[IMtheNRA]

Powder Valley shipped me 4 lbs of 320 instead of the 340 that I ordered. Should I go through the hassle of trying to return it or just use the powder?

My only concern is losing the shockingly accurate 9mm load that I've developed with Viht-340. I intend to use it only in my 9mm loads.

Would my guns even notice the difference? What do you think?

[rcmodel]

Pretty big differance in burn rate.

According to Lyman #49 Burn Rate chart:
N320 (#17) is three clicks faster then HP38/W231.
N340 (#33) is one click slower then Power Pistol.

I'd call Powder Valley and get a return call tag.

rc

[IMtheNRA]

Oh, I would never just substitute the powder without working up a load from start. I don't mind doing that, as reloading is fun hobby.

I was only worried about accuracy potential of 9mm loads with Viht-320 as compared to 340.

Frankly, I hope 320 works well, as I could get a significantly larger number of loads from a jug of this powder.

[ArchAngelCD]

I would also call Powder Valley and get a return tag. Those 2 powders are nothing alike.

If you have proof they shipped the wrong powder they will have to cover all the shipping and hasmat fees.

[bds]

Should I go through the hassle of trying to return it or just use the powder?
I would just use the powder and let Powder Valley know of the mistake.

I use N320 like W231/HP-38 for 9mm and 40S&W but with higher velocities. It is a great (no, awesome) powder for loading lighter target loads too.

PM Walkalong as he has good loads for both N320 and N340.

[rem1858]

This may help you in your decision.

http://www.lapua.com/en/products/reloading/vihtavuori-reloading-data/relodata/6/34

I use N340 myself for my service pistol loads.
Would have no problems with N330 either.
N320 is a bit different.
Why reinvent the wheel when you already have a good load developed for your pistol :)

[Otto]

Should I go through the hassle of trying to return it or just use the powder?

You can't send it back because you're not a Hazmat shipper.
PV screwed up one of my powder orders once before but they made it right.

N320 is an excellent powder in 9mm (Angus Hobdell from CZ shoots it exclusively). It works great in 45acp too.

Personally, I'd keep it...but I'd also let Bryan at PV know about the mix-up.

[Walkalong]

N320 works great in 9MM for light to medium plus loads. N340 will get more velocity and take advantage of carbine length barrels where N320 will not.

I shot some N320 9MM loads this afternoon checking out my installation of an EGW over sized FPS and an Ed Brown extractor. I cut a short radius on the FPS, then fit the FPS to the slide and then the extractor to the FPS. No slop now. Before the extractor had so much front to back play it would "tink" back and forth if you shook the gun. It worked with full loads, but was erratic with light loads and in sometimes never got the case out of the gun. Worked like a champ today. Thumbs up.

3.9 Grs N320, X-Treme 124 Gr HP loaded @ 1.060 OAL. WSP primer. (Anywhere from 3.8 to 4.0 works great)

At 88 Degrees with 45% RH it gave:

Hi=1084....Lo-1072....Avg=1079....ES=12....SD=4

Shooting clay pigeons on the berm at 35+ yards was a breeze.

This load is safe in my guns using my load technique. Use at your own risk.

You might consider keeping it and ordering another jug of N340. It depends on what you want to do in 9MM. If you want more velocity, and especially if you want to take advantage of longer carbine barrels, you want N340.


It works great in 45acp too. Sure does, but then again, so does N340.

[SlicLee]

Powder Valley did the same to me with VV 320, they shipped 2 4 pound 320 instead of 2 8 pound Clays, told me I couldnt send powder back, was the second time and the last time I use them, they dont care.

[fields]

If you charged it, and can prove they sent the wrong powder, call the credit card company and stop the transaction. Powder Valley may listen to you.

[JLDickmon]

I'd send it back, just because it wasn't what you ordered.. if they don't take it back, send it to me. I'll use it..

[GT1]

Totally unacceptable mistake.

I would have called them up asap so they could make it right.

[1SOW]

IMtheNRA, You're not going to believe this; but I ordered n320 and got n340 from PV. I load for 9mm comp, minor PF with 124/125gr bullets.

Vit n320 is an excellent powder for 9mm up into mid-range, but doesn't work well for hotter loads. That's where a slower powder will do a better job.
n320 with a 124gr bullet at 1040-1075 fps is outstanding. Soft, clean and cool burning.

Where do you live, I'll trade in a heartbeat.

PV has a posted note on their front page, saying you can't return gunpowder.

[GT1]

It doesn't matter if they don't take the wrong powder back, as long as they make it right be sending the correct powder or refunding in full.

[Walkalong]

n320 with a 124gr bullet at 1040-1075 fps is outstanding. Soft, clean and cool burning.Yep.

Since they made the mistake, they should make it right. The problem is the hazmat, but they can overcome that. At a substantial loss, but hey, it was their mistake. IMO.

[IMtheNRA]

Hey everybody, thanks a lot for your advice on this! I decided to keep the powder. For one thing, I've never found a Viht powder that I did not like, and frankly, I'm looking forward to the fun process of experimenting with N-320 to find an accurate and clean-burning 9mm load using 115-gr FMJ (pistols only).

Since 9mm pistol loads were my intended use, it looks like Powder Valley's mistake might turn out well after all, and who knows - I might end up with a new fave powder that yields about 25% more loads per pound :)

[john16443]

delete

[rem1858]

IMNRA;

So you will gain about 100 loads per pound of powder.

Now you have to start all over with different loads until you find one that is just as or more accurate than your previous load.

Yah, I remember those days of experimenting with a half dozen powders and loading unknown amounts of different loads to come up with the best in my pistol.

Those days are gone, I stick with what works and if someone sent me the wrong powder I would be trading or ...

I hope you find a good load and if you do please post it with your pistol and your shooting discipline.

Clarence

[1SOW]

Quote:
n320 with a 124gr bullet at 1040-1075 fps is outstanding. Soft, clean and cool burning.

Yep.

Since they made the mistake, they should make it right. The problem is the hazmat, but they can overcome that. At a substantial loss, but hey, it was their mistake. IMO.


I emailed them using their 'contact us' page on the site and haven't recieved a reply.
I'll try calling. :mad:

rem1858, 4.0-4.1 grs of n320 under a 124/125gr jacketted bullet is a popular combo in USPSA production class (minor PF). I have shot a 500rd all day match and my CZ was a little sooty (wipe off with a rag), but still ready to go. The powder is 'single based', has a good load range (forgiving), not temp or position sensitive and burns very cool. At these lower velocities it's the cleanest burning powder going with no muzzle blast or flash. You can check on the benos forum for similar comments. It''s also used in other calibers up to 45ACP for light loads. I know an active GM limited shooter (major PF) who uses it for 40 cal. (this surprised me)
Zero 125gr JHP, MG124 CMJ, MG 124JHP, Berry's 124 HBRN all run really well with this powder in a CZ 4.72" bbl at around 130PF/1040-1050ish fps.

[rem1858]

1SOW;

My discipline with the 9mm is a Beretta 92fs built with a KKM barrel(1 in 32 twist).
Service pistol at 50 and 25 yards one handed.

My load and test target are below.

The target below is at 50 yards one handed.

http://http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=164966&stc=1&d=1337827768

[JLDickmon]

For one thing, I've never found a Viht powder that I did not like,

'atta boy...