The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

I mostly use Vihtavuori powders and over the last three years have been running double base powders in everything apart from .303 British. Typically this is .308, 7mm SAUM and 6,5-284 and I am starting to question the use of such powders, yes I get good velocities but could I get similar with the traditional N1xx powders over the N5xx powders? As an example swapping from N540, N550 and N560 to N140, N150 and N160.

Have any F-B'ers moved away from the double base powders and if so have you seen significant changes in MV's, accuracy and barrel life?

ovenpaa wrote:I mostly use Vihtavuori powders and over the last three years have been running double base powders in everything apart from .303 British. Typically this is .308, 7mm SAUM and 6,5-284 and I am starting to question the use of such powders, yes I get good velocities but could I get similar with the traditional N1xx powders over the N5xx powders? As an example swapping from N540, N550 and N560 to N140, N150 and N160.

Have any F-B'ers moved away from the double base powders and if so have you seen significant changes in MV's, accuracy and barrel life?

Having heard some of the stories around heavy barrel wear due to these powder I was concerned as I use Reloder 17 which is supposed to be one of the worst offenders in my .308. So when I was up with MikMak last weekend he borescoped it and he could see no concerns, I have fired approx 1000 rounds so I was pleasantly happy

Alan

I've never really thought about it that deeply. Generally, I like to at least two, preferably three loads with different components, that give me the performance I'm looking for, in each rifle I own. That just ensures I have enough receipies should there be a shortage or a delay in getting certain components. It also means generally, I can find what I need at any given time on the shop shelves....

One thing I will say though, Vhit N140 has given fantastic performance in .223, 7mm-08 and .308.......

I almost exclusively use single based powders as I've never seen the need to use double based. Also as they are supposed to burn hotter I like to stick with the "cooler" powders.

I think the time when DB powders come into their own is when case capacity is at a premium as you can get similar or higher pressures for less volume.

So unless you need more powder in the case for a higher velocity than you can get with single based powders why use them? Throttles can be pulled back as well as pushed forward.

I currently use N140 for .223 (out to 600 yards) and .308 (1,000 yards).

I've just started using N550 for .308 because it gives me a higher velocity. I'm aware that there may be barrel wear issues, but I don't put many rounds through it so it doesn't bother me much.

I was using N140 before I started using N540. I was not getting the desired velocity and I was having pressure problems with N140. I swear by N540, especially in a long barrel >26".
I would stick with double base.

AFA82 wrote:I was using N140 before I started using N540. I was not getting the desired velocity and I was having pressure problems with N140. I swear by N540, especially in a long barrel >26".
I would stick with double base.

I do agree, N540 behind 155 Scenar's is hard to beat, I am thinking more of my SAUM and 6,5-284 as barrel replacements are costly.

I am sure Vince will come along soon, he has warned me of the dangers of using double based powders several times, you can not ignore his experience,

DM

OK - I'll join in.

One of our members - who is a keen F/TR shooter with the League - was moaning about his 'new' barrel going 'off' after only 1000 rounds. I dismissed it as him having a few bad shoots and he kept the barrel going for another couple of hundred rounds before ditching it. He's from Yorkshire and not one to give up that easily on a £600 barrel job!

I fitted a new barrel to my F/TR rifle, bought 1000 155gn Scenars and proceeded to shoot 'em using Vit N540 powder. Great velocity and accuracy - I shot all the Scenars and then bought two x 100 boxes. It started to go off at around 1150 rounds - halfway through the second box - that's how i can be sure of the round-count. OK, it would shoot minute of angle - but not half MOA.

I borescoped it and was shocked to see the state of the barrel! I always thought a 308 would run at least 3 - 4000 rounds!

I'm not saying it was just the Vit N540 - we are driving our bullets at unheard of velocities in F/TR. My next barrel used Vit 140/150. Yes, velocity is down but the accuracy is there so I can live with it. (The rifle Stuart won the Europeans with).

Just my experience
Vince

Dangermouse wrote:I am sure Vince will come along soon, he has warned me of the dangers of using double based powders several times, you can not ignore his experience,

DM

True, Vince knows what he's talking about and it is also true that DB burns yer barrel, but if it's performance I'm after it's what I have chosen to do.

R17 is my current powder of choice as, in testing it has produced exceptional figures.

It comes down to whatever floats your boat I'm afraid.

Best of luck.