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I've had a lot of helpful advice here and elsewhere regarding a choice of powder but have come to the conclusion that an overiding factor is ready availability. It seems that Viht N140 is a much used powder here in the UK (not the US though) and is readily available here in Lancashire. Its burn rate is close to other powders that have been recommended (Varget & Rel 15) so I'm thinking of shelling out the £65 its going to cost me. I might also use it for 7.62 in due course.

Has anyone any thoughts on this choice.

TIA

Watcher

I have used N140 on and off for years in both .303 and .308 with 174 and 155 grain bullets respectively. It is a good solid stable and predictable powder. I have just picked up a Kg of TR140 to test which is apparently the same powder but a fair bit cheaper. I got mine for GBP50/Kg at the Newark show, going rate seems to be around GBP55-60/Kg so still cheaper than Viht N140

It is my powder of choice for .303".

Start at 38 gns and work up in 1/2gn increments to a max of 41, 174 gn bullet standard LR primers. Watch for pressure sign as it can come at around 39gns with some cases and don't worry if you don't get to 41. My best shooting loads are around the 39.5 mark with a velocity of around 2250- 2300 fps.

Ovenpaa
TR140 IS NOT N140 it is not the same powder. N140 is a Finnish powder TR140 is a Swiss powder.
I have said before on this forum and having carried out extensive testing that it is similar to N140 in appearance but is a slightly slower powder. You may need more TR140 to acheive the same velocites as N140. Work you loads up with care.

Steve

I use Hodgdon H4895 for all my full bore military rifles gives good results across the range,
and it's at a good price from Wilson&Wilson £38 and a bit per tub.

Steve, the company I picked mine up from a couple of weeks ago plus a very well known rifle manufacturer both told me it is N140 Vihtavouri. As far as I am aware Nammo Lapua have a modest manufacturing facility in Finland and only manufacture powder/charges for medium calibre rounds and weapons, Lapua ammunition is filled with Bofors powders (I have that in writing from Lapua)

EDIT -

http://www.nammo.com/Locations/Finland1 ... ihtavuori/

Vihtavuori Plant was originally founded in 1922 to produce propellants and explosive materials. Since then, the company developed and expanded in many ways until 1998, when it was divided into three sections and companies. The defence products section was merged into the Nammo Group.
Today about 50 employees work for Nammo at Vihtavuori Plant and cover the following range of products; charges for artillery and mortar systems, medium caliber rounds, fuzes, base bleed units and hand grenades.

All I will say is that I personally know the person who is bringing the powder in and he is adamant that TR140 is not N140. Also my load testing has proved to me that TR140 is not N140. I know who I believe.

Steve

Hmm... it appears his distribution channel would not agree.

ovenpaa wrote:Hmm... it appears his distribution channel would not agree.

Ya may have got wires crossed

The Elcho17 IS Rel 17 = same factory makes both

TR140 is NOT N140

According to the the dealer I picked up 5 tubs from at Newark, ye olde siver fox himself

According to MikMak it is the same....... sign01