Vihtavuori N550 Smokeless Gun Powder

Clear Product Overview

Vihtavuori N550 propellant is a premium double-base rifle powder engineered to push medium to large rifle cartridges to maximum velocity without generating harsh pressure spikes. As part of Vihtavuori’s high-energy N500 series, N550 infuses nitroglycerin into single-base nitrocellulose grains, providing extra energy density for heavy-for-caliber projectiles. Thanks to its clean-burning chemical formulation and symmetrical single-perforated kernel design, this powder delivers exceptional thermal stability and batch-to-batch consistency. As a result, long-range competitors and hunters gain flat trajectories and tight downrange groups.

Relevant Specifications

• Brand: Vihtavuori

• Product Line: N500 High-Energy Series

• Powder Type: High-Energy Double-Base Extruded (Stick) Powder

• Burn Rate: Medium-Slow Rifle (Similar burn rate range to N150 / H4350)

• Available Sizes: 1 lb Container & 8 lb Master Keg

• Chemical Mix: High-Energy Nitrocellulose Compound with Nitroglycerin Enrichment

• Intended Applications: 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 6.5×55 Swedish, .243 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington

• Country of Origin: Made in Finland

Real-World Use Information

When you need to squeegee extra velocity out of your 6.5 Creedmoor or .30-06 Springfield without over-compressing your powder column, Vihtavuori N550 propellant stands out on the bench. The added energy density gives heavy match and hunting bullets a clean boost in feet-per-second, which pays off in windy long-range conditions. Furthermore, Vihtavuori treats N550 with an advanced anti-copper fouling agent that keeps barrel throats clean through long string sequences. Its smooth, tubular sticks trickle nicely through electronic powder measures, giving you repeatable charge weights from shell to shell.

Compatibility & Requirements

• Cartridge Compatibility: Excels in medium to large non-magnum rifle cases including 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester (heavy bullets), .30-06 Springfield, .243 Win, and 6.5×55 SE.

• Metering & Tool Compatibility: Uniform tubular stick grains trickle with precision through digital dispensers, auto-tricklers, and standard rotary powder drops.

• Safety Requirement: Always consult published load data from Vihtavuori or trusted reloading manuals, starting at minimum recommended charge weights due to the powder’s high energy output.

Pros & Limitations

Pros:

• High Energy Output: Nitroglycerin-enriched formula adds noticeable velocity gains over conventional single-base rifle propellants.

• Decoppering Technology: Contains integrated anti-fouling additives that actively minimize copper buildup inside the barrel.

• Exceptional Clean Burn: Leaves minimal carbon residue in the chamber and throat, simplifying post-range rifle maintenance.

• Consistent Batch Quality: Rigorous Finnish manufacturing ensures unmatched lot-to-lot velocity and pressure consistency.

Limitations:

• Temperature Sensitivity: While double-base energy yields higher speed, it shows slightly more thermal sensitivity across extreme temperature shifts than Vihtavuori’s single-base N100 series or Hodgdon’s Extreme line.

• Slightly Higher Barrel Wear: The higher combustion temperature of double-base high-energy powders can accelerate barrel throat wear faster than standard single-base stick options during rapid firing strings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What makes Vihtavuori N550 propellant different from standard N150 powder?

A: While both share a similar burn speed range, N550 belongs to the high-energy N500 series. Nitroglycerin is added to N550, which provides higher velocity and energy density compared to the single-base N150.

Q: Is Vihtavuori N550 suitable for 6.5 Creedmoor reloading?

A: Yes, N550 is an outstanding choice for 6.5 Creedmoor, particularly when seating medium-to-heavy 130-grain to 143-grain target or hunting bullets.

Q: How does Vihtavuori N550 help reduce barrel copper fouling?

A: Vihtavuori incorporates a decoppering agent directly into the powder formulation, which reduces copper jacket deposits along the rifling during shooting.

Shipping & Delivery Information

• HazMat Classification: Ships as Hazardous Material (UN0441 / UN0161, Smokeless Powder) under DOT rules.

• Shipping Restrictions: Ships by ground inside the Continental United States only. Therefore, we cannot ship to P.O. Boxes, APO/FPO locations, or overseas.

• Adult Signature Required: An adult must sign for the package upon delivery.

• Final Sale: Due to federal safety rules for hazardous materials, all smokeless powder sales are final and non-returnable.