I have messed with VV N330 for several months now in 9x19mm and .45ACP. I generally really like the powder, clean, well metering, and good precision. The one problem is I have an about 1 in 250 incidence of incomplete ignition. The powder is there, kinda gives a low whoosh! like a slow lighting blackpowder gun. Experienced with both calibers, loads are full power loads, with the 9mm being 1/10th down from VV book max. Never had a single problem with this in 15K rounds of these two calibers loaded with Titegroup. all other components are the same, so I can't suspect something like primer contamination since i never touch them.
Here's my theory.
N330 is a slow lighting powder. While burn rate is not terribly slow and comparable to very popular 9mm powders I think it reaches peak pressure slower. My basis for this is with some rather heavy loads the primer mark would be just a normal dimple whereas you see most factory ammo and fast powder reloads push the primer back giving a rectangular Glock indent. I think my use of plated bullets is exacerbating the situation since they are dead soft and obturate and start movement easier.
I think occasionally, enough pressure is never gained to get a complete light-off and thus the slow burn. No squib, the powder is there, a little unburnt in the bore, bullet leaves the bore but is much slower based on how it tears the paper and being a foot low at 25 yds. All guesses, but I have a bunch of jacketed bullets in these two calibers and I will run a test and see.
Loading on a 550, never had a squib or overcharge. I visually check for powder as I seat each bullet.
Win primers, Berry's bullets, mixed cases.
Any thoughts?
Here's my theory.
N330 is a slow lighting powder. While burn rate is not terribly slow and comparable to very popular 9mm powders I think it reaches peak pressure slower. My basis for this is with some rather heavy loads the primer mark would be just a normal dimple whereas you see most factory ammo and fast powder reloads push the primer back giving a rectangular Glock indent. I think my use of plated bullets is exacerbating the situation since they are dead soft and obturate and start movement easier.
I think occasionally, enough pressure is never gained to get a complete light-off and thus the slow burn. No squib, the powder is there, a little unburnt in the bore, bullet leaves the bore but is much slower based on how it tears the paper and being a foot low at 25 yds. All guesses, but I have a bunch of jacketed bullets in these two calibers and I will run a test and see.
Loading on a 550, never had a squib or overcharge. I visually check for powder as I seat each bullet.
Win primers, Berry's bullets, mixed cases.
Any thoughts?
