I have researched extensively on numerous forums and/or powder manufacturer sites regarding the umpteen various powders and loads. There have been stellar and mediocre personal reviews for each. I have settled on VihtaVuori powder(s), with Vectan as an alternate. The VihtaVuori information (seems to me) is generalized, or limited “hands on” comprehensive firing results. Vectan Ba9 ½ load data is almost nonexistent, even on the manufacturer site.
The High Road Forum has had the most posts over all regarding VihtaVuori powder(s), and that’s why I am here. I have questions.
My pistol is a S&W Model 19, 6” barrel, with the infamous K frame. In my younger days the hottest loads on the street were my goal(s). Age, knowledge and the wife & daughter wanting to shoot have tempered my thinking. Medium load .357 Magnum ammunition is not commercially mainstream; and I own reloading equipment. My K frame shows no signs of wear and/or damage, and should be able to handle .38 Special +P, or reduced .357 Magnum loads without issues. I believe the old FBI/Chicago or .38/44 loads would suit my needs for both the K frame and small stature shooters.
My choices are a Rim Rock Bullets’ 158gr Keith-style LSWC-HP/GC (BHN-5, soft) and VihtaVuori N340 powder. Looking for loads which generate 1000-1100fps. Cast bullets even with gas checks max out about 1150fps. LSWCHP expand at a minimum 800-850fps impact velocity.
Based on the data attachment (I hope it works), my questions are:
The High Road Forum has had the most posts over all regarding VihtaVuori powder(s), and that’s why I am here. I have questions.
My pistol is a S&W Model 19, 6” barrel, with the infamous K frame. In my younger days the hottest loads on the street were my goal(s). Age, knowledge and the wife & daughter wanting to shoot have tempered my thinking. Medium load .357 Magnum ammunition is not commercially mainstream; and I own reloading equipment. My K frame shows no signs of wear and/or damage, and should be able to handle .38 Special +P, or reduced .357 Magnum loads without issues. I believe the old FBI/Chicago or .38/44 loads would suit my needs for both the K frame and small stature shooters.
My choices are a Rim Rock Bullets’ 158gr Keith-style LSWC-HP/GC (BHN-5, soft) and VihtaVuori N340 powder. Looking for loads which generate 1000-1100fps. Cast bullets even with gas checks max out about 1150fps. LSWCHP expand at a minimum 800-850fps impact velocity.
Based on the data attachment (I hope it works), my questions are:
- Using N340 what would be the percentage of volume fill is required to exclude the concern of powder position?
- Has anyone test fired the stated cartridge with 6-7 gr of N340?
- Does anyone have primer and/or case deformation/damage information with this load?
- Does pressure information exist for medium load .357 Magnum loads?