N320 with 230gr Jacketed Bullets

[alzo]

I have asked this question elsewhere, so I thought I'd ask here as well.

Are any of you using N320 to get to 850fps in 45acp with a 230gr jacketed bullet (either FMJ or JHP) ? I currently use 6.2gr of N340 for this type of load, but was wondering if N320 would be "better" in any way. For example might it burn more completely, or recoil less.

In my guns, N310 gets me to 800fps without exceeding VV's max charge, so it seems that N320 should be able to get me to 850fps with no problem. For those of you who have tried these pwders, I'd be interested in hearing your 2 cents' worth. Thanks.

 

[Walkalong]

N320 is very good in the .45ACP, especially if you want loads around the top.

N310 is a bit fast for it and snappier than N320 when the velocities get up. Great for light target loads.

If you are getting 800 FPS with a 230 Gr. Jacketed bullet you are getting more from N310 than my guns can without going over the recommended data online. N320 is definitely a better choice to get to 800 FPS, much less 850 FPS.

http://www.lapua.com/fileadmin/user_upload/esitteet/HandgunReloadingData2006.pdf

 

[alzo]

Yes, I must have "fast barrels". 4.2gr of N310 gives me an average 800fps out of my 5" 1911's.

6.2gr of N340 gives me an average of about 860fps in the same guns.

 

[Walkalong]

I got a little over 700 FPS with a Berry's 230 Pltd RN in a 4" barrel so I am not too far behind that, but I would not try to get to 850 FPS in a 5" barrel with it.

Vihtavuori's Second Edition reloading manual shows higher max loads with N320, N340 & N350 than the online data shows, but they do not list N310 Data for the .45 ACP with any bullet weight. My point is, MAYBE, JUST MAYBE you could go over .2 grs with N310 and be OK. ( ) , but it still won't get you to 850 FPS and N320 or N340 is a MUCH better choice for doing so.

N320 will get you to 850 FPS with less recoil than N340. That is how it feels in my gun to me at least. N340 seemed to give a lot of recoil for velocity compared to other powders I tried in the .45.

 

[cherryriver]

Just to add-
I've stopped using 340 altogether in .45 after doing a fairly careful test of five different powders in that caliber.
With loads all chronoing within 30fps of one another and in the same gun, 340 produced way the most felt recoil. Unique was not far behind.
VV310 and WST were tied for the least, but WST seems to allow a bit more leeway on getting the power level up without trouble.
My standard 230gr load (using Rainier plated, instead of jacketed, which are similar) of 4.6gr of WST in summer goes about 750; I've had no trouble with 5.0gr and getting close to hardball numbers.
And it's a lot nicer to shoot than Winchester White Box.
Bill

 

[Walkalong]

WST does work very well, as does Ramshot's Competition.

WST, WSF, AA #2, AA #5, N310, N320 are my favorite .45 ACP powders.

 

[alzo]

Well, I've got some N320 and some Ramshot ZIP on the way. I'll get to try both. I expect the N320 to work just fine. I am curious to see how the ZIP performs at these velocities. Thanks to all for your comments/insights.

 

[Walkalong]

If velocity is what you are after, try some Competiton. Let us know how the N320 and Zip work out.

 

[alzo]

I finally got a chance to chrono my test loads with the N320 and ZIP today. It was about 50 deg F and the chronograph was 10 feet from the muzzle. All loads were with Zero 230gr JHP loaded to COL of 1.21". SD's with ZIP were in the upper teens, and in the mid to upper 20's with N320.

N320:

4.7gr 746fps
4.9gr 772fps
5.1gr 806fps
5.3gr 848fps



ZIP:

5.3gr 773fps
5.5gr 806fps
5.7gr 831fps
5.9gr 855fps


The 5.9gr load of ZIP showed some firing pin swipe marks on the primers, but all the other loads looked normal. The ZIP definitely burned cleaner than W231, but as expected, the N320 was the cleanest by far. ZIP looks and meters very much like W231. It is just a bit lighter in color than 231. Accuracy with both powders was excellent. I always prefer the Vihtavuori powders, but there was really nothing to complain about with the ZIP either.

 

[KI.W.]

.45 ACP 230 grs FMJ RN Hornady

VihtaVuori: test barrel 6". 16" twist trim to lenght .893" C.O.L. 1,260" N-310 3,7grs 719fps and 4,2grs 771fps. N-320 4,9grs 784fps and 5,2grs 850f. N-340 5,9grs 830fps and 6,4grs 912fps. N-350 6,7grs 845fps and 7,2grs 920fps. Those from VihtaVuori Reloading Guide 2006.

 

[cherryriver]

I'll testify to the 310 data.
I put up a few hundred rounds of the Rainier 230s with 4.2gr 310 and got right about 775fps in a Government Model.
It's louder than an equivalent load with Winchester WST (about 4.6-4.7gr) and kicks harder, so I'll be staying with WST.
Bill