Vihtavuori N570 is a specialized, high-energy smokeless rifle powder designed specifically for the largest magnum cartridges and extreme long-range (ELR) shooting. As the slowest-burning member of Vihtavuori’s N500 series, it was developed to meet the demands of shooters using very large case volumes and heavy-for-caliber bullets. By incorporating nitroglycerine into its nitrocellulose base, N570 delivers significantly higher velocities than traditional single-base powders without a corresponding increase in peak chamber pressure.
Maximum Velocity for Large Magnum Cases
N570 is engineered to provide the high bulk density and slow burn rate required to push heavy projectiles to their aerodynamic potential. It is a top-tier choice for cartridges such as:
- .338 Lapua Magnum: Ideally suited for 300gr bullets, providing exceptional consistency.
- .300 PRC and .300 Norma Magnum: Delivers the energy needed for heavy 225gr+ target bullets.
- 6.5 PRC and 6.5-284 Norma: Optimizes velocity in these high-performance “overbore” short magnums.
- .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (RUM): Fills the large case capacity efficiently to maximize terminal performance.
- .375 CheyTac and .50 BMG: Provides the necessary burn duration for extreme-range military and civilian applications.
Physical Characteristics and Loading Notes
Because of its specific energy requirements, N570 has a unique physical profile that reloaders must account for during bench work:
- Large Kernel Size: The powder consists of large, extruded tubular grains (2.3mm length x 1.3mm diameter). Due to this size, it does not “throw” well through standard volumetric powder measures and can occasionally “bridge” in smaller caliber funnels.
- Precision Weighing Required: For the best results in long-range consistency (low Standard Deviation), it is highly recommended to weigh every charge individually using a precision scale rather than relying on a volume-based measure.
- Clean Burning: Despite its high energy content, N570 is noted for being remarkably clean-burning, which helps maintain accuracy during long strings of fire and simplifies barrel maintenance.
Temperature Stability and Safety
As part of the modern N500 series, N570 is designed to be temperature-stable, meaning its muzzle velocity remains relatively consistent across a wide range of ambient temperatures. This is critical for long-range hunters and competitors who may develop a load in the summer but shoot in freezing winter conditions.
However, Vihtavuori issues a specific safety warning regarding extreme cold. In temperatures below -20°C (-4°F), heavy loads of N570 have shown signs of unpredictable pressure increases. For shooters operating in these extreme arctic conditions, Vihtavuori recommends switching to N568, which is specifically formulated to remain stable even in those deep sub-zero environments.
The “Barrel Burner” Trade-off
It is important to note that N570 is a “high-energy” powder. The same nitroglycerine that provides impressive velocity also results in higher flame temperatures. While Vihtavuori includes additives to minimize bore wear, N570 is known among high-volume shooters for being harder on throat erosion than slower, single-base powders like the N100 series. For many ELR shooters, this is a calculated trade-off to achieve the flat trajectories and wind-bucking speeds required for targets beyond 1,000 yards.