Vihtavuori N120 Smokeless Gun Powder: Fast-Burning Rifle Powder for .222 Rem, .223 Rem & Small-Case Cartridges

Vihtavuori N120 is a single-base N100-series rifle powder and the second-fastest-burning powder in that series, behind only N110 — burning slightly slower than N110 and needing a bit more pressure to perform at its best. It fills a specialized niche for reloaders working with small-capacity rifle cartridges, delivering the precise, consistent performance small-case and light varmint loads demand.

Built for Small-Case Precision

N120 uses a cylindrical extruded grain that’s notably small — just 0.8mm long and 0.6mm in diameter, the smallest grain in Vihtavuori’s rifle powder line — which meters cleanly and consistently even at the light charge weights typical of small cases. It was formerly marketed under the name “N21” and has a long service history, including use by the Finnish Army. 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

N120 has official published load data for .22 Hornet, .221 Remington Fireball, .222 Remington, .223 Remington (reduced/light loads), and .224 Valkyrie, and is also suited to 7.62×39 and .30 Carbine. Because N120 burns quickly, it suits cartridges with smaller case capacities where slower-burning powders wouldn’t generate efficient pressure. If you need a slightly slower-burning N100-series option for larger small-case rifle cartridges, Vihtavuori’s other N100 powders (N130, N133, N135) are worth comparing.

Load Development

Always use published, manufacturer-tested load data when developing loads with N120. 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 extruded rifle powder, N100 series, second-fastest-burning powder in the series (behind N110), small 0.8mm x 0.6mm grain
• Manufacturer: Vihtavuori (Finland)
• Best for: .22 Hornet, .221 Remington Fireball, .222 Remington, .223 Remington (light loads), .224 Valkyrie, 7.62×39, .30 Carbine, and other small-capacity rifle cartridges
• 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 N120 in its original, sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from sunlight and heat sources.

Vihtavuori N120 For Sale, In Stock

USReloadingPowder keeps Vihtavuori N120 Smokeless Gun Powder in stock for small-case rifle and light varmint reloaders. Browse the rest of our lineup on the Vihtavuori Powders category page.

FAQs

What cartridges is N120 best for? It has official published load data for .22 Hornet, .221 Remington Fireball, .222 Remington, .223 Remington (light loads), and .224 Valkyrie, and is also suited to 7.62×39 and .30 Carbine.

Is N120 really the fastest-burning N100-series powder? It’s the second-fastest, behind N110 — N120 burns slightly slower than N110 and needs a bit more pressure to perform optimally.

Why choose N120 over a slower-burning rifle powder? Small-capacity cartridges generally need a faster-burning powder to generate efficient pressure and velocity. N120’s fast burn rate and fine, small grain suit these applications better than slower, bulkier powders designed for larger cases.

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.