Vihtavuori Powder Equivalents

[xswanted]

Hi guys,

I have zero experience with Vihtavuori powders.

I’m considering trying some for a 223 AI using 85.5 Bergers where I’m currently running H4895

What powder from Vihtavuori would be a good one to try? N530, N540, N140 N150?

Thanks in advance

 

[jpretle]

The 540 would be the one to use.

 

[ShootDots]

@jpretle hit the nail right on the head! It would be perfect!

 

[BenPerfected]

@jpretle hit the nail right on the head! It would be perfect!

Brownells has the 540 in stock

 

[mr45man]

N133

 

[Bill Norris]

+ 1 / N133

 

[Marksman63]

N135

 

[Scrumbag]

Not quite as heavy but N140 for me is good in 73gr Hornady ELD-M and is very well liked for the the heavier bullets in .223 Rem over here in the UK where Viht is widely used.

Have fun!

Scrummy

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Not quite as heavy but N140 for me is good in 73gr Hornady ELD-M and is very well liked for the the heavier bullets in .223 Rem over here in the UK where Viht is widely used.

Have fun!

Scrummy

That’s good to know! Vihtavuori literature says that N135 is good for 60-69 grain bullets in .223 Rem, is that what you see over there too? Thanks.

 

[dskogman]

I used N140 for 80gr Match Kings a few years ago. Shot very well.

 

[Ranger188]

I use N140 with the 77g TMK.
Good case fill

 

[Scrumbag]

That’s good to know! Vihtavuori literature says that N135 is good for 60-69 grain bullets in .223 Rem, is that what you see over there too? Thanks.

Yeah that will work just fine.

I have steered towards N140 because it will also go in my 257 Roberts for 100gr bullets but I know a good mate of mine uses N135 for his 65gr Sierra SBT hunting loads very happily. (If you look at Viht's data page there is quite a lot of crossover in .223 Rem with the N130-40 range of powders). I suspect pick the one you like the look of and it will probably work well.

The only criticism you hear of Viht powder and data is that they are a bit conservative but they are nice and consistent so I don't see it as a huge problem personally.

What are you planning on loading?

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Yeah that will work just fine.

I have steered towards N140 because it will also go in my 257 Roberts for 100gr bullets but I know a good mate of mine uses N135 for his 65gr Sierra SBT hunting loads very happily. (If you look at Viht's data page there is quite a lot of crossover in .223 Rem with the N130-40 range of powders). I suspect pick the one you like the look of and it will probably work well.

The only criticism you hear of Viht powder and data is that they are a bit conservative but they are nice and consistent so I don't see it as a huge problem personally.

What are you planning on loading?

Thanks Scrumbag! I’m shooting a 223 8 twist with Sierra 69 grain MK.

 

[mgdietrich]

N140 is what you want to start with.

 

[xswanted]

Seems like the general consensus is either 140 or 540

I may try both to see.

 

[Ranger188]

Just remember, you will get a little more speed with the 500 series of powders
but they are hard on barrels. (burn very hot)

 

[Jeffrey Tooker]

Yeah that will work just fine.

I have steered towards N140 because it will also go in my 257 Roberts for 100gr bullets but I know a good mate of mine uses N135 for his 65gr Sierra SBT hunting loads very happily. (If you look at Viht's data page there is quite a lot of crossover in .223 Rem with the N130-40 range of powders). I suspect pick the one you like the look of and it will probably work well.

The only criticism you hear of Viht powder and data is that they are a bit conservative but they are nice and consistent so I don't see it as a huge problem personally.

What are you planning on loading?

I just got about 14# of VV N 140 out of an estate sale for a very good price, some primers too. I am going to try it in 6 BR and BRA, 105 gr class bullets out of 8 twist barrels. I am down to about 4# of Varget. VV N 140 is supposed to be a good equivalent, I have a 4064 load that I am still tuning, that is working pretty well. It may be a good while until Varget, H-4350, and primers are readily available again. So I am trying to work up acceptable substitutes.

Jeffrey

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

N140 will sing in that BRA with a 105gr

 

[Scrumbag]

Thanks Scrumbag! I’m shooting a 223 8 twist with Sierra 69 grain MK.

That will work. Popular combo over here.

 

[Scrumbag]

I just got about 14# of VV N 140 out of an estate sale for a very good price, some primers too. I am going to try it in 6 BR and BRA, 105 gr class bullets out of 8 twist barrels. I am down to about 4# of Varget. VV N 140 is supposed to be a good equivalent, I have a 4064 load that I am still tuning, that is working pretty well. It may be a good while until Varget, H-4350, and primers are readily available again. So I am trying to work up acceptable substitutes.

Jeffrey

Because of the REACH regulations (Basically what chemicals the EU Public can be exposed to) tightening, there have been quite a lot of "useful" powders being banned - Varget is one. There is quite a lot of discussion on the UK forums about suitable substitutes for Varget. N140 is one and Ramshot TAC is considered another.