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TKHover

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I've been using Unique for 9mm, .38 spl, & .357 mag. I also use V340 for .45acp. I've been happy with the results for all of these. However, because Unique is so inconsistent in metering and the VihtaVuori meters so nicely, I'm thinking os switching to VihtaVuori for all my reloading. I wrote to VihtaVuori and asked them for recommendations on which powders I should try for each caliber and they responded that I could use 340 for all. I had been thinking of something like 320 or 330 for the others and stay with 340 for the .45acp. Any suggestions from those of you who have used VihtaVuori would be appreciated. The bullets I'm using are: 9mm-Montana Gold 124 gr. JHP, .38spl.-Hornady 148 gr. HBWC, .357mag-Remington 158 gr. JSP. My .45acp bullet is Montana Gold 230 gr. FMJ. Thanks
Tom
 
Hodgdon Universal is cheaper, meters just as well, and is just as clean as any of the similar Vit powders. Burning rate is VERY close to Unique, anywhere you like Unique you can use Universal and it will shine. Think of Universal as a perfected version of Unique.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Vit powders a lot. They ARE good for sure. What I don't like is finding them as not many places here carry them or keep large stock levels. They cost more than powders that work just as well in every regard too. I think about half of the reason a lot of guys sing the Vit anthem is the cache of using a funny named expensive imported powder, much like imported beer but that is another subject for another day......
 
Price has turned me off of the Vit powders, as well.

At the shows I frequent, they're normally several dollars more expensive per pound.

I was seriously considering a Vit powder for .41 Mag. and 10mm auto, until I saw the price.

That helped me make up my mind that it was time to try Accurate Arms.
 
The 2 reloading supply stores I frequent both have Vit powder. It is a little higher than the others, but not much. I haven't tried it yet, but I probably will.
 
Question is: How are your--

A. Velocity spreads; and

B. Groups sizes

with Unique? All else being equal, I'm glad to stick with Unique since it's cheaper per pound and uses less charge weight (more loads per pound) than some other powders. Erratic metering is problem only if it affects the load's performance.

But since ALL powders I've tried over the past two years are shooting 2-3 inch groups in .357 (usually 3 inches) at all power levels, and velocities are about 75 fps wide on a good day with 4 different powders and 3 different primers, I'm now looking sideways at the bullets AND the gun.:rolleyes:
 
I stopped loading Universal in my RCBS Pro 2000 because it metered very poorly. Titegroup and 231 meter great. I haven't used the powders mentioned. They seem a bit pricey. Have been using Titegroup for 9mm, 38, .357 mag., .45ACP, .45LC. It won't produce max velocity, but seems to be a good all around powder. Hasn't been a problem with unburnt powder when loading light. Universal doesn't like lite.
 
I stopped loading Universal in my RCBS Pro 2000 because it metered very poorly
Click to expand...

Man, I have heard that type of statement from just about everyone, everyone not running a Dillon that is.........

I have not found a powder that does not meter well in my Dillon other than 800X. Universal doesn't vary a half of a tenth of a grain in my 550B and it stays within 2 or 3 tenths of a grain in a 20+ grain charge in both of my shotshell presses.

Anyone know why it is that so much metering consistency trouble is happening to some folks and not others? I can understand the problems with the Lee disc measures and some of the other low rent measures, but RCBS and the like is first class stuff. Are they not baffled or something? Maybe it needs a baffle.
 
I've got a powder baffle on mine. I really like Universal, except for lite loads, but finally gave up on it. Still have 16pds. Great for my shotgun. I'm looking to install a 1050 when I finish my reloading shed. Errr..got to start the project before I finish.
 
Anyone know why it is that so much metering consistency trouble is happening to some folks and not others? I can understand the problems with the Lee disc measures and some of the other low rent measures, but RCBS and the like is first class stuff. Are they not baffled or something? Maybe it needs a baffle.
Click to expand...
Static, no baffle, technique inconsistency, and the design of the wipers would be my guess. Some measures just can't handle certain powders. If I tighten the drum screw on my Lee "Perfect" measure tight enough so that it doesn't leak AA#9, I almost bend the thing in half trying to throw the charge.
 
The simple fact of the matter is that it's simply a lot tougher to get powders with large flakes to meter consistently because of the way they can stack up.

I'd say the best way to get around this would be to use some sort of vibratory mechanism that would settle the powder into the measure.
 
If you use a tinker-toy lee powder measure, you can give it alittle shake or flick it with your finger when filling and dumping each charge.... this is the only way I know or have heard of getting somewhat consistent 800x charges.(within .5gr range!!!) Still makes sense, if you have a digital scale, to weigh each cartridge w/powder.

BTW, a way to keep your tinker-toy scale from spilling powder is to clean the "funnel-cavity" that the handle is attached too. I used alittle rubbing alcohol to polish it, and then added some graphite lube(allows you to tighten it down yet still move it). Doing this every 1-2k rds=less spilled powder.
 
Mike, you suppose the reason the slide measure on the Dillon works so well is because the machine vibrates with each cycle and that settles the powder? I have noticed in the past that my flattened ball and flake type powders do lay flat in the measure bottle once I have started loading, but I don't know what the orientation is like once they get past the baffle in the bottle.......

FITH, I threw away a "tinker toy" measure, it was not worth the hassle of trying to use. I did not wish the POS on anyone else either.


The only powder measure I use anymore is the one on my 550B. I use it for EVERY charge I throw. 800X is the only powder that has given me the slightest trouble and I stock at least 10 different handgun powders alone.

I do have my eye on that Redding benchrest drum type powder measure for single stage loading...........
 
Vhit powders are for sure over-priced. That's a pity cos IMO they are tops..... and I do use them quite a bit. Mainly cos of very good metering and ... very clean burning. N-110 is my fave mag load powder and N-133 is an excellent .223 fuel.

Perhaps also cos I reload a bit less than once ... so the cost is less painful. Having said that - still use a lot of the old faves too .. 2400, Red Dot, Blue Dot etc ........
 
Getting back to the question...

N340 is a good powder for warm 38 and mid 357 loads. I know many who use it for 9 as well. 320 seems to be a better choice for mild 38 and standard velocity 45ACP, but if you're happy with its performance in 45, sounds like you're golden.

As the price differential is fractions of a cent per round, I think the great advantages of the VV powders (clean, consistant, meters well) far outweigh the trivial cost difference.
 
"fractions of a cent per round..."

Price differential between a Saturn and a Suburban is only fractions of a cent per pound of metal...

All depends on whether you want that much extra metal... :)

Sorry, there are other, less expensive but equally excellent choices in the market...
 
So Mike, specifically, which one powder would you use to load the calibers in question that is clean, maintains lot to lot consistency and meters well?
 
"So Mike, specifically, which one powder would you use to load the calibers in question that is clean, maintains lot to lot consistency and meters well?"


Same powder I've been doing it with for over 20 years.

Winchester 231. You can't get maximum loads in the .357 Mag. with 231 with the heavier bullets. That's where 296 comes in.


AA 7 will also do a very credible job.


Both clean, 231 has maintained monotonous lot to lot consistency for me for over 20 years, and it meters like a dream.

I've only just started using AA 7, mainly in .41 Mag. and 10mm, but so far I'm extremely impressed.
 
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