I use and like HP-38, Win244, Sport Pistol etc for 38 Special primarily but recently tried some N320 and have been greatly impressed by it for range work. Accurate and gentle recoil. I will buy some more. I shoot through two model 66-8s, both 2.75" and 4.125". I load coated 158 grain SWC from Acme Bullets.
N320
- Thread starter ike1518
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I have some HP38, but haven't loaded any yet. For years my go to propellant for 158 grain .38 SWC has been 4.0 grains of Winchester 231. Just hard to get away from that historically accurate load that delivers about 800 FPS our of a 4" barrel.
I may have to try some N320. I shoot N310 in .45ACP bullseye loads and really like it. N320 being a bit slower could have some wider applicability. So many powders, so little time . . . .
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I'm not sure if you're saying this or know this but HP-38 is identical to W231. There is no difference and they come from the same mix but put into different bottles.
I did not know that, but appreciate the information. I'll have to try some loads with HP38.
I really like N320 especially the way it meters and works well for me as a range load in 686's and GP100. No complaints with HP38 and W244.
oddshooter
Member
Vihtavouri N series powders are the Holy Trinity: accurate, linear, clean.
Superb powder for working up loads because it isn't spiky. You can upload and download and calculate your load. It doesn't jump up a huge amount of pressure with a tiny bit more of powder.
I use the N320 in my 32S&W long and 32 ACP.
My particular favorite for a little more oompf is N340.
Prescut
Superb powder for working up loads because it isn't spiky. You can upload and download and calculate your load. It doesn't jump up a huge amount of pressure with a tiny bit more of powder.
I use the N320 in my 32S&W long and 32 ACP.
My particular favorite for a little more oompf is N340.
Prescut
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Just load it as you do with W231 and you will see there is no difference. You will be happy you have that HP-38 because you really aren't out of W231.
David Sinko
Member
I bought a few pounds of N320 quite a while ago because of its reputed clean burning qualities. It certainly was clean burning but shortly thereafter I discovered Clays which is also very clean burning and MUCH cheaper. Clays is very versatile in the .45 ACP and easily makes major power factor but is not advised for the stronger loads in the smaller cartridges. On the other hand, 231 is very dirty in watered down loads but very clean approaching max loads. N320 is an excellent powder that can probably do it all but I'm sure it's still very expensive compared to everything else.
And I think I recall reading that N320 was designed specifically for suppressor use. I used it in some ammo for a friend's suppressor and it did indeed perform very well but I don't own a suppressor and don't regularly use one so I have nothing for comparison.
And I think I recall reading that N320 was designed specifically for suppressor use. I used it in some ammo for a friend's suppressor and it did indeed perform very well but I don't own a suppressor and don't regularly use one so I have nothing for comparison.
oddshooter
Member
Of the four items in handloading (brass, primer, bullet, powder) you have to buy; powder is by far the cheapest.
cost guesstimates:
new brass $.25
primer $.10
lead bullet $.12
powder $.03
That's at least how I rationalize buying a more expensive powder like Vihtavouri.
Also, VV used to be around $10 more per pound. Now with other powders reaching $40+, VV is closer to $5 more. The small additional cost per round is small.
Prescut
cost guesstimates:
new brass $.25
primer $.10
lead bullet $.12
powder $.03
That's at least how I rationalize buying a more expensive powder like Vihtavouri.
Also, VV used to be around $10 more per pound. Now with other powders reaching $40+, VV is closer to $5 more. The small additional cost per round is small.
Prescut
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VV powder measures and dispenses like water. It is a joy to use.......
