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  #1  
Old 01-04-2015, 08:39 AM
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Default VV 320 /W231

Looking at Winchester burn rate chart, these two powders are pretty close. Any thoughts on using the VV 320 in 357 mag. ?
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Old 01-04-2015, 09:33 AM
Murphy's Law Murphy's Law is offline
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If you ever get an opportunity to pick up some 300mp. In an old post, a member rated 4-5 different type powders and that came up #1 and blue dot #2. I use a lot of W231 but that's in my 45's. Never used any of the VV powders because I can never seem to find any or its to expensive.
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Old 01-04-2015, 10:58 AM
RussellD RussellD is offline
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I have used several pounds on VVn320 in various calibers. Very clean burning powder, that does a lot of things well. Burn rate is close to 231 as you mentioned.

Link to Lapua load in .357 using VVn320. think you will like it.

.357 Magnum - Handgun reloading - Reloading Data - Vihtavuori
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Old 01-04-2015, 11:32 AM
scooter123 scooter123 is offline
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IMO VV320 is too "fast" for a good 357 Magnum load, what you'll end up with is a distinctly light plinking load. I will also note that there is not any way on this planet to achieve the velocities that Vihtavouri lists in their load data. Because that 7 1/2 inch barrel they are testing with is not even close to being representative to a normal revolver barrel. I use a lot of their 3N37 for my 38 special loads and loads tested with a 6 inch Dan Wesson with a 0.004 inch B/C gap falls about 250 fps. shy of the velocities that Vihtavouri indicates. Folks, do NOT try and match those velocities unless you're shooting with a Carbine, because if you try you will either fail miserably or blow up your gun trying. It's one thing I find very frustrating about the 357 Magnum, because whether reloading or purchasing a commercial load the velocities always seem to be hyped by at least 100-200 fps when actually tested.

Now for powder suggestions for 357 Magnum.

If you are shooting a Rifle it's hard to find anything better than H110/Win 296. This powder meters wonderfully and out of a rifle you get the full measure of the capability of this powder.

If you are shooting a revolver I think that one of the Accurate # series is a great option. First off these powders are the benchmark for superb metering. Second, they are all clean shooting powders with a lot less boom and flash than the slow powders like H110. For 110-125 grain high speed rockets 10 grains of so of Accurate #5 will produce great accuracy and plenty of zip. For 140 and 158 grain loads I've found #9 to work very well, however with a 140 grain bullet #7 may be a whisker better. Accurate # 7 is also a great choice for 158 grain Hard cast.

BTW, I tested a new load of #9 with 140 and 158 grain XTP's last Friday. Unfortunately range time was really limited so I only got to run 7 rounds with each weight through my 620. However, at a laser set 25 yards the 158 grain load grouped 1.39 inch and the 140 grain load grouped 1.62 inch shooting from a sandbag rest. Out of my 1892 Winchester both loads grouped well at 50 yards but not great. Possibly a result of my aging eyesight and it's limitations with iron sights at an indoor range. BTW, the 620 is equipped with a Reflex sight.
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Old 01-04-2015, 07:48 PM
boatbum101 boatbum101 is offline
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I too believe that N-320 will be too fast . N-340 will be marginal in my book , but like Unique one can find a usable load in the same range ( 6 - 7grs ) . N-350 , N-105 & N-110 will give better more flexible loads .
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Old 01-05-2015, 09:56 PM
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N320 is a bit fast for full .357. I am a big fan of VV powders and am experimenting with .357 loads but my last range sessiion had A#7 on top. 11.4 g 686 6" mag primer got me 1212 fps.

.41 cal
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Old 01-06-2015, 03:53 PM
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I'll be loading at 38+p levels so I'm thinking VV320 will work
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Old 01-08-2015, 09:22 AM
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Recently did some first -time reloading with VV N320 in .38 special, 148 wc, hoping to find a target powder similar to BE (due to BE availability). VV is however higher priced than BE or Red Dot.

VERY clean burning, gave great accuracy out of a K-38, 6". Velocities were about 120 fps lower than published in the VV loading data though.
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Old 01-08-2015, 11:45 AM
deadear dan deadear dan is offline
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Can you not simply bump up the 38 spl powder charge by 10%? This giving a mild shooting plinker load.
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Old 01-11-2015, 09:37 AM
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Yes Sir....You read my mind.......
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