44 Mag loads with Vihtavuori N105 for heavy, and Green Dot for light loads

[lead collector]

Happy New Year everyone! Hope it a hell of a lot better than the last one was.

So I have been loading my range ammo for 2021, and have now finished up my 38's and 9mm's, about 1000 of each loaded up. My loading is different this year, with supplies of powder and primers limited, and for who know how long. :mad:
So my 38's all got loaded with Trap 100, this year, rather than Unique, and my 9mm's with Universal Clays.

I am going to start on 44 Magnums next, and in an effort to conserve my limited supply of 2400, and Unique for reduced rifle loads, I am looking at alternate powders for this cartridge as well. I am thinking maybe 6.5 grs. of Green Dot, maybe this for light loads, the N-105 for heavy stuff. All loading will be with the 240 gn Keith style bullet.
Normally I would not have the expensive... Vihtavuori N-105 powder in my inventory, but I got it dirt cheap, when my buddy sold out his gun shop last year.

I have never used the N-105, and even though I have load data for it... I wondered if any one here had any love of hate for this powder. Usually I just stick with Unique for light loads, and either 4227 or 2400 for heavy loads, but this year is different.. You have to use what you have or can get.
What do you guys have to say about this? Your thoughts are appreciated.
The light loads will go through a Mod 29 and the heavy stuff in a Red Hawk.
Best Regards,
L C

[tominboise]

I have shot quite a bit of Green dot under 240gr JSP out of my 44 mags. They work pretty well as a light to medium load. I have no experience with N105, so can't comment on that, other than to say your plan makes sense. I use around 8.5gr of GD with the 240JSP.

[lead collector]

Loaded a few 44's with the green dot load last night. Ended up not getting as far as I planned, as a zoom meeting for Church cut into the evening. It's ok, as I have enough to test tonight. Ended up going with 8 grs of Green Dot.
The N-105 has me confused, so I did not load any test rounds with it. I want to make sure that I understand what I am getting before I load any of this stuff.
The reloading data from their site shows 13.4 with 250 gr bullet, giving 1253 fps. Max of 16.7 gives 1406 fps. This data is with a test barrel 7 inch long, so its not rifle data. I must be missing something here, as this seems to be too good to be true. Way more velocity with way less powder, than H-110, 4227, or 2400?
I just cant get my head wrapped around this...
Any thought?

[Petander]

VV N105 is like that.

VV N110 gives even more velocity,usually with the case stuffed full.


https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/handgun-reloading/?cartridge=47

[black mamba]

After reloading for over 40 years I finally tried some Vihtavuori powders this past year, and N105 was the first one. I've had phenomenal success with it in both 41 and 44 magnums. Hands down the most accurate powder I've ever tried. The following two loads both shot quarter sized 10 shot groups at 12 yards at my indoor range; one ragged hole. These loads are near max in my 629 Classic 6½", so start 10% lower and work up. Your Redhawk should LOVE 'EM!

Case - - - - - - Primer - - Bullet - - - - - - - - Charge - - OAL - - - - Velocity
WW Super - - WLP - - - 265 gr SWC GC - - 15.5 gr - - 1.680" - - 1300 fps
WW Super - - WLP - - - 240 gr Horn. XTP - 16.0 gr - - 1.600" - - 1375 fps

[snowwolfe]

I have never loaded anything with Vihtavuori powders I didnt like. It is the cleanest burning powder out there and always gives me excellent results in the accuracy department.

[lead collector]

Thanks for the comments! My plans have changed some regarding this powder. I think I will indeed load some of the N105, and work up to some barn burner 44 mags, to play with, but dont think I will waste this stuff on pinking ammo.

So now I have way more respect for this powder, and I am not about to just waste it banging away. This is apparently really good powder, and even though I am into this stuff real cheap, I am going to make it the best use of it for heavy loads.
The 8 grains of Green Dot loads worked pretty well. I only shot a few last night as it was cold out, and I did not want to be out side very long. Might tweak it some, but over all it seems like a match to my 9 grs of Unique load.
I think I will load some of the 105 tonight and get the Redhawk out in a few days, if the weather ever warms up..

[megasupermagnum]

I've never tried N105 that I can remember. I will say this. For full power loads in a magnum handgun, H110 is what I go for every time. I've tried Lil'Gun, 300-MP, AA #9, and I'm sure a few others that claim to be as good or better than H110/W296. I'm not all that impressed with any of them, except Vhitavouri N110. I don't think it is better than H110, but it is just as good for sure.

[Shuz]

I have been using Green Dot for 1000fps area loads for many years in the .44 magnum. My favorite load is 8.6g with a 429421HP at 235g and.429 dia shot from either a 5" 629-3 Classic DX or model 69 with a 4-1/4" bbl. Primers were CCI 300 and OAL was 1.690.
This load chrono's 1084 fps from the 5" revolver and 1061fps from the Mdl 69. The 5 shot group from the Mdl 629 measured .703" at 25 yards, but then this revolver has a 4x Leupold EER scope mounted on it. My records show that the Mdl 69 shot 3/ea 10's and 2/ea 9's also at 25 yards. Both groups were from a bench rest.

[Ohio Rusty]

I have a couple pound canisters of VVN310. I've have them for a long time with the intention of using the powder for .380 loads.
I opened one yesterday .... no stange acidy smell, but the ultra fine powder is greenish in color, not black of a almost black shiny graphite color like other powders. Do the Vhitavori N series powders have a greenish color to them ??
Ohio Rusty ><>

[Alstep]

I've got a Redhawk 44, and it really likes 7.1 grains of Green Dot (Little Dandy Rotor #16) driving an Arsenal 429421 boolit.