VihtavVouri-Lapua Powder - what's the deal?

[Eurodriver]

My local range has this stuff stocked deep on the shelves. Must have 300+lbs of it on display.

Is it any good? Tried searching for it, and it appears the only time it's been mentioned on this forum is because people had no idea how to pronounce it.

[markm]

Very good stuff. Usually runs at 25% to 33% premium to other powders. Never tried any of it since I can get it done with Hodgdon, IMR, and WIN powders.

Known for burning very clean and being accurate.

[mic2377]

If I could get some, I would try it. It is more expensive without question, but is very heavily used by the accuracy/benchrest crowd.

[markm]

If I could get some, I would try it. It is more expensive without question, but is very heavily used by the accuracy/benchrest crowd.

The thing is... you don't want to create dependency. ;)

I've avoided ever trying it for fear that I'd like it and have to pay for it all the time.

[jstone]

I only have used 3n38 never tried any of the others. 3n38 will run just under 1200 fps with a 147xtp in a 4inch 9mm. If I could find some I would buy all I could afford.

[SteveS]

I tried a couple pounds and it is really nice. But at ten dollars per pound over 231 I go with the lower price.

[JiminAZ]

I have used it quite a bit in handgun. Don't have my notes handy but here's my off the top of my head rundown. I mostly shoot 45 ACP, with some 38 super and 9x23 for fun.

N310 - super clean alternative to Bullseye
N320 - super clean and maybe a touch softer recoiling than W231. Great IDPA load for 45 ACP. Uses less grains than 231 so per shot cost is in the ballpark.
N340/350 - for 9mm, midrange to upper 38 super and 9x23
3N37, 3N38 - more 38 super and 9x23. Hot loads. Search on IPSC loads if interested.
N105 ohmigosh honest to goodness (Hornady FP) 124's going 1450 fps in 38 super no pressure signs. Really. The VV book lists 1500 fps load and I think I could get there but 1450 makes me happy enough.

N133/N140 for .223 rounds. Popular with the accuracy crowd. I have some but haven't developed loads yet.

I have not tried them, but higher N series (double base rifle powders) for standard and magnum rounds I don't hear people ranting about as much.

The VV reload book has the best discussion of powder technology and manufacture that I've read.

My bottom line - great stuff for specialized applications. Worth it in those cases. Uniformly clean and accurate.

[125 mph]

I only have experience with N140. It was very accurate with 77 grain SMKs. What stops me from using it now is that it doesn't meter well through my dillon.

[markm]

I only have experience with N140. It was very accurate with 77 grain SMKs. What stops me from using it now is that it doesn't meter well through my dillon.

That's where our old friend H322 comes on stage. :cool:

[125 mph]

That's where our old friend H322 comes on stage. :cool:

I love me some H322. But I only have 3 pounds left, after that I'm going to have to go back to H335 :sad:

[A-of-1]

I scored a bunch of N-135 today for my 308 M-14/M1A. First I've seen from a distributor in 1 & 1/2 years. It's expensive but extremely consistent lot to lot. Best accuracy and velocity I've been able to get out of my 18.5 & 22 inch barrels. My 1-12 Winchester C/L loves this with 155 Sierra MK and AMAX. I'd like to get my hands on some Tac to try some. That would be like hitting the Lotto twice in a day but maybe things are FINALLY loosening up. Powder Valley had a bunch of WW Primers across the board yesterday

[SPDGG]

fwiw:

My all time favorite powder: W231/HP38

9mm heavy loads [147/160] for comp./games N320 is Top Notch. $4-5 difference per 1K vs. W231/HP38 . . . . Comparing #4 N320 vs #8 W231. . . . Not much difference more on availability these days.
N320 = Clean, Cool, Felt recoil is like "puff/passing gas", as is W231/HP38 . . . . I prefer the price of TG, BE, 231 & honestly pick those for practice, but N320 gets added when I have a little more in the cookie jar.

N310 or Clays for 45ACP 230 grain reloads.

^ All soft & work great with a reduced spring setup comp/game rig.

Duplicate Defense Loads: 115/124/147

- Silhouette
- Power Pistol
^ Snappy, LOUD, FLASH ENHANCER, but pushes fps like a Champ without pressure signs [within cartridge/bullet weights of course]

[richiecotite]

Good stuff. I bought 4 lbs of N340 and 1lb of N310. Don't have a chrono, can't speak to velocity, but it's clean, and for target loads, does t need much powder.

FWIW, last time a local spot had bullseye or unique, it was 27,28 per lb.

Must be nice to have different options...


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[Scott in AZ]

It's really good stuff.

And pronounced "LAP-wooah". It's more like 2-1/2 syllables than 3.... The second syllable ("wooah" ) goes quick.

[jstone]

The VV reload book has the best discussion of powder technology and manufacture that I've read.


I might have to get the manual just for this. I have there free hand out. I only use one load from it. The data for 3n38 and the 147 xtp. The hand out claims 1200 fps with 6.9 grains. Im getting 1160 roughly from a 4 inch barrel. It is a hot load but it does not show any pressure. I think I could get the 1200 fps if I wanted, but a 147grain projectile at an honest 1160 is great.

I have some old 9mm 147 american eagle that is loaded with a flat point fmj. I only have like 50 left, but I have been thinking about pulling them to load with the 3n38 for a 9mm woods load. No grizzlies and where im at I see more mountain lions.