Norma powder Help

[smokemjoe]

I got 8 lbs. of Norma 205 powder, I think its slow like 4831, I want to load it in 30-06 with 200 to 210 cast bullet, I am thinking of starting at 40 grs. What can you fellows help me with for loading, Thanks- Joe

[wiljen]

You are correct. Norma 205 was right next to IMR 4831 in burn rate. I wouldn't hesitate to use 4831 starting data with 205. If anything, 205 is a hair slower.

[smokemjoe]

How about norma 203 and 204, I have 6 lbs. of these, what burning rate do these compare to, Thanks

[chuckbuster]

My experience is that 205 is slower than IMR4831, H4831 is closer. Dad has a .338 Win Mag that loved it. 210 NOSLER at near 3000fps and under 1" groups. Not sure how it would run with BOOLITS in anything. Ken Waters had some success with H4831 in several cartridges and CB's so may work ok.
KDK

[wiljen]

which 203? There is old 203 and newer 203B.

204 is pretty close to 4350 and again starting loads for 4350 would be a good place to start.

203 is pretty close to IMR 4320 but not interchangeable.
203B is close to H380 but again, not interchangeable.

With the 203s I'd start with the close powders minus 10% on starting charges.

[smokemjoe]

This is all the older Powders, This is what I loaded up in the 30-06 for my M1 Garand, No gas plug. Run bolt by hand. With Weaver- 6 X scope, gun is glass bedded.
I loaded as follows- Norma- 205, 40 grs, with 311284 bullet - bumped to fit throat, and with Ly. 311299 and CBE 200 gr.
With Norma 203 , 30 grs and Norma 204 35 grs. with the above 3 bullets, Do you think I am in the save zone to start out with

[madsenshooter]

Hey Joe, here's the best burn rate chart I've ever come across. It lists them side by side instead of just just in approximate order from fastest to slowest. http://gsgroup.co.za/burnrates.html

[felix]

I like the idea of that chart, but the speeds are offset incorrectly in quite a few applications that I have experience with. In general, the V-V powders are charted on the slow side in application with the more familiar powders. ... felix

[NuJudge]

N205 can get a 180gr jacketed 30-'06 bullet to velocities no other powder can, except for Norma MRP. There's a famous article in Handloader on it, "The Spry Septugenarian." My feeling is it's a bit slower than 4831.

I shot a couple Caribou and a bunch of deer with it.

CDD

[StarMetal]

I like the idea of that chart, but the speeds are offset incorrectly in quite a few applications that I have experience with. In general, the V-V powders are charted on the slow side in application with the more familiar powders. ... felix

Felix,

Here's the burn rate for Vihtavuoi right from the manufacture of it:

http://www.lapua.com/fileadmin/user_upload/esitteet/VihtavuoriReloadingGuideEdition8.pdf

[smokemjoe]

Thank -you guys for the help, I feel save now when I pull the trigger,