Vihtavuori N320 is a fast-burning, single-base handgun powder that has become a staple for competitive shooters and hobbyists alike. Formerly known as 3N22, it is a porous, tubular propellant engineered for light-to-mid-range target loads. It is widely regarded as one of the cleanest-burning powders on the market, offering exceptional lot-to-lot consistency and temperature stability that ensures a predictable point of impact across varying conditions.
Versatile Performance in Popular Calibers
N320’s burn rate makes it a more versatile alternative to the ultra-fast N310, allowing for higher velocities while maintaining safe pressures. It is an industry favorite for several key shooting disciplines:
- 9mm Luger: N320 is famous for 9mm target loads, particularly with 124gr and 147gr bullets. It is the go-to choice for shooters seeking low-recoil, high-accuracy “subsonic” loads for action shooting sports.
- .45 ACP: It is a premier powder for the classic 1911 platform, providing a soft-shooting feel and excellent accuracy with 200gr lead or 230gr FMJ projectiles.
- Cowboy Action Shooting: Because of its clean-burning nature and consistent ignition, it is heavily favored by Cowboy Action shooters using cartridges like .38 Special, .44 Special, and .45 Colt.
- Wide Compatibility: N320 is suitable for a broad spectrum of calibers, ranging from the small .32 S&W Long and .380 Auto up to the .44 Remington Magnum (for lighter target loads).
Physical Properties and Metering
N320 features a tubular grain geometry (1.1 mm length x 0.8 mm diameter) that offers distinct advantages at the reloading bench:
- Exceptional Metering: The uniform grain size allows N320 to flow with extreme precision through volumetric powder measures. This consistency is vital for maintaining low Standard Deviations (SD) in velocity, which is a requirement for competitive precision.
- Clean Burning & Decoppering: True to the Vihtavuori brand, N320 includes an integrated decoppering agent. This additive reduces the build-up of copper fouling in the barrel, significantly extending the time between cleanings and preserving accuracy over long strings of fire.
- Low Residue: Shooters often report that their firearms are noticeably cleaner after using N320 compared to other domestic fast-burning powders, which is particularly beneficial for high-volume semi-automatic pistols.
Why Competitive Shooters Choose N320
For many competitors, N320 is the “gold standard” because it removes variables. Its temperature insensitivity means that a load developed in the spring will still make “Power Factor” at a championship match in the heat of mid-summer or the cold of late fall. Furthermore, its ability to fill a significant portion of the case in rounds like 9mm and .45 ACP makes it easier to spot double-charges, adding an extra layer of safety to the reloading process.
