Vihtavouri 3n38 question for 9mm

[New loader]

Got my hands on a big jug of this powder, and I understand it's used primarily for hot loads. I'd like to load some 9mm with it. Problem is, there is little data other than one load for 147 gr. bullet, and it's at 5.7 grs. Of powder. Question is, can I downsize this load by 10% to achieve a less stout load? Or will I be dealing with pressure issues? Is it possible to create a practice load with this stuff?

Thanks!

 

[Walkalong]

Lead, plated, jacketed?

The 2011 Vihtavuori PDF shows 6.3 to 6.9 Grs 3N38 for a 147 Gr XTP loaded to 1.142 OAL. That's all I see.

But yes, you can download 3N38 within reason with no pressure issues. Worst it will do is burn dirty and incomplete if you go too low. Well, a squib if you go way too low.

Welcome to THR.

 

[New loader]

Thanks, I'll be using an 147gr FMJ round nose from xtreme bullets. I guess now I need to find out the least amount of this powder I can use without incomplete burning issues.

 

[Mad Chemist]

I've worked up a few loads with this powder.

The gun I used was a G19.

For 147gr bullets I used Raineer PHP. These are a "thick plated" HP round.
The best performing light practice load was with 6.3gr of 3N38 seated to 1.142''. I tried to go lower but had reliability issues below 6.3gr. If you are using a RN profile bullet the case volume will be a little lower and you may be able to build enough pressure with 5.7gr. You probably won't get 100% reliability until you get up to 6.0gr.

I also ran very hot loads with this powder. I ran up to the max published using Gold Dot 147gr HP instead of the listed Hornady 147gr XTP. These were fun. Low flash but substantial recoil for a 9mm. They were more accurate and much cleaner than the light loads were. I concluded that this was a "special use" powder and found other alternatives for 9x19.

If you shoot 9x23mm, .40, .357sig, or 10mm, you will be able to get a lot more mileage out of this powder. For 9x19, it performs remarkably for super hot 147gr loads but it is mediocre for just about every other bullet weight.


On a side note, I managed to work up a usable .44mag load from this powder. It slightly exceeded Unique in performance. I posted a thread on this experiment feel free to search it out. Please adhere to all warnings of course.

 

[Mad Chemist]

If you are looking for a general purpose 9x19 powder, VV N320 and N340 are much better choices. N320 for lighter bullets and N340 for heavier ones. I really like N340 and 124gr Xtreme RN for a medium loads and full power "SD simulation" loads. 3N37 will also work for top end loads but performs poorly when loaded lightly.

9mm Major competition shooters absolutely love 3N38 for their 9mm Major race guns. You may be able to find one of those guys who would be willing to trade powders with you. 3N38 is not easy to find. If you can find a comp shooter who uses it, you should be able to make a fair trade pretty easily. Keep in mind that this stuff is 30-40% more expensive than domestic powder if you do wind up trading it.

 

[Potatohead]

Thanks, I'll be using an 147gr FMJ round nose from xtreme bullets. I guess now I need to find out the least amount of this powder I can use without incomplete burning issues.

Is Xtreme doing FMJ pistol bullets?

And welcome to the forum!

 

[Mad Chemist]

I think he meant plated RN.

 

[New loader]

Yes, I meant plated RN by xtreme. Thanks!

 

[Potatohead]

Yes, I meant plated RN by xtreme. Thanks!

Gotcha. I was hoping they had started rolling FMJs and I just didnt know yet.

 

[rockhopper46038]

OP, you're nowhere near me or I would swap powders with you. I like 3N38 for very fast 38 Super and 9x23 Win. I suspect at low charge weights it would have a lot if powder residue and be not particularly accurate.