Vihtavuori 20N29 Rifle Powder

[Mark Palmer]

This powder is described as:

0N29 is a single-based, surface treated powder with grain dimensions of 2,3 mm length and 1,3 mm diameter. The burning rate is slower and grain size larger than those of the N100 series powders. 20N29 is primarily used in large caliber and magnum applications with heavy bullets and in long-range target shooting. It has also gained a good reputation when used eg. in .300 Lapua Magnum and .30-378 Weatherby Magnum.

My question here is if anybody has used this to work up loads on .223/5.56, .308, .30-30? I'm sure it can be done, just wonder if anybody has tried. With the powder shortages I'm wondering if it is time to experiment a bit.

 

[mac86951]

Hmm, doubtful you'll find anyone trying that combo. 20n29 is 50BMG powder, just about the slowest burning powder available.

Shortages what they are; I'm still able to find powders in the N130 - N540 burn rates, it's just a matter of being that "bid sniper" and grabbing a good one when you see it as they don't sit long. Also, try WC844 or WC846 if you're looking to branch out. Those powders take a little more precaution and load work-ups; but also are in the right burn rate range.

I believe Hodgson has published a smokeless powder burn rate chart; helpful when looking for alternates.

-Mac

 

[Mark Palmer]

Thanks. I'm not out of powder, still have some shelf product. I know the one mentioned is a long shot, but it's available. I guess I could load up with match heads if I had to.

 

[shoot4fun]

Thanks. I'm not out of powder, still have some shelf product. I know the one mentioned is a long shot, but it's available. I guess I could load up with match heads if I had to.

Unless you own something on the order of RUM, 338LM, Cheetah or 50BMG I would leave that powder on the shelf.
All sorts of possibilities enter my mind. Hang fires, bullets not leaving the barrel, extremely poor accuracy are just some of what I am thinking.

 

[Mark Palmer]

Well, that's the reason I asked. Thanks. I reload more for plinking than for MOA...not very anal about a lot of things, but I am safety conscious to the extreme.

Just scored eight pounds of IMR 3031 from reloadingeverything.com, by the way. It was a bit pricey, but at least I found it. Good general purpose powder for my needs. They had three left when I checked out.