Vihtavuori N133 Smokeless Gun Powder: The Benchrest Shooter’s Choice

Vihtavuori N133 is a medium-burning N100-series rifle powder originally developed for 5.56 NATO, and it has become probably the most popular powder among 100m and 200m bench rest shooting competitors.

Built for Benchrest-Grade Precision

N133 uses a tubular grain measuring 1.1mm long and 0.8mm in diameter. On Vihtavuori’s own N100-series burn-rate chart, N133 has a medium burn rate, sitting between Vihtavuori N130 (faster) and N135 (slower). It’s a favorite of top benchrest shooters, especially paired with Lapua .220 Russian brass in 6PPC rifles, and its 5.56 NATO roots make it a natural fit for .223 Remington and AR-15 platforms. Vihtavuori’s production process controls the full chain from nitrocellulose manufacture to final bottling, giving the lot-to-lot consistency competition shooters depend on.

Application Versatility

N133 has official published load data for .223 Remington, .222 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .308 Winchester, .30-30 Winchester, 6.5 Grendel, 6mm PPC-USA, 6mm BR Norma, and dozens of other small and medium rifle cartridges. It’s the go-to choice for 100m/200m benchrest competition, and its clean metering and consistent ignition also make it a strong pick for varmint hunting and general target shooting. If you need a slightly faster-burning N100-series option, Vihtavuori N130 is worth comparing.

Load Development

Always use published, manufacturer-tested load data when developing loads with N133. 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 N130 and N135), 1.1mm x 0.8mm grain
• Manufacturer: Vihtavuori (Finland)
• Best for: .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, .30-30 Winchester, 6.5 Grendel, .22-250 Remington, and 6PPC/6mm BR benchrest competition
• 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 N133 in its original, sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from sunlight and heat sources.

Vihtavuori N133 For Sale, In Stock

USReloadingPowder keeps Vihtavuori N133 Smokeless Gun Powder in stock for benchrest competitors, varmint hunters, and precision rifle reloaders. Browse the rest of our lineup on the Vihtavuori Powders category page.

FAQs

What cartridges is N133 best for? It has official published load data for .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, .30-30 Winchester, 6.5 Grendel, .22-250 Remington, and dozens of other small and medium rifle cartridges, including 6PPC and 6mm BR benchrest loads.

Is N133 really a benchrest powder? Yes — Vihtavuori calls it the choice of top benchrest shooters, and it’s probably the most popular powder in 100m and 200m bench rest competition, especially with Lapua .220 Russian brass in 6PPC rifles.

Where does N133 sit in the N100 series burn rate? N133 has a medium burn rate, sitting between the faster-burning N130 and the slower-burning N135.

What container sizes does N133 come in? Vihtavuori N133 is available in 1 Lb and 8 Lb containers.