Opinions on N320 and ZIP powders.

[TripleChris]

Looking for an alternative to the HP-38/Win-231 for .45 ACP target loads. Honestly, for no other reason than to try something new, as I am happy with the performance of the HP-38 I have been using. (other than its weird odor when fired)

Seems like there is not much out there in the way of opinions on either of these powders. Any input at all would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[alucard0822]

I've had good luck with VV-N320, very clean and accurate, but hard to find locally, and I only used a pound of it to try out.

My go-to powder for 45ACP, 38sp, 357mag, light 40S&W and 45colt is bullseye, kinda dirty, but accurate, plentiful and cheap.

 

[helg]

According to QuickLoad, ZIP is the same as W231 with all parameters except bulk density. The W231 is bulkier.

 

[Baumer]

I've had good luck with VV-N320, very clean and accurate, but hard to find locally.

+1

I used 4.8gr N320 with a 200gr SWC as a target load.

 

[Fustercluck]

+1

I used 4.8gr N320 with a 200gr SWC as a target load.

+2. Have used this same recipe with good results in Bullseye shooting. very accurate.

As stated by Alucard, N320 is pretty hard to find and pricy. I just use WW231, cuz it meters well and is easier to find. My loads are just as accurate, but 231 is dirtier than N320.

 

[Baumer]

I didn't mention metering in my initial response but N320 meters really well in my LNL powder measure. I loaded some 9mm with 3.8grs this weekend and every measurement was nearly dead on. I'm not using a digital scale but I would say less than .05gr of deviation. W231, which I use frequently would be less than .1gr.