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Vihtavuori Powder for 6.5 Creedmoor?

First off, what VV do you have? Next, will you share your source? :) I have found n550 to be very close to h4350. In a .243 I use 40gr behind berger 105's for approx. 3050fps. 30-06 I use 59grs behind 168smk's again approx. 3050fps. I haven't tried the single base ( 100 series) yet, the 500 series seem to not heat my barrels as fast as the hodgon's powders and shoot the same groups at the same speeds. I know this isn't what you really asked for but, I think if you look up anybody's go to load then work up with VV you won't be disappointed.
 
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First off, what VV do you have? Next, will you share your source? :) I have found n550 to be very close to h4350. In a .243 I use 40gr behind berger 105's for approx. 3050fps. 30-06 I use 59grs behind 168smk's again approx. 3050fps. I haven't tried the single base ( 100 series) yet, the 500 series seem to not heat my barrels as fast as the hodgon's powders and shoot the same groups at the same speeds. I know this isn't what you really asked for but, I think if you look up anybody's go to load then work up with VV you won't be disappointed.

That's close enough. I don't have any but I'm was working on a trade. Hodgdon's website has several powders listed for 6.5 CM but VV wasn't one. I did find an article that recommended VV N160 as an alternate.

Thanks for the help.
 
VV N550 should be the cats butt. What powders can you obtain? Be warned though, they're hard to come by right now, and when they do become available, can you afford 40.00+ per pound?
I just built a creed, and have 3 lbs of 550, but it's a moot point> RL17 here for now.
 
That's close enough. I don't have any but I'm was working on a trade. Hodgdon's website has several powders listed for 6.5 CM but VV wasn't one. I did find an article that recommended VV N160 as an alternate.

Thanks for the help.

N150 will be touch quicker then H4350, N160 a touch slower then H4350.
I prefer the 100 series to 500 series in general but you will get more velocity with 500 series powder.
 
N550, N150, N160 are the obvious choices.

If your looking for velocity 550 is the obvious choices, but it's more temp sensitive then the 100 series.

And yes N160 is very close to H4831 in burn rate.
 
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I would also look at N560 it has served me well. I have heard some people say that the 500 series has alot of powder fouling but that has not been the case for me.
 
THe 560 might work well, it is on the slower side though.
Works magnificent in my 284 fx.
Never had much trouble with fouling, but the 500 series are harder on your chambers throat.
 
My nephew loads VV 160 in his Remington .260 with outstanding results. No temperature sensitivity. Single digit SD. Superb accuracy. Burns clean. He liked it so much he bought two 8 pound kegs. Don't see why it wouldn't work well in 6.5 Creed.
Good luck.
 
Super old thread I know. Probably before 555 was even available.

So, in 2022 is anyone using n550 in 6.5 CM for 130-140 bullets with good results? I would think it won’t fill case enough

I have yet to try the 4lbs of 555 I just got but wondering about 550 7 years later LOL.
 
N550 works OK but it is temp sensitive. N555 is a much better powder for the creed. The best powder for the creed - in my opinion is RL 16.
 
N550 works OK but it is temp sensitive. N555 is a much better powder for the creed. The best powder for the creed - in my opinion is RL 16.
Yeah I figured as much. I have only 4 lbs of a RL16 and I’m keeping it for now. I’ll use the 555 and 30 lbs of H4350 I got. I asked b/c midsouth has 8 lb jugs of 550. But I’m gonna pass on it
 
N555, H4350 and RL16 all work real well in a creed and can achieve very similar performance. My loads with RL16 and N555 were very close and the N555 was about 40fps slower but both shot very well.
 
I use Vihtavuori N160 in my 6.5 Creedmoor. Load data here: https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/?cartridge=95

However, my loads are as follows (usual disclaimer, these work in my rifle), all load development was at 100 yards range using a bipod and rear bag:

Accuracy International AT, 26 inch non-factory barrel (with muzzle brake), using Lapua large primer brass and Lapua 139 bullets.

1655246452097.jpeg


Accuracy International AT, 26 inch factory barrel (without muzzle brake), using Lapua large primer brass and Lapua 139 bullets:

1655246520109.jpeg


1655246539734.jpeg


1655246561208.jpeg
 
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50 a pound limit 2
Damn. 136$ for 2 lbs. it’s time we all stop 🛑 the madness. I’d do some more re16 but f-that. Someone will buy it though.
 
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What kind of velocity are you getting out of that load?

Accuracy International AT, 26 inch factory barrel (without muzzle brake). Started here: https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/?cartridge=95

Then using Lapua large primer brass and Lapua 139 bullets, Vihtavuori N160:

41.6grs= 2595 ft/s
41.9grs = 2598 ft/s
42.2grs = 2625 ft/s
42.5grs = 2627 ft/s
42.8grs = 2639 ft/s
43.1grs = 2668 ft/s
43.4grs = 2685 ft/s
43.6grs = 2718 ft/s (2728, 2706, 2735, 2714)

For comparison factory S&B 140grs = 2430ft/s

The new barrel has shot very few rounds so I would expect it to speed up in a couple of hundred rounds.

Accuracy International AT, 26 inch non-factory barrel (with muzzle brake), using Lapua large primer brass and Lapua 139 bullets. Started here: https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/?cartridge=95

Then using Lapua large primer brass and Lapua 139 bullets, Vihtavuori N160:

41.5grs = 1743 ft/s average 10 shots at 600 yards
43.6grs = 1671fts average 5 shots at 800 yards

100yards testing

42.5grs = 2710ft/s
43.6grs = 2782ft/s

Now the barrel has shot more rounds the current velocity for 43.6grs = 2845ft/s

Hope this helps?

I don't chase velocity (much), as long as I can get out to 1000yards, I have always chased accuracy and tried to find the accurate node.
 
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