Vihtavuori N130 Smokeless Gun Powder: Fast-Burning Rifle Powder for .222 Rem, .223 Rem & Small-Case Cartridges

Vihtavuori N130 is a single-base N100-series rifle powder with a relatively fast burn rate — the second-fastest in the entire N100 lineup, behind only N120. Formerly designated N303, it’s a multipurpose rifle powder especially popular for small game hunting, target shooting, and competition loads, with a strong reputation for mild recoil and clean burning in light-bullet .223 Remington loads.

Built for Small-Case Precision

N130 uses a single-base tubular extruded grain measuring 1.0mm long and 0.6mm in diameter — the same grain size as its siblings N133 and N135, with burn rate differences between the three coming from their surface deterrent coating rather than grain geometry. International IPSC competitor Jarkko Laukia has praised N130 for its accuracy, mild recoil, and clean burning with 50-55gr bullets in .223 Remington. 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

N130 has official published load data for .222 Remington, .223 Remington (especially lighter bullets), .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .204 Ruger, .45-70 Government, .458 Winchester Magnum, and the .22 and 6mm PPC benchrest cartridges. If you need an even faster-burning N100-series option for the smallest rifle cases, Vihtavuori N120 is worth comparing.

Load Development

Always use published, manufacturer-tested load data when developing loads with N130. 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, relatively fast burn rate (second-fastest in the series, behind N120), 1.0mm x 0.6mm grain
• Manufacturer: Vihtavuori (Finland), formerly designated N303
• Best for: .222 Remington, .223 Remington (light bullets), .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .204 Ruger, .45-70 Government, .458 Winchester Magnum, .22/6mm PPC
• 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 N130 in its original, sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from sunlight and heat sources.

Vihtavuori N130 For Sale, In Stock

USReloadingPowder keeps Vihtavuori N130 Smokeless Gun Powder in stock for small-case rifle, varmint, and target/competition reloaders. Browse the rest of our lineup on the Vihtavuori Powders category page.

FAQs

What cartridges is N130 best for? It has official published load data for .222 Remington, .223 Remington (light bullets), .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .204 Ruger, .45-70 Government, .458 Winchester Magnum, and the .22/6mm PPC benchrest cartridges.

Is N130 a “medium” burn rate powder? No — Vihtavuori positions N130 as relatively fast-burning, the second-fastest powder in the N100 rifle series behind only N120.

What was N130 previously called? N130 was formerly designated N303 before Vihtavuori’s current naming system.

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.