185 gr. Load

[Braxton1]

I have been trying to develop a load using the 185 grain Nosler JHP and VihtaVouri N320. I have been using 5.0 of Clays for this load in the past, but I was trying to consolidate my powders a bit. I use N320 for all my 9mm and 40 loads, so I figured "go with that". Well, I am giving up....

Chrono data, using an infrared set-up indoors:

Winchester Cases, 6.2 N320, OAL 1.200, WLP primers.

String 1

908.5

875.3 LO

919.1

889.1

943.4

970.1

922.2

922.4

886.9

974.5 HI

Ave 921.2 PF 170.4

String 2

881.0 LO

908.3

973.7

896.4

889.9

955.2 HI

925.9

937

917.8

917.0

Ave 920.2 PF 170.2

The Average and Power Factors look PERFECT right? But the Extreme Spread is, well, Extreme. And these aren't chrono anomalies; I could FEEL the difference in recoil when they happened.

Am I chasing an elusive quarry here? It just doesn't want to seem to work. I reckon I'm going back to Clays for this one caliber.

[Ben Diss]

Bullseye shooters like the Nosler and Zero 185 JHP with either 4.5 Bullseye, 4.5 700x, or 4.2 N310. COL's range from 1.20 to 1.22 depending on who's loading them. I'd try loading that bullet with N310 and I'll bet your ES goes down.

[Braxton1]

With N310, could I get it to run the requisite 915fps to make 170 PF Major? What little experience I have with N310, it was spooky fast. I loaded pretty close to the VV book's maximum load (4.9 grains on a 5.1 max) and only got a 129.4 Power Factor.

45ACP

4.9 VV N310

G-21

1.200

185 Nosler

CCI 500

708

686

735

659

708

690

Ave 697.6

PF 129.04

Edited March 12, 2012 by Braxton1

[Ben Diss]

No, you wouldn't want to try and make major with N310.

For major, have you tried a 230 grain bullet with 4.1 of Clays?

[Braxton1]

My "go-to" load is 5.0 of Clays with a 185 Nosler.

I prefer a snappier load over what feels to be sluggish with the 230s. Just my opinion....

[Ben Diss]

In that case, have you tried Titegroup? Snappy, fast powder, but burns hot so not recommended for lead bullets. For PPC, I shoot a MG 200 CMJ with 4.6 of Titegroup. For major, I'd try 5.8 or 6.0 grains of Titegroup.

[Boss1622]

I'm running 6.1 N320 with Zero 185 Grain HP and they have ran very consistent and accurate from my Springfield TRP.

[reptoid]

I have used alot of VV N320 and N310 in both 9mm minor (320) and 45ACP target/bullseye shooting. I haven't ever used either for major but I have shot alot of 45 with the Nosler 185 JHP @ 1.2" OAL with both powders. One thing I saw when chronographing and shooting groups with both powders was higher velocity (25-35 FPS), lower ES and SD (sometimes 1/2), and better groups when using Federal primers (#150 in 45 and #100 in 9mm). I can't explain it, but it was repeatable and consistent. I have seen just the opposite with other handgun and rifle powders at times when changing primers

Might be worth a try