If you like Varget, consider trying VV N140. This stuff burns clean, meters great, and is very consistent.
On sale now for $35/pound (8# jug)
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Wow, thanks for the info. I know it’s a good powder I just never have used it. That’s a fair price also in this day & age, I may try a jug.
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To be clear, N140 is excellent when used in heavy for caliber 223 and .308 loads, IMO. I get excellent results with 75 gr RMR bullets.
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I think markm and papabear had touched on this powder for the 223 heavies. When I was looking for it, it was out of stock @ most places or only had 1lb jugs so I held off. I may try and score some now that it seems to be around. I’m lucky cuz I have a ton of IMR 8208 and it rocks in my Tikka super varmint in 223. And while I have had great success with 77-grain TMK and Berger 77s I haven’t had much luck with anything heavier. This could be worth a try, thanks
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We’ve ran N135. I wanted N140, but haven’t had the chance yet.
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Thanks for the heads up!
I’ve had really good success with N140 and the 77 SMK.
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Check out Powder Valley, they have the 8lb jug for under $300 & Free Hazmat one day only if you spend $99 or more. Win,Win!!
VihtaVouri N140 Smokeless Powder | Powder Valley
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Damn! You’re killing me. I just had to replace my A/C unit. I can’t buy shit for a minute.
AC? Who needs AC in AZ? I hear it’s a “dry heat”…
LOL! Just kidding. I feel for ya, Brother. Hope you have a great Christmas and a wonderful 2025!
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I’m just glad the thing went out in heating season. Nothing worse than the ass pucker every summer praying that the old unit will keep cooling!
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Do you guys still have swamp coolers down there? When I was in the AF in Tucson, every building had them. They worked great until the humidity went above 10%, LOL, then they just blew wet air! The dry heat is a thing for sure, but 110 is still 110!!
Anyway,I just got an email from Midsouth, and N140 is $288.79, and Free Hazmat is over $99. “BUT” I want some TAC also, so when I compared PV with Midsouth with a coupon, I have $626.73 for both shipped. Midsouth for both was closer to $700 bucks,$676.46 shipped. If you just wanted the N140, it might be a better deal. That’s coming to NY versus maybe someone close for less shipping cost. It’s worth figuring it out.
Some swampies are here and there. Mostly in garages/shops. I don’t see too many homes with them as the main cooling system.
Yeah, I hear you, old tech, but it did work when the humidity was low like it is 99% of the time in AZ! So my question is do ya think that N140 is worth the expense for the heavy? I never had the success you and PB did with the 88 ELD (using varget/IMR 8208) or even the Noslers you recommended. They are the same rifle, but I would guess they are mass-produced and a little different for everyone. Here is a cool video from the Ultimate Reloader and while it’s a great video I’m kinda getting this already with IMR 8208 and the 77s, both Berger & TMKs.
Re-creating Berger’s AMAZING 77 OTM 223 Load
I finally have access to 900yrds and the heavys would be great for that. I have a 6.5 Creed also but the 223 is just a blast as you know all too well. Hate to spend the $$$ if it is not any different or better than the 8208 although I’m sure it wouldn’t go to waste. Any thoughts would be great, thanks.
I would buy the N140 based on price alone. Even if I couldn’t get the heavies to sing, the price is good enough to blast RMRs or whatever.
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Cool video.
I landed on 24.5 gr N140 under RMR 75 gr OTM’s and Win #41 primers, can’t remember the OAL, but basically a hair under max…. I also have Federal GMM AR primers but I’m mostly blasting from an AR so the Win AR primers are fine.
I get very consistent results in all my AR’s and my Ruger American bolt rifle. I suppose I might get better with more expensive bullets but I’m not shooting past 300 yards.
I like that VV powders measure very consistently through my Dillon 550 measure and burn clean. Way less soot and carbon.
Good luck!
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Sounds like a great bulk load. I ran some 69 gr RMRs on Saturday with TAC and CCI 41s.
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It is my “everything” load…LOL! I’m kinda a simple guy.
That works. I got to where I had like 5 different .223 loads at once in the ammo can. Just too much.
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Yes…I tried the whole reload ladder thing. Nothing really stood out.
This load just performs really well in every AR I own including my 10.5” pistol as well as my Ruger American 20” bolt. All are at or under 1 MOA with that 75gr bullet in 7-8 shot groups.
That is plenty good for my purposes.
I’m open to N135 and TAC should I ever get close to the end and cannot replace my N140. But I recently bought another 8# jug and I really do not shoot rifles much.