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VihtaVuori Powder Discussion

Thanks for putting that up - a very interesting study.

I'm currently writing up my IMR-4166 findings as part of my H4895 alternatives feature, and it is a strange (and in my view) not entirely successful powder. At least in the 223 with 77gn bullets, that is. Overall, results can be very good, but it ends up short on MVs. Looking at IMR 'Enduron' powders' loads for various cartridges in reloading manuals, there is definitely a trend there, especially for 4166 and 4955. As a result, most competition shooting users won't regard them as suitable alternatives for H4895, VarGet, and H4831/4831sc especially. Handloader magazine found similar results too in their tests.

This may be academic anyway as Hodgdon has withdrawn the entire range of five powders for 'production difficulties'. There is a definite lack of mention among potential users though, which makes me wonder how well they sold prior to their removal even in a time of powder shortages.

The other odd thing about 4166 was that when I researched 223 loads data, only Hodgdon itself offered any. Lyman No.51 has added it since for a few heavier bullet weights. Both Hodgdon and Lyman data gave very low maximum charges and also very low MVs in this application compared to its neighbours in burning rate charts, and this for a modern powder with it's said ~10% nitroglycerine content. It also appears to be lacking in the claimed enhanced temperature stability from the above exercises in your link. (The PRS people said very early on that 4451 wasn't a patch on H4350 in this regard too.)
So would it stand to reason then ; That the IMR 4166 would also maintain that same stability factor to Varget as the Temperature went higher ? Such as here in Arizona in the 105 to 110 temp areas ?
 
I’ve only used the slower rifle powders
N165 is close to H4831ssc, both fantastic
N170 nice H1000 alternative.
N565 is similar to R26
N570 is awesome for the bigger magnums cases like my 338 edge.
I've used N140, grain for grain as a Varget alternative in my 308 Tac rifles. Discovered this during the first Varget scarcity many years ago. Works great pushing 175MKs at a 1000y.
 
I want my cake and eat it too. Something that works across the board like H4198. VV could sell a fair bit, contrary to Hodgdons thoughts and ideas of who uses H4198.
VV is a bargain at today’s standards and cost. I am moving over to what I use a lot of as I run out.
A friend gave me about 3lb of 135 I need to test drive in some thing.
 
I love this type of thread. They offer real information. Thanks all posters.

Also I tested N555 when I could not find H4350 for my 6.5 CM. I would use it anytime. I had a big back order come thru on H4350. At the time N555 was about $5 per pound higher (I believe that has changed now), so I stuck with H4350
 
How temperature stable do you guys find VihtaVuori? Or how much do you see it vary in temps around 30-80 degrees? Thank you
 
I've used N-133 in my Sako 6mm PPC. So far I would say it is " The" powder for that cartridge. I have also used N-135 and N-140 in my 6mm Br. Both work real good, but I would give the nod to N-135. I've been trying to find a substute for AR-Comp in my Br. I would like to rid myself of all the Alliant powders if I can. Just too hard to source where I live. The Vit powders are much more available where I live.
 

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