N350/3N38

[kdj]

I've read through the past threads and am still left a little confused.

I read somewhere that N350 is the prefered load for conventional barrels but 3N38 works better for hybrid barrels. Is that true? Are the pressure characteristics of 3N38 more optimized for smaller holes?

I have a reasonable load for my "long" gun using N350 but as I'm getting a short gun (with a couple of TJ holes) built, I was wondering if it was worth tracking down some 3N38 and getting a load worked up with that.

Any thoughts?

Kevin

[uscbigdawg]

Hi Kevin,

All I've run in my hybrid gun (Rusty Kidd 5" Viper w/ 4 hybrid ports), and it's awesome. One thing I am looking at though, is bumping up the gas pressure by A) switching from 124's to 115's; and switching from N350 to N105. I shot a friend's non-ported gun with 115's and N105, and it was sweeeeeeet!

Rich

[L9X25]

The VV open powders from fast to slow are 3N37, N-350, 3N38, N105, N-110.

As you go to slower powders you may not be able to make major with your combination of projectile, barrel, ports etc... Also, since this is a "feel preference", many people prefer the "feel" of a certain powder over others while the conventional wisdom was to use the slowest powder that allowed you to make major for the largest volume of gas and most pressure to work the comp.

I hear that N-105 is prefered by most that can make major with it and the major detractor being the cost.

Try them all and make up your own mind!

Leo

[Ken Kwiat]

Kevin,

What kind of recoil impulse do you like? Quick and higher pressure as it comes straight back into the web of your hand? Then, imho, then 3N38 or N105. If you want a more trackable dot with less straightback impulse, then N350 or 3N37. I prefer the N350 feel as I shoot alot and the higher pressure rounds take their toll on my forearms.

Also, it depends what kind of a hybrid you have. In the extreme case, e.g., the SV IMM "zip gun" you pretty much need to use 3N38 to deal with the high pressure required to reach major velocities. The bottom line is that that gun is so ported and short that alot of gas is escaping quickly -- by design intent. Very quick gun though.

I shoot a 1/2" shortened with two slide/barrel holes using the Dawson TJ comp and a full length, opened up Trubore with 4 small barrel holes. In both of these guns I can go to a faster powder (N350 or 3N37) with 124 JHPs mostly and get what I perceive as a softer load -- no pressure signs. I'm in the mid 7gr. range for major which is right at max per the VV manual. I also use N350 with 115gr CMJs or 121 gr. JHPs.

IMHO: I would start with N350 with your new gun and see if you make major comfortably, i.e., no pressure signs. If you see pressure signs as you are "working upwards", then you can consider moving to 3N38. You'll be using quite a bit more powder with 3N38. I used to run 10.3 gr. or so in my zipper to make major + a "safety margin". You likely won't need that much and I would start in the 8 gr. range like the VV manual advises. By "safety margin", I mean to keep from going minor at a bad time.

Opinions are like...

[kdj]

Thanks for the inputs ... and I knew that eventually, I was going to have to try it and see

I'll report back on my findings once I get the gun to play with ...

Thanks,

Kevin

[ErikW]

Today I loaded up the last of my Starline Super brass with 3N38 under Zero 115s and I don't know how anybody can use 3N38 with anything besides just a comp. That's all I have (5.5" no holes) and I'm filling up the case. However, I did notice a heavier bullet (121) requires a lot less powder.

[kdj]

I'm using 121s so that might make a difference. Do you notice any difference in feel between 350 and 3N38 in your gun?

[ErikW]

Back to back in practice, I can tell minute differences in my favorite Supa powders (3N37, N350, 3N38). Mix them up in a mag in a match stage and I'd likely never know. It's all good. I did notice more comp blast from the 3N38, which makes sense, as I'm burning 2.0-2.5 gr more of it than the other powders. (Never noticed comp blast with the others before.) I'll go out on a limb and say from softest to harshest they are 3N37, 3N38, and N350, in my gun, the Supertanker. But as for dot tracking, <shrug> I can't tell a difference unless I change the bullet.