Vita Vouri Powders & throat life

[Lucky]

I am told that these powders will increase barrel life or not cause throat erosion at the same rate as other powders. This seems a pretty broad statement to me but i would sure like to find out that it's true. Specifically i would be interested in comparing H4831sc with N560 or N160 In the 47 to 49 gr range.I currently shoot 48.3 gr h4831 in my 260 AI with 30" barrel. Would a comparable load with the VV powders be less erosive?Opinions?

 

[Gadget]

Hi Lucky
Try 48.3 g VV165, BR2's (140g pill range)
I would not like to make comment on longer life etc. but it is a cool burning powder, pump 10 rounds of your favorite powder through and feel or measure barrel temp, then do it with VV 165 it will speak for it's self.
I run it in .243 AI, .260AI, 7rsaum, I can still hold the barrel on the 7mm after a 20 shot match, I wouldn't like to hold it for long but I can, a mate uses 2213sc and I won't go near his barrel with the back of my hand.
Graham

 

[GLC]

Not sure if the barrel life thing is proven however This will only apply to some of the Vit range, N165 for example is one of the coolest burning powders available, I use it as much as I can in several cartridges, however if you go to the double based powders such as n560 then my personal opinion is they are harder on barrels, I would try 160 and maybe 165, in your 260, I also like and use H4831, not sure if there has been any proven test in additional barrel life, however I cannot see it being hundreds of rounds better? I say use what works and if Vit works then great but do not lose any sleep if 4831 gives the best accuracy.
Just my opinion, I am sure others will have something to say, good luck
Gary Costello UK.

 

[GLC]

My post just crossed with gadget's seems like we are on the same track!

 

[GLC]

Hi Gadget,
What load do you run in the saum, I could not get the velocity with 165 when I tried it, ended up with H4831.

 

[Lucky]

Thanks guys. Gadget, we have talked before as you may remember. you suggested the same thing then. i did try the N165 but it was with the factory savage barrel which i ultimately changed out with a Kreiger. I suspect i might need a little more of the N165 to achieve the same velocity ? ? ? My current load of 48.3 of 4831sc is about the max without throating deeper. i sure do like the idea of cooler burning if i can get the speed this barrel seems to like. Im going to try the N165 again and maybe some N160 too. I have pretty much settled on SMK 142 for my F class loads & 140 A-Max for shooting steel silohuet, cheaper & it doesn't matter where you hit it as long you knock it down Thanks again to all for the info, especially re N560. i did not realize it was double base.

 

[Shynloco]

Lucky,
I'll throw this out for your consideration just in case it helps with your 142 SMK's. I shoot a 6.5 having a Hart MG barrel and tested 140 Berger VLD's and the SMK 142's using both VVN 150 & VVN160. The Bergers are now history as the Sierra's are what my baby likes. Now I use VV powder in other rifles and I cannot atest to throat life savings, but will say the VV powder are very cleaning burning and leave less residue than say Varget that is really a dirty burn. But on the SMK 142's, I've switched over to IMR 4350 and getting some notably better groups than either the VV powders did for my rifle @ 100 yds using 43 grs with five shot groups that a dime would cover easily. Now I'm still testing for the "sweet" load, but you might want to consider taking a look at the H4350 or IMR 4350 powders as well, as some of my friends with both the 260's and 6.5's are getting some very nice tight grouping with this powder. Info only.