vv n135 and ~130gr projectiles

[Redbaron]

Been having trouble finding powders that are appropriate for Grendel and 223. I've got about 1lb. of 8208 left, and I've found a place that has some 8lb. jugs of vv n135 in stock. Has anybody used this with 130-ish gr. bullets in the Grendel? How has it worked for you?

[VASCAR2]

There is online loading data for Vihtavuori in 6.5 Grendel. They have data for 123 grain Scenar then jump to 139 grain Scenar. The max load of N135 with 123 grain bullet is 27.0 grains. The max load with the 139 grain Scenar is 23.9 grains. I have used Viht N133 & N135 but only with lighter bullets. I was at Graf’s and I bought a pound of each because there was a shortage of powder.

To my recollection I don’t remember loading any bullets heavier than 107 grain SMK. I used most of the N133 & N135 in 5.56/223. I really think the N140, N530 or N540 are better powders for 130 grain bullets in 6.5 Grendel. There is a member from Sweden who has tested the Viht powders extensively in a bolt action 6.5 Grendel.

I don’t have any load data for N135 with 129-130 grain bullets. I personally liked the N133 & N135 better in 5.56/223 because I couldn’t get as much velocity in the 6.5 Grendel with bullets heavier than 107 grains as my other powders.

I just checked Vihtavuori web site and they now list a 136 grain Scenar so using that data you should be able to find a load for 130 grain bullets.


https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-dat...rtridge=68

[grayfox]

Might be problems with N135 in the heaviers, like 129 or so. I just tried looking at a 129 sst and N135, and while the peak pressure seemed ok at ~27 gr, the powder burnout is way too soon in the barrel to generate the gas needed to operate the BCG. burnout is ~10 inch mark on the barrel.

Kind of validates Vascar's point there.

Grendel powders are showing up now online, I'd look at either Lever or CFE223 for your best speeds with 129-130's.