Well, I can't help but experiment. So although I have a very satisfactory load using Nosler 50gr BTs over Vit N130, I decided to try something new.

Got some 52gr A-max and N133. After looking through a few manuals, decided to try loads starting at 22.5 gr N133. Well, the powder was almost to the top of the neck. I didn't proceed further - I've no experience of compressed loads, and currently don't want to either.

So the question is, what's going on. I checked my scales (RCBS 10-10) and they are fine. Yet Vit list N133 loads for .222 going up to 24 grains, which wouldn't fit in the case. Could it be that the cases - Norma brass - are very thick-walled, and down on capacity? I will get some different brass - probably Lapua - and try again, but I expect to find that this is just clutching at straws.

It just bugs me to have a brand-new tub of powder that cost about forty pounds, and nothing to do with it. Nothing else that I shoot is suitable for this powder, so if I don't work out what's going on it will just go to waste.

N-133 From 20.5 grains to 22.5 grains in the .222; are you sure you weren't looking at .222 Magnum data?

Use N133 in my 45-70 and 500 nitro. It vont' work in that little pecker, at all!
Henrik

Hi Patrick

I have had the exact same experience with Norma cases and N133 but i have found that loads between 22.0 and 22.6 gives top accuracy in my Sako L461 with 50-55 grainers and if the loads are compressed with 22.6-23.1 grains, accuracy goes down.
With 23.1 grain you have to vibrate the case when you fill it with powder. I have not seen any pressure problems at all and Vihtavouri have some loads up to 25.2 grains of N133 for 40 grainers but in Remington cases.
I havent tried to compare Norma and Rem caseweights but I think it will give you the answer. Norma may be very thickwalled.

My std. load in .222 Rem consists of N133 / 22.5 behind a 52 Sierra MK. It's compressed all right and it crushes when seating the bullet. It's also plenty accurate (see pic). Don't worry.

Thanks all for you opinions and advice.

ricciardelli, no! I always refer to two or three different manuals (Vit, Nosler, Hornady), and I'm absolutely obsessive about safety. So no, it's not .222 mag.

Henrik, do you have a Vit reloading manual? If not, look here: http://www.vihtavuori.fi/vihtavuori/index.html

N133 most certainly will work in the "little pecker"

The Dane, Andr� THANK YOU. I'm going to try some different brass, but I may have to read up on compressed loads. It certainly seems like I shouldn't give up just yet!

Thanks guys

I do have some Federal at home, thinking about it - so I will that first

[ 08-12-2002, 17:58: Message edited by: Patrick_D ]

Patrick,

I had the same experience with my N133! I use a drop tube and seat long but max loads from the viht book are still compressed to the extent that the bullets are not staying seated to the correct length. As a result I pulled the heads and will not load to max. From advice I've had here LAPUA cases may make your problem worse as they are apparently of low capacity due to thick walls in this calibre.

Thanks 1894.

I will try the Federal this evening and report back on whether it makes a noticeable difference.

Patrick

Well, the answer is no! Federal brass was about 1 grain lighter than Norma, so I won't go down that road. Will obtain some Remington.

Andr�,

I scurried away to buy some N135, I felt a desperate urge to try that crash thing when seating the bullets...

regards,
/HerrBerg

Patrik_D,
I have only one little doubt, in other calibers I found that Lapua cases have less capacity than Norma. I only confirming 1894. I will verify my manuals this evening, also because Vihtavuory Oy has changed some data during last years.

bye

Sorry Patrick_D,
I was forgotting, Lapua electronic manual says that Rem cases have been used. Maybe this help.
bye

Patrick,

Even 24gr is too much for my sako cases, I think you will find that 23.5 is about max you can fit in depending on the style of bullet. I suspect that N133 may be an accuracy and not a velocity powder in 222.

I've been playing with mine now I have it back and am really enjoying it. So efficient, so accurate, so FUN!

Yesterday I tried 23,5gr Vihtavouri N135 with 50gr Sierra 1340. Shot from a miserable excuse for a shooting bench (high seat with my feet dangling (and I'm 1.92 meters tall!), low bench, one sandbag only... yeah, I've got all my excuses ready ) and the load made <20mm on 100 meters.

Need to try it out in more favorable conditions, this seems like a worthwhile load to play with.

/HerrBerg

Thanks to all for your comments/suggestions. I will be trying some 52gr A-max over N130 and N133, and I will chrono it. If the results are worthwhile I will post them. May take a couple of weeks to get done however.

1894, YES! It may be, as someone said, a "little pecker". But in this case I do belive it's quality and not size that counts. My .222 is my "reference" rifle. So much of what we do is about trusting the equipment = and I know that if I do my bit then the three deuces won't let me down.

BTW I was always curious - 1894 - is that a reference to a certain Swedish chambering?

Indeed it does refer to the year of manafacture of 6.5x55, it was only later I realised about winchester!

I did actualy shoot my 50gr berger under 24gr of vvN133. It was getting to be a hot load, the first I've ever had in this rifle, it was inaccurate and I remember it being a pain to fit in. I would think 23.5gr would be absolute max for me.

If you really want some fun try the 30gr MEFs. I'm up to 22.8gr of vvN120 and not a hint of pressure. Talk about explosive! Not tried them on fox yet but tears crows to pieces. As accurate as the rest of them ie much better than my bench technique!

[ 08-19-2002, 14:22: Message edited by: 1894 ]