Vihtavuori 3N38 Smokeless Gun Powder: Competition Handgun Powder for 9mm & .40 S&W Major Loads

Vihtavuori 3N38 is a single-base N300-family handgun powder designed especially for competitive handgun shooting with high-velocity loads in 9mm Luger and .40 S&W. It’s a favorite among IPSC, USPSA, and IDPA shooters building Major power-factor loads.

Built for Competition Power

3N38 uses a single-base tubular extruded grain roughly 0.6mm x 0.6mm. On Vihtavuori’s own burn-rate chart, 3N38 burns slower than both 3N37 and N350, sitting right at the boundary before the true magnum N110-series powders begin. Vihtavuori’s production process controls the full chain from nitrocellulose manufacture to final bottling, giving the lot-to-lot consistency competitive reloaders need for repeatable results.

Application Versatility

3N38 has official published load data for 9mm Luger, .38 Super Auto (moderate bullet weights), .40 S&W, 10mm Auto, 7.62×25 Tokarev, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .45 Automatic, .45 Colt, .460 S&W Magnum, and .500 S&W Magnum. Vihtavuori also publishes 12-gauge steel-shot shotshell load data for 3N38, alongside N320, N340, 3N37, and N105. If you need a slightly faster-burning N300-family option for competition pistol loads, Vihtavuori 3N37 is worth comparing.

Load Development

Always use published, manufacturer-tested load data when developing loads with 3N38. 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 handgun powder, N300 family, slower-burning than 3N37/N350, 0.6mm x 0.6mm grain
• Manufacturer: Vihtavuori (Finland)
• Best for: 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, 10mm Auto, .38 Super Auto, 7.62×25 Tokarev, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .45 Auto, .45 Colt, .460/.500 S&W Magnum; also 12-gauge steel-shot shotshell loads
• Container sizes: 1 Lb, 4 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 3N38 in its original, sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from sunlight and heat sources.

Vihtavuori 3N38 For Sale, In Stock

USReloadingPowder keeps Vihtavuori 3N38 Smokeless Gun Powder in stock for competition pistol reloaders building Major power-factor loads. Browse the rest of our lineup on the Vihtavuori Powders category page.

FAQs

What cartridges is 3N38 best for? It’s especially designed for 9mm Luger and .40 S&W high-velocity competition loads, with additional published data for 10mm Auto, .38 Super Auto, 7.62×25 Tokarev, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .45 Auto, .45 Colt, and .460/.500 S&W Magnum.

Can 3N38 be used for shotshell loads? Yes — Vihtavuori publishes official 12-gauge steel-shot shotshell load data for 3N38 alongside N320, N340, 3N37, and N105.

How does 3N38 compare to 3N37 and N350? 3N38 burns slower than both 3N37 and N350, sitting at the boundary just before Vihtavuori’s true magnum N110-series powders.

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.