I have managed to get some Rimrock Cast 230 gn RN .451 bullets for my 45. I also have 4lb of Vihtavouri N320 I would like to use . I have not found published data yet for this load. So what is the best way to proceed ? I was thinking about using Data for Berrys bullets from Vihtavouri which has a starting load of 4.6 gains. Dose the group think this is OK ? What is the rule when going from jacketed to cast bullets ? I know they cause more friction so should I reduce by 10% and work up or will a slower bullet be more likely to get stuck in the barrel ? I have Federal Primers . Cases will be mixed .Thank you for your advise.
230 gn 45ACP using N320
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Dudedog
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You might try sending VV an email and ask them if they have any data for lead 230s with N320.
I have emailed them and got a response fairly quick.
Nothing to loose by asking other than the time to send an email....
If you go to their web site there is contact info.
I have emailed them and got a response fairly quick.
Nothing to loose by asking other than the time to send an email....
If you go to their web site there is contact info.
Yep did that. I did get a hard copy of their published Data but no answer for my question.
Thank you I
Thank you I won't .
Sefuller5741
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Can I ask when/when you got the powder? I would love to try some N320 or Clays for my 45 reloads, but can't find either.
We'll expect a range report, hopefully with velocities.
I ordered it March 4th from Grafs. Got lucky and checked the Website at the right time. I usually check them,Midway and Midsouth once a day. Also managed some 3031 and Leverevolutions recently .
I am sure we can make that happenWe'll expect a range report, hopefully with velocities.
VV N320 is good stuff. Very much so like TiteGroup for loads, but burns cleaner and cooler. Produces nice smooth recoil impulse for heavier for caliber bullets like 147s in 9mm and 230s for 45. Once my TiteGroup is gone, Ill be switching over to it.
Was going to be my suggestion as well!
Having a chrono and working up to about a max of 800 fps is about it. Youll have a hard time getting more than that safely.
That is exactly where I want to be . and yes I have a chrono to make sure they don't violate any speed laws .
lordpaxman
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@CWTISME , welcome to THR!
I think you’ll like N320, it meters well even though it’s a stick, burns clean and the recoil impulse is soft. More importantly I like it’s linear property - velocity vs charge weight. VV has been adding different bullets, they do have a free app to make it easier to get the data if you’re not near a browser.
For my 230gr lead RN workup I used the LOS data and even though it’s a plated bullet all my load development with N320 has shown the start load very conservative. That’s through a P220. The suggestion of 4.6 should be very safe, I would only add don’t load up too many at that charge before testing. I am surprised to see they size to .451 and not .452, but you may not see any difference depending on your bore. Good luck.
I think you’ll like N320, it meters well even though it’s a stick, burns clean and the recoil impulse is soft. More importantly I like it’s linear property - velocity vs charge weight. VV has been adding different bullets, they do have a free app to make it easier to get the data if you’re not near a browser.
For my 230gr lead RN workup I used the LOS data and even though it’s a plated bullet all my load development with N320 has shown the start load very conservative. That’s through a P220. The suggestion of 4.6 should be very safe, I would only add don’t load up too many at that charge before testing. I am surprised to see they size to .451 and not .452, but you may not see any difference depending on your bore. Good luck.
Yep, load two or three
Griffen
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N320 has proven to be an excellent powder for me. I used it under 185gr Nosler competition hollow points and had rounds that shot extremely consistent. At 15 yards, you could cut the red center out of a silhouette target every time. The Chrony showed tight velocity range from 940 to 1005 FPS.
That's great stuff. The 185 Gr Zero also shoots very well at a more modest price point.
ImjinScout85
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I use a lot of VVN320 and I have found that most of their load data is pretty conservative. I think that 4.6 is a little light for the 230 gr. bullet. If you look at their load data for the 230 gr. FMJ Sierra they suggest 5.1 to 5.9 at a OAL of 1.268. Not sure what OAL you load your 45ACP to but I load mine to 1.250.
Range report for Vihtavouri N320 4.6 grains using RimRock 230 gn LRN Fed, LP primer in a 6 inch Springfield V16 Longslide 45 Super
I weighted my RimRock bullets and had difficulty finding some that weighed 230 gns as most were quite a bit under. I did find 5 that weighted exactly 230 and 5 more that went 230.5. I Used TZZ Match military brass that has been fired multiple times and Federal 150 primers. Loading each with exactly 4.6 grains Of VV N320
The 230 gn bullets Chronoed at 698,675,737,709,759 for a 5 shot average of 715.6 fps then 230.5 were 675,687,676,714,717 for an average of 693.8 and a 10 shot average of 704.7
The biggest problem is that brass was not being throw far enough away I had a stove pipe and one piece of brass hit my arm. This most likely is because of the heavy 45 super springs. I will move up to 5.0 or maybe 5.2
Published Data from Vihtavouri using the berry’s bullet says 748 with 4.6 grains of N320 so I am a little below that.
Comments Welcome
I weighted my RimRock bullets and had difficulty finding some that weighed 230 gns as most were quite a bit under. I did find 5 that weighted exactly 230 and 5 more that went 230.5. I Used TZZ Match military brass that has been fired multiple times and Federal 150 primers. Loading each with exactly 4.6 grains Of VV N320
The 230 gn bullets Chronoed at 698,675,737,709,759 for a 5 shot average of 715.6 fps then 230.5 were 675,687,676,714,717 for an average of 693.8 and a 10 shot average of 704.7
The biggest problem is that brass was not being throw far enough away I had a stove pipe and one piece of brass hit my arm. This most likely is because of the heavy 45 super springs. I will move up to 5.0 or maybe 5.2
Published Data from Vihtavouri using the berry’s bullet says 748 with 4.6 grains of N320 so I am a little below that.
Comments Welcome
ImjinScout85
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My standard load for 45ACP with N320 is 5.3/5.4gr. with a OAL of 1.250 and these work great in all my pistols. VV load data for the 230gr. Sierra FMJ is 5.1 to 5.9grs. with an OAL of 1.268. Since I load a little shorter the 5.3/5.4gr. comes in good for my pistols. I had the same problem you are having, the light loads were giving me stove pipes and not locking the slide back on last round. As always, start low and work up until you get the sweet spot your looking for. I didn't notice what is the OAL you are loading to?
lordpaxman
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It’s nice to hear range reports. How was the precision?
I’m almost always below VV published velocity, but as suggested, a few at 4.8 and 5.0, chrono them and check to see if velocity increase is fairly linear. Good luck.
Klaatu Barada Nikto
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I've found N320 is very similar to Win 231 except a lot more expensive, higher pressure, cleaner but similar performance with heavier projectiles.
I usually run RN 230g at 1.235" and 5.2g of powder. Runs about 820FPS. Start the VV at about 4.9 and 1.250 and check the FPS. If slow drop the COL .010" and test again. Should be a good starting point.
I usually run RN 230g at 1.235" and 5.2g of powder. Runs about 820FPS. Start the VV at about 4.9 and 1.250 and check the FPS. If slow drop the COL .010" and test again. Should be a good starting point.
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