Vihtavuori also claims less lot-to-lot variation than occurs with most other powders. In reality, decoppering originated over a century ago in artillery shells, due to fouling so severe that strips of copper sometimes hung from cannon muzzles. Many handloaders also believe decoppering agents are a recent development, and perhaps even marketing fiction. I have yet to see any noticeable change in impact with powders advertised as temperature resistant, or change in muzzle velocity at zero Fahrenheit of over 30/35 fps.Īll the Vihtavuori powders are fine-granule, even the really slow-burners, so they meter easily through mechanical measures. My tests have found a shift of up to 3 inches at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, after the rifle was sighted-in at 70 degrees Fahrenheit – which amounts to a foot at 400 yards. This is also true – but the problem with cold-sensitive powders is not trajectory, but a significant change in impact at 100 yards, which can be in any direction. They also often say that a loss of 100 fps results in only slightly more bullet drop at 400 yards. This is generally true, especially at typical “deer ranges,” partly because significant differences in muzzle velocity are rare with any modern smokeless rifle powder at temperatures from around 25 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Many average handloaders, particularly deer hunters, are puzzled by such developments, saying they have never experienced any problems when hunting in different temperatures.
38 cartridges.Vihtavuori makes two main lines of rifle powders, the 100 series including N130 (left), which are all single-based, and the 500 series including N540, which are double-based with added nitroglycerin for more velocity.Vihtavuori powders have a reputation for fine accuracy, but today all are temperature-resistant, and since 2017 contain a decoppering agent. 357 and then frequently use them with the more affordable. 357 cartridges, causing many gun owners to buy guns designed for the. They are also used to hunt small game including deer, and for target shooting. 357 cartridges are used for self-defense, as they have strong stopping power.
They were the standard cartridge used by police departments in the United States from the 1920s to the 1990s. They are the most popular revolver cartridge in the world and are used for target shooting, personal defense and hunting small game. 38 cartridges are most commonly used in revolvers, although they can also be used in some semi-automatic pistols and carbines. 38 Special is especially renowned for its accuracy. It has a muzzle velocity of 1090 ft/s and a maximum pressure of 35,000 PSI.Īccuracy of shooting is dependent more on the skill of the shooter than the cartridge or gun. It has a bullet weight of 10.2g, a relatively slow muzzle velocity of 940 ft/s and a maximum pressure of 17,000 PSI. 38 is considered to be highly accurate with manageable recoil. L-R: (1) 3 in 12 ga magnum shotgun shell (for comparison), (2) size "AA" battery (for comparison), (3).
Side-by-side comparison of many common pistol rounds.