Vihtavuori N165 Smokeless Gun Powder: Slow-Burning Magnum Rifle Powder for Heavy Bullets

Vihtavuori N165 is a very slow burning N100-series rifle powder built for large and magnum calibers loaded with heavy bullets, making it a favorite for long-range shooting and big-game hunting.

Built for Heavy-Bullet Magnum Performance

N165 uses a tubular grain measuring 1.3mm long and 1.0mm in diameter. It shares the same base grain as its “big brother” Vihtavuori N160, with a different surface deterrent coating that produces a noticeably slower burn. On Vihtavuori’s own N100-series burn-rate chart, N165 is the second-slowest powder in the series, sitting between N160 (faster) and N170 (slowest). That slower burn lets N165 push slightly higher velocities with heavy bullets, giving it the small velocity deviation long-range and big-game hunters want. 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.

Application Versatility

N165 is a universal powder for large and magnum rifle calibers loaded with heavy bullets, ranging from 6.5×55 Swedish all the way up to .416 Rigby. It works especially well in .338 Lapua Magnum with 250-grain bullets. Because it shares a cartridge range with N160 but burns slower, N165 is the better choice when loading the heaviest bullets a given caliber can handle. If you’re loading lighter-for-caliber bullets in the same cartridges, Vihtavuori N160 is worth comparing.

Load Development

Always use published, manufacturer-tested load data when developing loads with N165. 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, very slow burn rate (second-slowest in the series, between N160 and N170), 1.3mm x 1.0mm grain
• Manufacturer: Vihtavuori (Finland)
• Best for: .338 Lapua Magnum, .416 Rigby, 6.5×55 Swedish, and other large/magnum rifle cartridges loaded with heavy bullets
• 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 N165 in its original, sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from sunlight and heat sources.

Vihtavuori N165 For Sale, In Stock

USReloadingPowder keeps Vihtavuori N165 Smokeless Gun Powder in stock for long-range shooters and big-game hunters who want a proven slow-burning magnum powder for heavy bullets. Browse the rest of our lineup on the Vihtavuori Powders category page.

FAQs

What cartridges is N165 best for? It’s a universal choice for large and magnum rifle cartridges loaded with heavy bullets, from 6.5×55 Swedish up to .416 Rigby, and works especially well in .338 Lapua Magnum with 250-grain bullets.

Where does N165 sit in the N100 series burn rate? N165 is the second-slowest powder in the N100 series, sitting between the faster-burning N160 and the slower N170.

How does N165 compare to N160? They share the same cartridge range, but N165 burns slower, making it the better choice for the heaviest bullets in a given caliber, while N160 suits lighter-for-caliber loads.

What container sizes does N165 come in? Vihtavuori N165 is available in 1 Lb and 8 Lb containers.