Recieved my N320, what load?

[gonoles_1980]

Sigh, I didn't realize they they only allowed 1lb, so I got 1lb with the hazmat fee added on . Oh well, I have 2lb pounds of powder now, one of AA#7 and one of Vihtavuori N320.

Now trying to figure out the load I want to start with, need a plinking load with Speer 158gr LWSCHP, and a fun heavier load with 158 gr xtreme CP bullets. I normally use 4.5 and 6.0 gr of HP38 with those loads.

I'm struggling to figure out the load for the N320, it has a Speer HP 158gr from 6.2-6.6. Now I don't know if this is a lead or jacketed bullet. Speer has both Jacketed and Lead Hollow points. I'm guessing it's for a jacketed bullet since the LSWC 145gr has a load of 6.3-6.7.

Based on that, I'm going to assume a 6.0 gr load for 158gr CP xtreme's. Not sure what to guess for a 158gr Speer LSWCHP.

 

[Hardtarget]

I have only loaded .223 with the VihtaVuori powder. The download I have is for .223 only.
I like it in the rifle and I bet you'll do well with it in pistol.

Mark

 

[ArchAngelCD]

No guessing necessary. Lapua has updated their VV load data and it's available online.
http://www.vihtavuori.com/en/reloading-data/handgun-reloading/handgun-reloading-data.html

 

[gonoles_1980]

The issue I had was the data for N320 was for a Speer HP (I assume Jacket), I had either lead or copper plated bullets. So I just did a ladder of 5 bullets each, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4. I'll see if that works, I have room to work up if I need it, though the extreme site says max is mid-range on a jacket bullet. The only lead they had was for a 145gr bullet. I wrote the guys to ask about my lead bullet at 158gr.

 

[Walkalong]

a plinking load with Speer 158gr LWSCHP, and a fun heavier load with 158 gr xtreme CP bullets

N320 will work well for the first one and AA #7 will work well for the second one.

If it were me, I would try 4.5 to 5.0 grs N320 with the lead SWCHP. N320 is a bit position sensitive in the big .357 case at low levels, so watch for stuck bullets as you work up of course, but I think you'll be OK.

Follow Accurate's jacketed data for the plated bullet and stop at 75%, or earlier if you find something you like.

 

[gonoles_1980]

Thanks Walkalong, I found a good powerful boom with the AA#7 for my 357, but there was no fireball. I'll do the ladder with the lead bullets for the 357. I'll report on how my 6.0-6.4 ladder works with the 357 using the N320. I found a perfect load with my wife's 9mm with the AA#7. I guess the shortage (though expensive) has gotten me to try some new powders