Vihtavuori N340 Smokeless Gun Powder

Clear Product Overview

Vihtavuori N340 Smokeless Gun Powder is a premium, flexible single-base porous handgun propellant developed by Vihtavuori in Finland. Renowned globally for its extraordinary cleanliness, thermal stability, and low barrel wear, N340 serves as an all-around medium-fast burning powder ideal for high-performance service pistol rounds, action target competition loads, and medium-pressure revolver cartridges.

First, N340 features precise, uniform cylindrical kernels that meter smoothly through progressive reloading press powder drops and single-stage dispensers. Consequently, handloaders achieve consistent charge weights and exceptionally tight velocity standard deviations. In addition, its medium-fast burn profile bridges the gap between target powders and heavy magnum propellants, delivering high muzzle velocities at moderate chamber pressures. As a result, it is a premier choice for shooters loading 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .38 Special (+P), and .357 Magnum. Furthermore, Vihtavuori’s clean-burning single-base chemistry produces virtually zero ash residue or heavy carbon buildup on firing pin assemblies, slide rails, or cylinder gaps. Therefore, it delivers clean gun operation, soft felt recoil, and match-grade velocity consistency.

Relevant Specifications

• Brand: Vihtavuori Powders (Nammo Group)

• Product Line: N300 Handgun Series

• Powder Name: N340

• Powder Type: Single-Base Porous Extruded / Cylindrical

• Burn Rate: Medium-Fast Handgun (Similar class to Hodgdon CFE Pistol, Alliant Power Pistol, Winchester AutoComp, and Accurate No. 5)

• Primary Applications: Standard, High-Velocity & Competition Handgun Cartridges (9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Special)

• Available Sizes: 1 lb Canister & 4 lb Container

• Country of Origin: Finland

Real-World Use Information

Handloaders select Vihtavuori N340 because it offers unmatched cleanliness and velocity control across multiple handgun platforms. Consequently, action pistol competitors (USPSA, IDPA, Steel Challenge) can load high volumes of 9mm or .40 S&W ammunition that make required power factors while maintaining a clean, cool-running firearm.

Additionally, its single-base chemical stability provides consistent burn rates across broad ambient temperature changes, ensuring reliable power factors in hot summers or cold winter matches. Therefore, marksmen can rely on consistent point-of-impact and slide cycling. Furthermore, its clean combustion significantly reduces cleaning time after high-round-count range sessions.

Compatibility & Requirements

• Application Use: Optimized for medium-to-high velocity handgun cartridges and competition loads; versatile across standard service pistol rounds.

• Load Data: Always consult current official Vihtavuori reloading tables prior to charging cases.

• Storage: Store powder in its original sealed container in a cool, dry area away from direct heat sources and open flames.

Pros & Limitations

Pros:

• Exceptionally Clean Burning: Leaves minimal carbon ash, keeping semi-auto slide rails and revolver gaps clean.

• Temperature Stable: Single-base chemistry resists velocity shifts caused by ambient weather fluctuations.

• Multi-Caliber Versatility: Excels across 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .357 Magnum loadings.

• Smooth Volumetric Flow: Uniform short-cylindrical kernels meter with high consistency through progressive measures.

Limitations:

• Premium Price Point: Import costs make Vihtavuori powders slightly higher in price per pound relative to domestic alternatives.

• Not for Max Magnum Pressures: Slower propellants (like N350 or N110) are required for full-power heavy-bullet .44 Magnum loads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What calibers work best with Vihtavuori N340?

A: Vihtavuori N340 excels in 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .38 Special (+P), .357 Magnum, and .44 Special.

Q: Is Vihtavuori N340 a single-base or double-base powder?

A: Vihtavuori N340 is a single-base, porous extruded powder engineered for clean burning and thermal stability.

Q: How does Vihtavuori N340 compare to N320 and N350?

A: N320 is faster (ideal for light 9mm target/subsonic loads), N340 is medium-fast (versatile for full-velocity standard rounds), and N350 is slower (best for high-velocity and heavy-bullet loads).

Shipping & Delivery Information

• HazMat Fee: Requires a Federal HazMat shipping fee per order.

• Shipping Method: Ground shipping only across the USA.

• Restrictions: No air shipping, P.O. Boxes, or international orders.

• Return Policy: All powder sales are final due to safety guidelines.