Starting Load for VV N320 Powder

[denw]

I am working up a load for Montana Gold 124gr CMP and also 147gr CMP and I will be using vv n320 to begin with. Since have to get load info for this powder mostly from their website when I am looking there for MG CMJ would it be best to start with the Rainier RN information for both 124 and 147. The show a span of 3.8 and 4.1 for low and high on 124 and show 3.5 to 3.8 for the 147. I can start with these lows but would I be better off maybe starting even just a bit lower?

I also have some Extreme bullets coming in 124 and 147 and would I also be safe in using the same starting point to build from for these as the MG?

I have searched and read probably as much as I can for vvn320 and find many loads that people are using but not a lot on what is a good starting point to build from. I am very new to reloading and just looking I would think I would probably want to start maybe 3.6 for 124 and maybe 3.3 for 147 for the MG's but then not sure for the Extremes but since I don't have much experience these are just conservative guesses and would think will still possible cycle in the gun then again maybe not.

Sorry for the long post but a solid starting point that is good to start with for these bullets would be great. I will be working these loads for a couple guns but will figure the OAL for each barrel so will be on longest for each barrel. Guns are Sig 226 and a Sig M11 A1 thanks again.

[Braxton1]

I use 4.2 of N320 behind a 124 MG JHP to achieve a 132 Power Factor out of either my Glock 34 with KKM barrel and 13# spring or my Springfield XDm 5.25 with factory barrel. This load also works for the X-treme 124s.

I don't have any 147 data with this powder. Haven't shot heavy bullets in years....

[Youngeyes]

Just remember that Rainier and Extreme bullets are plated. If you are working up a load for montana gold use FMJ info. If you use Extreme be more careful with any crimping. Just to be accurate, Rainier states the FMJ load data can be used for their bullets. I would also recommend that you get a chrono to check your loads. I find it difficult to work up an accurate load without one. YMMV Welcome to the forums.

[mike_pinto]

Start off at 3.2 for the 147's. It'll be soft but should be pretty close to 125 PF. I run at 3.4 for my M&P pro 5" and chrono at 131 pretty regularly. I also run 3.6 WST and it's almost the same feel/PF/accuracy.

[Red Ryder]

3.4 to 3.6 grains of N320 with a MG 147 cmj. Exact load depends on the barrel and or gun.

[Bill H]

I use 4.4 N320 with the 124 CMJ. 131 PF

[magoo]

I use 3.9 gr. n320 124 BB bullet 130 PF at Nat.

[open17]

Running 2 CZ's, a M&P 9L, 2 9mm 1911's and a G17. OAL 1.140, WSP primers. 3.7 N320 gets all of them

comfortably above 125 with a 147 Montana Gold CMJ. 129-135 PF depending on the gun.

Switched to 147 Bayou polymer coated, powder dropped to 3.4 for same PF.

[RippSpeed]

135gr Moly, 1.125oal 3.4grs N320 Winchester Small Rifle Glock 34 factory barrel 135pf

Edited October 6, 2014 by RippSpeed

[Woodsk]

3.5 N320 xtreme plated 147s gets me to ~130pf

M&P 5 inch

[Trident]

I use 3.6 under NG 147g and 4.4 under 124g MG JHP and it gives me 5 extra PF. You could go 3.4 & 4.2 if you want to be right on PF.

MP 5".

[denw]

First I would like to thank you all for help with some starting points to safely work a load for Montana Gold 124 and 147gr using VV n320.

I did work up some loads and did get some numbers from the chronograph this evening that I thought I would share.

The MG 124gr RN I started at 3.8 and worked up to 4.2 and the OAL used was 1.155 should mentioned using a Sig 226 and looking to make 125000 safely for IDPA for my wife.

124gr AOL 1.155 on all

3.8 900 - 978 1004

4.0 1006 - 1023 - 1034

4.2 1038 - 1059 - 1047

So looking to get 1008 to get to 125,000 looks like could possible use 4.0 and for sure 4.2 for the 124gr bullets. Averaging the 4.2 speeds would get 129,952.

147gr

3.2 OAL 1.158 846 - 820 - 811

3.4 OAL 1.155 844 - 839 - 838

3.6 OAL 1.158 872 - 872 - 884

This is the weight I will use for my wife and if I use MG 147 looks like 3.6 should work pretty good with low number giving 128,184. I am also going to work with some Extreme bullets on 147gr so this will be the next load will work on and see how they do with same powder n320.

Thanks again for helping with some starting points.

Trident you came in almost right on what I could use.

Den

[Gdub]

Anyone have trouble with a 147gr cast bullet touching 3.4 gr. of N320? I have a SP01 and if I load more than an OAL of 1.15" the loads don't pass the plunk and spin test. The powder is not compressed but the bottom of the bullet is very close to the powder. Should I be worried? I haven't shot or chronographed any yet. What should I expect?

Thanks for any info.

Edited October 27, 2014 by Gdub