VihtaVuori N 310 Powder for 45 ACP

[M&PUSER]

I have the opportunity to purchase 2 Four [4] pound jugs of N 310 for $118 each. The only caveat [if you can call it that] is that they were both manufactured in 2008. It will probably take me 3 to 4 years to use it up. Should I go for it? Thanks.

 

[johngalt]

Great powder for target loads, not so much for full power.

 

[scooter123]

As johngalt noted it should be an excellent choice for light recoiling target loads but not suitable for high energy loads. As for how light, you'll probably find that you can't make Major powder factor using this powder. In addition in some semi's with a shorter barrel length it may be a bit borderline for reliable function. However, if you intend to use it in a 5 inch 1911 you'll find it's just the ticket for a low recoil training load with very little muzzle flip.

Another plus is the charge weight for 45 ACP is quite light, so you'll be able to load nearly 1750 rounds per pound of powder used. However, one thing you absolutely MUST pay attention to is the potential for a double charge. That is the one negative of loading with a fast powder that features light charge weights, if you miss a double charge you WILL blow up your gun.

 

[tim c]

great price i would jump on it as long as you know how it was stored since 2008.

 

[S&WIowegan]

That is a great opportunity and I recommend you grab it. Do you know how it was stored? Any reasonable storage is fine. I have some Viht 310 that's probably older than that.

I have been using N310 as my go to powder for 230 gr. hardball loads for USPSA revolver class for at least 15 years. I load 4.4 to 4.5grs of N310 at standard COL and get at least 750 fps from a 5" 625. That makes major which is 165 power factor easily. This is also a very soft shooting load.

Go for it!

 

[M&PUSER]

Thanks gentleman. It was stored on the shelf, inside the gun shop of a community shooting range in a controlled atmosphere. I use Bill Wilson's [Wilson Combat] Accuracy load of 4.5 grains of N 310, Oregon Trail's 200 Gr LSWC, an OAL of 1.250" and crimp of .469" to .470". I shoot it in a Kimber 5" 1911 and 4.5" Ruger P90DC. Fantastic load, 3" groups for me at 25 yards. Some folks using the same load, sneer at the 3" groups with their 1.5" to 1" groups. I don't think I'll ever use a different 45 ACP load after discovering this one.

 

[pbcaster45]

Here are two N310 loads I use in my PC1911, both are very accurate.

Bullet: Star 185 gr. SWCHP (Match Lube)
Powder: VihtaVuori N310 3.9 grs.
Primer: Federal 150
Case: CCI
LOAL: 1.220
Recoil Spring: 15 lbs (no buffer pad)

Bullet: Nosler 185 gr. JHP
Powder: VihtaVuori N310 4.45 grs.
Primer: Federal 150
Case: Federal
LOAL: 1.225
Recoil Spring: 16 lbs. (no buffer pad)

Here's how the Star 185 gr load shoots at 25 yards rapid fire. Sorry about the lousy cellphone picture.

And two I use in my 1911DK and Springfield Armory Trophy Match.

Bullet: Oregon Trail 200 gr. RNFP
Powder: VihtaVuori N310 4.5 grs.
Primer: Federal 150
Case: Federal
LOAL: 1.190
Recoil Spring: 16 lbs (no buffer pad)

Bullet: H&G #68 200 gr. SWC (Oregon Trail)
Powder: VihtaVuori N310 4.5 grs.
Primer: Federal 150
Case: Federal
LOAL: 1.240
Recoil Spring: 16 lbs (no buffer pad)

But my favorite load in my 1911DK uses the hard to find Speer 200 gr. TMJ Match.

Bullet: Speer 200 gr. TMJ Match
Powder: Hodgdon Titegroup 5.1 grs.
Primer: Federal 150
Case: Winchester
LOAL: 1.250
Recoil Spring: 17 lbs

Unknown number of rounds at 25 yards.

 

[8Ring]

As johngalt noted it should be an excellent choice for light recoiling target loads but not suitable for high energy loads. As for how light, you'll probably find that you can't make Major powder factor using this powder. In addition in some semi's with a shorter barrel length it may be a bit borderline for reliable function. However, if you intend to use it in a 5 inch 1911 you'll find it's just the ticket for a low recoil training load with very little muzzle flip.

Another plus is the charge weight for 45 ACP is quite light, so you'll be able to load nearly 1750 rounds per pound of powder used. However, one thing you absolutely MUST pay attention to is the potential for a double charge. That is the one negative of loading with a fast powder that features light charge weights, if you miss a double charge you WILL blow up your gun.

Incorrect. N-310 will easily make major power factor with 230gr lead or moly coated bullets ( go up to 4.0gr) in both a 1911 or a SW 625 with a 5" barrel. N-310 is also used by some with 200 Lead Semi-Wadcutters (4.3 to 4.4 gr.) to make major power factor.

In addition to the loads mentioned above, have also used 4.0 gr N-310 under a 230gr Plated Round Nose (Berry's or Powerbond) to get 170 pf with my 625-8 with a 5" Barrel.

Like all Vihtavouri powders, N-310 is really clean and consistent, and meters very well in most powder measures.

I have also heard that the US Military (Marine Corps or US Army) Pistol teams use N-310 under 185 gr Nosler or Barnes bullets for Bullseye Competition. I do no know the charge weights and am pretty sure these loads are well below the 165,000 power factor. They like it and say it is accurate with those premium bullets.

Chris

 

[boatbum101]

N 310 is an outstanding powder in 45acp & 32 S&W long target loads . Quite a few of us Bullseye shooters use it including USMC & AMU teams . With a Zero swaged 200 SWC try 3.6 - 3.7grs , with a swaged 185 try 3.8 - 3.9grs & with a Nosler , Zero 185 JHP or Rem 185 MCWC try 4.3 - 4.7grs . Many action pistol shooters also hold it in high regard too .

 

[71firebird400]

I just bought a couple pounds since it was all I could find locally; using 4.2 grains behind a Zero 230gr FMJ RN it is pleasant to shoot and powerful enough to cycle all my guns including Commanders and a brand new Les Baer. Seems to be very accurate.

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

I have the opportunity to purchase 2 Four [4] pound jugs of N 310 for $118 each. The only caveat [if you can call it that] is that they were both manufactured in 2008. It will probably take me 3 to 4 years to use it up. Should I go for it? Thanks.

IF YOUR NOT GOING TO BUY IT. PLEASE CONTACT ME. I'M OUT OF 310 AND NEED IT. TIA JIM P

 

[merbeau]

Worked in my 945 with great results

N 310 is an outstanding powder in 45acp & 32 S&W long target loads . Quite a few of us Bullseye shooters use it including USMC & AMU teams . With a Zero swaged 200 SWC try 3.6 - 3.7grs , with a swaged 185 try 3.8 - 3.9grs & with a Nosler , Zero 185 JHP or Rem 185 MCWC try 4.3 - 4.7grs . Many action pistol shooters also hold it in high regard too .

As most of us are having trouble finding powder, I happened to come across this article during a search. My supplier had N310 on hand and I purchased a can for experimentation. I tried 3.7, 3.8 and 3.9 grains for my 185 Laser Cast SWC in my Smith Wesson 945. At 3.9 grains from a rest it produced essentially a one hole group at 25 yards. The firearm cycled without any problems and it seem to be not as harsh on recoil.

Needless to say I went back and purchased some more N310 for future use.

Thanks for sharing this information. I realize that this thread is pretty old but want to share my experience.

Robert

 

[skeeters]

old poster

Maybe an old post but thanks for that info, better late then never right. TY out

 

[H Richard]

Alan Fulford used it to win both Camp Perry and the Masters International Championship quite some years ago, so it can't be all bad.

 

[skeeters]

The post is and oldie but goodie I appreciate the data many thanks. I'll be running around tomorrow or at least cellphone jumping to find N310 its a given. Thans guys

 

[7P's]

Powder Valley usually has VihtaVuori powder in stock, so if you can get with a few others to put in a order to minimize the hazmat fee - life can be good.

I find 4.3 grains of N310 behind a 185 grain zero bullet to be the magical load for my 1911.