Description
Vihtavuori 3N38 is a specialized high-energy pistol powder with a burn rate classified as medium-slow, making it ideal for high-performance handgun loads. Its physical form comprises fine granules that ensure excellent metering properties, providing consistent charge weights and reliable ignition. 3N38 is particularly suited for competitive shooters and handgun enthusiasts who seek premium performance in high-velocity applications. This powder delivers optimal results in calibers such as 9mm Luger, .38 Super, and .40 S&W, particularly in cases where high velocity is essential without compromising accuracy. Temperature stability is a notable advantage of 3N38, maintaining its ballistic performance across a range of environmental conditions. This reliable performance is due to Vihtavuori's stringent quality control processes, earning it high trust within the reloading community. Load development with 3N38 should focus on maximizing its potential in high-pressure cartridges, ensuring safe and efficient performance while exploring its capability to deliver precision and power for competitive pistol disciplines.
Specifications
Burn Rate
6.8 (Medium-Fast)
Bulk Density
0.730 g/cm³
Density
1.510 g/cm³
Temperature Sensitivity
Low
Suitable Substitutes
Powders with a similar burn rate that may be suitable alternatives (also see burn rate chart):
Standard Loads — Vihtavuori 3N38
Verified load data combinations using Vihtavuori 3N38.
.357 Mag.
H&N .357 | 145gr | H&N WC F PPC 145gr
.357 Mag.
H&N .357 | 158gr | H&N HP HS 158gr
.357 Mag.
LEE .358 | 148gr | LEE Mold TL358-148-WC 148gr
.357 Mag.
LEE .358 | 158gr | LEE Mold 358-158-RF 158gr
.357 Mag.
LOS .357 | 148gr | LOS WC 148gr
.357 Mag.
Rim Rock .358 | 148gr | Rim Rock DEWC Top Shelf 148gr
.357 Mag.
Rim Rock .358 | 155gr | Rim Rock DEWC 155gr
.357 Mag.
Speer .358 | 148gr | Speer LBBWC 148gr
.357 Maximum
ALSA PRO .355 | 124gr | ALSA PRO FMJ 124gr
.357 Maximum
ALSA PRO .355 | 140gr | ALSA PRO FMJ 140gr
.357 Maximum
Berry's .356 | 115gr | Berry's HBRN-TP 115gr
.357 Maximum
Geco .355 | 115gr | Geco FMJ 115gr
.357 Maximum
Geco .355 | 124gr | Geco HEXAGON 124gr
.357 Maximum
H&N .356 | 120gr | H&N RN KB 120gr
.357 Maximum
H&N .356 | 120gr | H&N RN HS 120gr
.357 Maximum
H&N .355 | 120gr | H&N RN HS 120gr
.357 Maximum
H&N .356 | 125gr | H&N KS HS LG 125gr
.357 Maximum
H&N .356 | 125gr | H&N RN KB 125gr
Subsonic Loads — Vihtavuori 3N38
Verified subsonic load data combinations using Vihtavuori 3N38.
.30-06 Spring.
Berger .308 | 230gr | Berger Hybrid OTM Tactical 230gr
.30-06 Spring.
Berger .308 | 230gr | Berger Hybrid Target 230gr
.30-06 Spring.
Discreet Ballistics .308 | 188gr | Discreet Ballistics Selous Machined Expander 188gr
.30-06 Spring.
Hornady .308 | 175gr | Hornady Sub-X 175gr
.30-06 Spring.
Hornady .308 | 190gr | Hornady Sub-X 190gr
.30-06 Spring.
Lapua .308 | 200gr | Lapua Subsonic 200gr
.30-06 Spring.
MAKER .308 | 200gr | MAKER 200 Grain .308 Expanding Subsonic Blackout Bullets 200gr
.30-06 Spring.
MAKER .308 | 220gr | MAKER 300 blackout 220gr
.30-06 Spring.
Peregrine .308 | 155gr | Peregrine Subsonic 155gr
.30-06 Spring.
Reichenberg .308 | 154gr | Reichenberg HDB Subsonic 154gr
.30-06 Spring.
Reichenberg .308 | 200gr | Reichenberg Subsonic 200gr
.30-06 Spring.
Sierra .308 | 220gr | Sierra MatchKing 220gr
.30-06 Spring.
Styria Arms | AERO .308 | 95gr | AERO SUB-I,- smax:11.30 95gr
.30-06 Spring.
Styria Arms | AERO .308 | 115gr | AERO SUB,- smax:11.40 115gr
.30-06 Spring.
Styria Arms | AERO .308 | 190gr | AERO SUB,- smax:23.90 190gr
.300 AAC Blackout
Barnes .308 | 180gr | Barnes MRX BT 180gr
.300 AAC Blackout
Discreet Ballistics .308 | 188gr | Discreet Ballistics Selous Machined Expander 188gr
.300 AAC Blackout
Ferrobull Europe .308 | 180gr | Ferrobull Tripple Expand Jagd 180gr
Community Loads — Vihtavuori 3N38
Sample load data calculated with Vihtavuori 3N38.
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| Cartridge | Bullet | Barrel (in) | Charge (gr) | OAL (in) | Case Volume (GoW) | Max. Pressure (psi) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .357 | 158gr | Speer TMJ | 6.0 | 11.1 | 1.59 | 25.6 | 34,367 (79%) | 1358 | |
| .357 | 158gr | Speer TMJ | 6.0 | 11.0 | 1.59 | 25.6 | 33,585 (77%) | 1348 | |
| .429 | 240gr | CamPro TC | 20.0 | 18.0 | 1.69 | 39.0 | 36,608 (99%) | 1729 | |
| .429 | 240gr | CamPro TC | 20.1 | ••.• | 1.61 | 39.5 | 37,449 (92%) | 1713 | |
| .429 | 240gr | CamPro TC | 20.1 | ••.• | 1.61 | 39.5 | 32,808 (81%) | 1654 | |
| .429 | 240gr | CamPro TC | 20.1 | ••.• | 1.59 | 39.5 | 32,967 (81%) | 1640 | |
| .429 | 240gr | CamPro TC | 20.1 | ••.• | 1.60 | 39.5 | 32,343 (80%) | 1598 | |
| .429 | 240gr | CamPro TC | 20.1 | ••.• | 1.59 | 39.5 | 28,689 (71%) | 1575 | |
| .429 | 240gr | CamPro TC | 20.1 | ••.• | 1.61 | 39.5 | 27,398 (67%) | 1568 | |
| .429 | 240gr | CamPro TC | 8.3 | ••.• | 1.59 | 39.5 | 28,689 (71%) | 1365 | |
| .429 | 300gr | Speer Magnum SP | 8.0 | ••.• | 1.98 | 49.0 | 40,001 (98%) | 1365 | |
| .451 | 185gr | Hornady XTP | 12.0 | ••.• | 2.20 | 60.0 | 54,549 (88%) | 2408 |
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