Looking for a little insight with anyone using VV-N540, primarily with heavier projectiles.
Late last summer I decided to try the berger 130 hybrid, as a replacement for my 123 scenar load. I had VV-N135 on hand, and was the most appropriate powder I had for the heavier 130's. VV provides no data for 130's, only 123, and 136's. So I split the difference, and started at 25.5 grains, then proceeded to work up. I got a good node at 26.6, and with my BHW 1/9 18", they grouped a little under .5 moa @2390fps. I wanted to go a little more, but ran out of time before some competitions, so it would have to do. The load performed really well in several competitions out past 1k.
I now am shooting a Bartlein 1/8 20". Going off my previous data, I started at 26.2, ending at 27 grains. In development I had a node at 26.8 with this barrel, I loaded at 26.7, 26.8, 26.9 the 26.9 load is doing the best leaving .30-.40 groups, depending on brass. I am having no pressure signs on neither Lapua, or Hornady brass. But! VV says max load with N135 and 123's is 27 grains. So I'm pretty sure I'm over pressure, even though I'm not getting signs. The load is compressed, it was compressed at 26.6, and even more so with 26.9. I'm okay with compressed loads, and actually prefer compressed, but I feel like it's right on the edge.
So, my question is would VV-N540 be a better powder? All the data I see points me towards yes, but I would like some input from anyone who has used it, and what you are getting out of it. I don't want to develop another load if it's not going to meet my expectations. I don't know what MV the N135 is giving me, as I'm waiting for a calmer day to go true the MV on the kestrel. I'm hoping if I try N540 it would get me up to 2450fps, still be as accurate, but be slightly less compressed.
Thanks for the help, any and all is appreciated.
Late last summer I decided to try the berger 130 hybrid, as a replacement for my 123 scenar load. I had VV-N135 on hand, and was the most appropriate powder I had for the heavier 130's. VV provides no data for 130's, only 123, and 136's. So I split the difference, and started at 25.5 grains, then proceeded to work up. I got a good node at 26.6, and with my BHW 1/9 18", they grouped a little under .5 moa @2390fps. I wanted to go a little more, but ran out of time before some competitions, so it would have to do. The load performed really well in several competitions out past 1k.
I now am shooting a Bartlein 1/8 20". Going off my previous data, I started at 26.2, ending at 27 grains. In development I had a node at 26.8 with this barrel, I loaded at 26.7, 26.8, 26.9 the 26.9 load is doing the best leaving .30-.40 groups, depending on brass. I am having no pressure signs on neither Lapua, or Hornady brass. But! VV says max load with N135 and 123's is 27 grains. So I'm pretty sure I'm over pressure, even though I'm not getting signs. The load is compressed, it was compressed at 26.6, and even more so with 26.9. I'm okay with compressed loads, and actually prefer compressed, but I feel like it's right on the edge.
So, my question is would VV-N540 be a better powder? All the data I see points me towards yes, but I would like some input from anyone who has used it, and what you are getting out of it. I don't want to develop another load if it's not going to meet my expectations. I don't know what MV the N135 is giving me, as I'm waiting for a calmer day to go true the MV on the kestrel. I'm hoping if I try N540 it would get me up to 2450fps, still be as accurate, but be slightly less compressed.
Thanks for the help, any and all is appreciated.
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