H4198 versus N133

[AlbertaAl]

Both of these powders are listed on the burn rate chart as similar.
H4198 being #86 and N133 being #87
I'm now using H4198 for 20PPC, 222Rem and now after shooting almost 60 rounds with the 20BR found that H4198 might be my pet load powder.
I hate to buy N133 since H4198 is already in my inventory and pet powder for 2 other calibres.
Is there any good reason to use N133 in lieu of H4198 ?
Thanks

[montdoug]

The only reasons I could see are the VV powders all seem to burn cleaner if that matters and it meters easier. The main reason not to is VV powders are way more expensive. I use H4198 in a lot of stuff and like it a lot.

[Brian in SOz]

I agree with Montdoug's comments. I have never used VihtN133, but I have a variety of slower burning Vihtavouri powders, and they all seem to burn cleaner than some other powders.

Although both VN133 and H4198 are good options for the 222Rem, in my opinion their burning rate is too fast burning to be considered for use in the 20PPC and 20BR. I would guess that at maximum pressure your loading density would be 75% or less, which means considerable airspace in the case.

Perhaps you could slowly fill the 20PPC and 20BR to the base of the case neck with both powders, and then weigh to establish what loading density you are using.

Depending on the bullet weight being used, I believe that powders with a burning rate similar to H4350, VihtN150, N550, H414, etc are a better option for the 20PPC and 20BR. Good luck with your projects. Brian.

[jim saubier]

n133 and H4198 are not created equal. H4198 is actually very close to n130. I've used a fair amount of both of these powders, probably more so than any other powder. I prefer to use H4198 over n130 in my benchrest gun. I find it to be very forgiving and stable from day to day, and in the cold it worked better for me than n130. If you are using H4198 and not filling up the case, I'd try some n133 to see how it worked. I like the Vihtavouri powder line a lot and try to use it when I can because it does burn clean, acts predictably and performs well. I like to have a case full of powder, high load density, but not necessarily a compressed load. I like the powder to come up to the bottom of the neck or up to the shoulder of the case at the least. You may even find that H322 or benchmark or varget might work well. If you have a load with the 4198 that does everythign that you desire, run with it and never look back.

[AlbertaAl]

H4198 is my current pet load powder in the 20PPC 30Berger @ 4200 fps and 222Rem 40VMax @ 3450fps ...pleminary 20BR results show H4198 as best performer with wonderful consistency on the chrony SD and ES measurements, excellent accuracy, excellent velocity avgeraging 3980 fps
I'm 20BR shooting again tomorrow and hope to verify this even more.
The load density with H414 and Varget was filled half-way up the neck just barely leaving room for bullet seating without compressing.
H4198 is 77%-82% denisty and allows space for further load increasing.
Vihtavouri products are unavailable in my area for purchase otherwise I'd be trying them out.
Thanks for your feed-back guys
Al

[jim saubier]

it is suits you well, don't worry about it. i do like to have better load density than that, and would consider using some h322 or benchmark. 4200 fps with the 30 grain bullet is certainly gonna get the attention of some unsuspecting critter.