Vihtavuori N140 Smokeless Gun Powder: Versatile Precision for Medium to Large Rifle Cartridges

Vihtavuori N140 is one of Vihtavuori’s best-selling N100-series rifle powders, originally developed for the 7.62x53R cartridge for the Finnish Army and now trusted by reloaders as a true multipurpose accuracy powder for target shooting, small-game hunting, and everything in between.

Built for Multipurpose Accuracy

N140 uses a tubular grain measuring 1.0mm long and 0.9mm in diameter with a graphite-coated surface for smooth metering and consistent ignition. On Vihtavuori’s own N100-series burn-rate chart, N140 sits on the medium scale, positioned between the faster-burning Vihtavuori N135 and the slower-burning N150. Vihtavuori’s production process controls the full chain from nitrocellulose manufacture to final bottling, giving the lot-to-lot consistency reloaders need for repeatable results — N140 has a benchrest reputation to match, with loads like 28.5gr N140 behind a 105gr bullet in 6mm BR Norma producing sub-0.25 MOA groups at 300 meters.

Application Versatility

N140 has official published load data for an unusually wide range of cartridges — including .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser, 8×57 IS, and even .375 H&H Magnum, among 43 total published cartridges. Vihtavuori positions it as a true multipurpose powder for accuracy-focused sport shooting and small-game hunting rather than a pure maximum-velocity magnum powder. If you need a slightly faster-burning N100-series option, Vihtavuori N135 is worth comparing.

Load Development

Always use published, manufacturer-tested load data when developing loads with N140. Start at the published minimum charge and work up in small increments, weigh every charge on a calibrated scale, and chronograph each string to track velocity consistency. Keep primer brand, bullet lot, and brass lot constant during development, watch for pressure signs, and document charge weight, seating depth, primer, and chronograph results so successful loads can be reproduced.

Quick Specs

• Type: Single-base tubular rifle powder, N100 series, medium burn rate (between N135 and N150), 1.0mm x 0.9mm graphite-coated grain
• Manufacturer: Vihtavuori (Finland)
• Best for: .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 6.5 Creedmoor, and dozens of other cartridges (43 total published, up to .375 H&H Magnum)
• Container sizes: 1 Lb, 8 Lb

Safety Reminders

Before loading, review a few important guidelines. Never exceed the loads displayed in your reloading guide. Never mix two powders together, regardless of type, brand, or source. Never substitute smokeless powder for Black Powder or any Black Powder substitute. Store N140 in its original, sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from sunlight and heat sources.

Vihtavuori N140 For Sale, In Stock

USReloadingPowder keeps Vihtavuori N140 Smokeless Gun Powder in stock for reloaders who want a proven multipurpose rifle powder for target shooting and hunting alike. Browse the rest of our lineup on the Vihtavuori Powders category page.

FAQs

What cartridges is N140 best for? It has official published load data for .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 6.5 Creedmoor, and dozens of other cartridges spanning 43 total published cartridges, up to .375 H&H Magnum.

Where does N140 sit in the N100 series burn rate? N140 has a medium burn rate, positioned between N135 (faster) and N150 (slower).

Is N140 a good choice for benchrest or precision shooting? Yes — it has a strong reputation among benchrest and precision shooters, delivering sub-0.25 MOA groups in cartridges like 6mm BR Norma with the right load.

How should I store it long-term? Keep it sealed in its original container, stored in a cool, dry, ventilated location away from heat and sunlight. Proper storage keeps powder stable for years.