Vihtavuori N340 Smokeless Gun Powder: True Multipurpose Powder for Handgun Cartridges

Vihtavuori N340 is one of the most popular powders in the N300 series, originally developed for 9mm Luger and shotshell loads and now trusted as a true multipurpose handgun powder across a wide range of medium-to-large pistol and revolver cartridges.

Built for Multipurpose Handgun Performance

N340 uses a single-base tubular grain measuring 1.0mm long and 0.8mm in diameter — the same grain geometry as the rest of the N300 series, with porosity tuned to set its burn rate. On Vihtavuori’s own N300-series burn-rate chart, N340 sits right in the middle of the lineup, between the faster-burning Vihtavuori N330 and the slower-burning 3N37. Vihtavuori’s production process controls the full chain from nitrocellulose manufacture to final bottling, giving the lot-to-lot consistency competition shooters and everyday reloaders both rely on.

Application Versatility

N340 has official published load data for a wide range of cartridges including 9mm Luger, .357 Magnum, .357 SIG, .38 Super Auto, .38 Special, .40 S&W, 10mm Auto, .44 S&W Special, .44 Remington Magnum, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, 7.62×25 Tokarev, and 9×23 Winchester. Vihtavuori also rates it for medium and heavy shotshell loads. If you need a slightly faster-burning N300-series option, Vihtavuori N330 is worth comparing.

Load Development

Always use published, manufacturer-tested load data when developing loads with N340. 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 series, medium burn rate (between N330 and 3N37), 1.0mm x 0.8mm grain
• Manufacturer: Vihtavuori (Finland)
• Best for: 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, 10mm Auto, .357 SIG, and a wide range of other handgun cartridges, plus medium/heavy 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 N340 in its original, sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from sunlight and heat sources.

Vihtavuori N340 For Sale, In Stock

USReloadingPowder keeps Vihtavuori N340 Smokeless Gun Powder in stock for reloaders who want a proven multipurpose handgun powder. Browse the rest of our lineup on the Vihtavuori Powders category page.

FAQs

What cartridges is N340 best for? It has official published load data for 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, 10mm Auto, .357 SIG, .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .44 Magnum, and several other handgun cartridges, plus medium and heavy shotshell loads.

Where does N340 sit in the N300 series burn rate? N340 has a medium burn rate, positioned between N330 (faster) and 3N37 (slower).

Is N340 a spherical (ball) powder? No — like the rest of the N300 series, N340 is a single-base tubular powder, not a ball powder.

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.