Did I screw up? Bought VV N-135 for 308

[chrishoesel]

Hi guys,

I just ordered an LMT MWS 308 gas gun, and conversion kit for one of my S1050's (processing and loading heads)

So for the first time in years, Brownell's has a good stock of VV 8# powder jugs. On a wim, I decided to buy 16# of N-135 intending to load 308 and heavier 223. I've used VV powder for pistol and also 338LM in the past and love their powders.

Load data indicates that N135 will be good for the 168gn SMK I intend to load, however it's not ideal. Also published is good fast loadings for 223 and 77gn SMK. However, on forums people are saying that N135 might be a tad too fast for my intended application, and should have selected N140 instead.

What say you? Should I get some lighter (155) projectiles for 308, or try to sell the N-135 and go with N-140? I've pretty much blown my budget for the year, so can't really just go out and buy more powder. I do have 50+ pounds of 8208XBR as well that I can use, but wanted to use the VV to run a bit cleaner.

Anyone use N-135 to good effect for 168gn SMK or Scenars? I'm trying to stay in the 2600fps range for them. Load data says it can do it, just not sure on the pressures involved.

Thanks!

Chris

[dauntedfuture]

N135 is a little fast for heavy bullets in .308. I had some good success with it, N135, and 155's at 1000. You can get plenty of velocity. I also used to use N-135 with all my 69g .223 200-300 loads for NRA HP.

[chrishoesel]

Thanks for the answer, it is as I feared. I'll keep it and use it for heavier 223 and use 8208XBR for now on the big order of 168gn SMK's I just ordered.

[venatic]

I would try both your N135 and the XBR 8208 and see how they perform. I use XBR8208 with the 175gr myself but for years H4895 which is similar in burn rate to N135 was used in 308's and 30-06 so you maybe surprised.

[perttime]

Give it a try. According to Vihtavuori data, N135 looks pretty good with 167 and 168 grain bullets, in terms of velocity. N140 often seems to be the best for accuracy, though.

[chrishoesel]

Thanks for all the replies folks. Will try 8208 as well, and if it's better, then I'll keep the N135 for my 223 stuff.

[NatureBoy]

I recently bought 1# of N135 and 2# of N140.

N140 is the accuracy load for both Nosler and Sierra in the 150-155g bullet weight . I've tried it for 155 TMKs and it was sub MOA.

Have yet to try the N135 but was planning on giving it a shot with 125g pills

Edited May 24, 2016 by NatureBoy