Vihtavuori N160 Smokeless Gun Powder: Big-Game Rifle Powder for Magnum Calibers

Vihtavuori N160 is a medium-to-slow burning N100-series rifle powder purpose-built for large and magnum calibers, especially belted magnums, making it a favorite among big-game hunters loading heavier bullets.

Built for Large & Magnum Caliber Performance

N160 uses a tubular grain measuring 1.3mm long and 1.1mm in diameter. On Vihtavuori’s own N100-series burn-rate chart, N160 is medium to slow, sitting between Vihtavuori N150 (faster) and N165 (slower). That burn rate makes it especially well suited to large and magnum calibers, particularly belted magnums, where it delivers the high energy and consistent pressure curves big-game hunters depend on. 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

N160 has official published load data for .30-06 Springfield (especially with heavier bullets), .243 Winchester, .260 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5×55 Swedish, .270 Winchester, .25-06 Remington, 7mm Weatherby Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Winchester Magnum, the Winchester Short Magnums (WSMs), and 6.5-284 Norma. It’s commonly used for big-game hunting ammunition, especially with heavier bullets. If you need a slightly faster-burning N100-series option, Vihtavuori N150 is worth comparing.

Load Development

Always use published, manufacturer-tested load data when developing loads with N160. 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-to-slow burn rate (between N150 and N165), 1.3mm x 1.1mm grain
• Manufacturer: Vihtavuori (Finland)
• Best for: .30-06 Springfield, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Winchester Magnum, Winchester Short Magnums, and other large/magnum 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 N160 in its original, sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from sunlight and heat sources.

Vihtavuori N160 For Sale, In Stock

USReloadingPowder keeps Vihtavuori N160 Smokeless Gun Powder in stock for big-game hunters and rifle reloaders who want a proven magnum-caliber powder. Browse the rest of our lineup on the Vihtavuori Powders category page.

FAQs

What cartridges is N160 best for? It has official published load data for .30-06 Springfield, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Winchester Magnum, the Winchester Short Magnums, and several other large and magnum rifle cartridges.

Where does N160 sit in the N100 series burn rate? N160 has a medium-to-slow burn rate, sitting between the faster-burning N150 and the slower-burning N165.

Is N160 good for big-game hunting? Yes — N160 is commonly used for big-game hunting ammunition, especially with heavier bullets, thanks to its high energy content and consistent burn in large and magnum calibers.

What container sizes does N160 come in? Vihtavuori N160 is available in 1 Lb and 8 Lb containers.