there, but if some of the variables in the equation line up in your favor, you should be good to go. As far as the data for N530 with the 52-53 grain bullets goes, it’s going to be quite similar between the various makes of bullets, simply because they are so similar in design and construction. In other words, there’s going to be a lot of overlap in that data. Starting with the lower loads done with one make of bullet, but substituting anothe very similar bullet, isn’t going to give you any major difficulty. The usual cautions apply, start low, work up slowly only as pressure signs dictate.

Sorry my question was a little different. If I were to favour the 100 series as opposed to the 500 series which powder would be most appropriate/in line with N530? In any event, I exchanged messages with Sierra and they confirmed 1:10 should stabilise their 69 gr. Maybe I should move up to that in any event. I notice N130 drops off Viht's load data for the heavier bullets and so likely I should focus between N135 and N140.