TESTED: NEW VihtaVuori N555 Creedmoor-Class Powder

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Cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor and 6mm Creedmoor have become incredibly popular to shoot and reload for. And for good reason! These cartridges offer great ballistics, minimal recoil, and outstanding accuracy. So when I found out about the new N555 Creedmoor-Class powder from Vihtavuori, I knew I had to try some. And that's the subject of this video!
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Ultimate Reloader LLC / gavintoobe Material Connection Notice:
The following Ultimate Reloader partners are featured in this video:
VihtaVuori powder
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[@br4713]

In Europe we use often Vihtavuory powder for its consistency batch to batch. They make two sorts of powders for rifles : the N1XX series and the N5XX. For example the N550 will give more speed than the N150 with the same burning rate because they added some nitroglycerin in the formula. It gives more speed but also more heat. The N550 will give more performance, but will also wear the barrel faster than the N150 for this reason. It depends on what you wanna optimize, barrel life or muzzle velocity. The N555 has been made to get the highest speeds with the 6.5 Creedmor, but will also reduce barrel life

[@watertanks4uwv]

The reloading community is very fortunate to have an ambassador such as you Gavin. Your videos and knowledge are a great asset to even the most experienced reloaders. You do not produce a video that I do not learn something from. Thank you!

[@cav0409]

Tried it this weekend and was very impressed

[@mrhangfire1]

I scroll down to the comments on your videos knowing full well that the first one will be someone belly aching about being unprepared for this shortage. If you've been around the firearms hobby for the last 12-13 years, you really have no excuse for being caught short. If you're new, welcome to the club. Most of us struggled through the same thing over the last decade-plus.

[@shootloadrepeat]

I’m liking this powder. Currently getting just over 2800 fps over 42gr of N-555 in Peterson brass. Using the same bullets you’re using. This is out of a 26 inch Chanlynn barrel. Looks like the Lapua brass has higher capacity than the Peterson which might be the reason I’m getting higher velocities with lower charge weights than you are. I believe my H2O Volume in Peterson brass is 53.4 grains. Thanks for doing this.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Great results you're getting!

[@dapbubba]

Finally a review! Thank you!! I've reloaded 6.5 in both H4350 and Staball with great results using the Hornady ELD-X 143 as a hunting round. Now experimenting with the GMX 140 in all 3 powders, but there's very little load data on both the new bullet and N555 powder.

[@madride858585]

Have you found any loads you are happy with?

[@dapbubba]

@@madride858585 yes! For the ELD-X 143, I'm punching out .25 MOA holes with 42.3gr of H4350, COAL 2.85 at 2753 fps. With the GMX 140 all copper, I'm having the same performance results at 42.3gr H4350 as well, COAL 2.70, vel 2758 fps, and ES 11, SD 5 with Starline brass SRP. It's now my "go to" hunting round. I got decent results with Staball and N555 .5-.75 MOAs, but not as consistent nor with ES/SD's as low as with H4350. I'm gonna stick with H4350. Note given the length of the GMX, the charge is just a tad compressed when you seat, but not an issue.

[@TheArcher2U]

I’ve been working with N555 for a while now and I’m finally getting the load workup dialed in. I have one more test before I’m happy, rounds are all loaded and ready to go. Unfortunately, I live in the city, so there can be long periods between trips to my shooting area. I’m working with N555, Lapua small primer brass, Remington 7 1/2 primers, and the 143gr ELDX bullet, extreme spreads in the single digits. Rounds fit in a standard magazine as it’s for an AR-Platform 6.5 build with Proof Research 20” barrel, JP heavy mass bolt and a few other items to slow down the cycle rate. If you’re interested, I’m happy to shoot over my excel spreadsheet.

[@TScottW99]

If I ever see reloading supplies again in my neck of the woods, I’ll buy some to try. Thanks!

[@conservativesniperhunter7439]

Thanks Gavin , I’ll buy some N555 and test it soon .

[@sjohnson1776]

I found a single pound of RL16 at Burkes gun shop in Meshoppen PA the other day. Their reloading supplies were sparse so I was thrilled to find the 16. It literally is the only container of that stuff I've seen in over a year.

[@tomwilson4027]

Gavin, Thank you for this review. I had just purchased a Bugara HMR in 6.5 and was going to start reloading with 555. I have the Redding premium 3 die set coming from Midway. Guess I'm on the right track.

[@kerbyfab]

And include the Berger Hybrid Target 140g. w/ Lapua brass.... you’ll love ‘em!

[@tomwilson4027]

@@kerbyfab I have the Lapua brass, small primer so i will try to find the Bergers.

[@four4bman979]

Great vid, Gavin. I love VihtaVuori powders. I run 23 gr of N135 topped with a Berger 70 gr VLD in 5.56mm PSA AR. Love it!

[@CaptainCreampie69]

Expensive powder, expensive bullet in a budget gun? Why?

[@SouthernOutfitter]

Thanks for the vids I'm learning so much! Times are tough right now buying things where I can bullets, powder,etc thanks for all you I appreciate it!

[@mikebroderick425]

Great Video as usual! I used these same components. Lapua SRP brass 41 grns N555 Fed 205m primer Berger 140 grn hybrid ES of 10 SD of 4 Lapua LRP brass Fed 210m primer 41 grns N555 Berger 140 grn hybrid SD 10.2 ES 25. Both grouped sub 1/2 MOA at 100 yards!!!!!👍🏼

[@markgoostree6334]

I have pretty much settled on my primer, bullet, powder that work well for me. I still like seeing what is coming down the pipeline.

[@alexiezante3663]

I’ll be loading for 22 Creedmoor soon. Good to know there’s more stuff to try.

[@brianparker1336]

Did u end up loading 22 creedmoor with the n555?

[@davidsantos5528]

New powder..we can’t find any of the old powder. Let alone there are still no primers to be found.

[@krrrruptidsoless]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ7CYoyces2aacU

[@ej22twagon]

I just bought 8lbs cfe pistol and 6 lbs N105 and 5000 large rifle primers at my local store. All in stock no problem small primers you can get on gun broker if you arent cheap. I got 5k small pistol primers at 12c per primer and still under 30c a round for 9mm. Dont be that cheap and you can still find anything you want.

[@jasonfedeli]

@@gerhardschulzy how do you do that???

[@talisikid1618]

@@ej22twagon where are you? Everything is disappearing around here.

[@wheelgun5102]

I just bought 2lbs from Midway.

[@colinarmstrong1892]

That's the powder I use here in the UK and I find it amazingly consistent batch to batch.

[@michael-cp8vq]

I am hoping when I finally get the chance to try the n555 I have i can get anywhere near those results .thanks for the video's again . got to keep looking primers , powder and bullets are out there but if you blink you might miss them when they become available good luck .

[@iBleedStarsAndBars]

I have found the shooters world powder to be just as good as any, and at $21 a pound thats hard to beat.

[@AntiPattern328]

I would like to see bullet length measurements both Ogive and OAL.

[@GHC2750]

Hey gavin Can you make a a video on reloading for beginners, start to finish and include setting dies ect.

[@44hawk28]

Powders that burn that slow but usually safe to go over Max because they burn slowly. It's next to impossible to overcharge that. Danger comes when you under charged a case with slow powder. You ignite too much of it at once and it will turn your firearm into cheese quickly. Probably take parts of you along with it. This new powder should also burn cooler than the h4350. Which will help the free for area and early rifling from damage as quickly. Individual grains being smaller for the same way also indicates you have more room to play with additional weight of the overall charge. I used to shoot sub mil mag with 4350 and I went a full three grains over Max. Because it was suggested from a benchrest shooter that I knew. He was correct. That Ruger Model 77 7 mm Magnum would shoot consistent groups at point zero four nine inch Center to Center spread. Another tip, start neck sizing only for that firearm only. Call sure you can keep that case to the size of that already typed chamber, will add to your overall group consistency.

[@Rakstawr]

I'm wondering if this would be a good powder for my 260...

[@Ultimatereloader]

Should work well! VihtaVuori lists load data for it here: www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/?cartridge=13

[@gls2501]

Not sure if this is a question or a very subtle way of throwing shade...

[@Rakstawr]

@@gls2501 What do you mean? H4350 is a good 260 powder and was just curious if my rifles could run this new relative powder. Now the debate between .260 and 6.5 is one that I've had in the past personally. But I don't mind the comparisons on my end hehe. (JP LRP-07 and Remington model 7 both chambered in 260)

[@billynolfe3621]

How about a video on different brass manufactured for 6.5 Creedmoor such as Starline, Lapua, Peterson, and others.

[@joelkaydahzinne3238]

Great review. I am wondering how N555 temperature stability compares to H4350.

[@shootloadrepeat]

It’s very temperature stable. I don’t get the velocity spikes (pressure spikes) I was getting with RL16 and less so with H4350. It’s better in high temperature environments like here in Texas summers at over 100*

[@cpage305]

I can't imagine good being double based

[@scoireamerica1609]

Read your powder manufacture specs. Of coarse you will get higher vel. from Vhit. Because of the extra component added in manu. I shoot thousands of rounds a year in comp. Vhit is a performer when the chips are down and the pocket book prescribes.

[@davidallison5247]

very helpful content!! keep up the great work Gavin.

[@joeybagodonuts1008]

interesting video, always good to know whats on the market even if being able to use it is tough due to lack of primers

[@heinzmisselhorn2587]

Sure are enjoying your video's. How about making a video, showcasing the cleanest burning powders. Reason being, dirty residue can cause mechanical malfuntions. Downside being cleaner burning powders are, usually using up less volume leaving chances open for a double or overload. Also faster burning requires higher accuracy on measured loads, as small load variations, results in higher ave speed deviation...

[@zackerydonelson1332]

I'm torn between N555, H4350, and Varget for 130gr class of 6.5 creed for PRS.

[@snakeoiler2921]

Two years later, what was your final thought? I'm just starting and the 555 definitely was on my list.

[@carterbez35]

I would love to see a video on the vv 565 powder in your Bergara HMR in 6.5 PRC.

[@magnus5356]

Rather interesting that the cartridge that pretty much started the 6.5 mm 'supremacy', the Swedish Mauser 6.5x55 isn't even mentioned... It still shoot as good as the Creedmoor but done so for over 120+ years.

[@talisikid1618]

Exactly. 6.5 screedmore is an usurper.

[@TomColontonio]

Loving this for 6.5 creedmoor Developing a 6mm now as well.

[@MegaPoxie]

Hey Gavin, as an ultimate reloader can you do a review in a Porter's Precision Products Gage Pin Die?

[@j.l.m.1624]

Good morning, congratulations for the professionalism and quality of your videos, I am new to this ramming thing and I wanted you to give me your opinion on which model of Vihatavuori powder you recommend me to use for my 6.5 Creedmoor, N150 or N550, with 143 ELDx tips and 147 Eld M Hornady thank you very much. Greetings from Spain.

[@paulosullivan44]

Hi Gavin with the new Lap LP cases and 555 combo you tested , Sorry maybe I missed it! but what was the primer of choice . I am looking to move away from the 6.5 140 Eld-m & Fed 210 with RS60 powder and as we in the UK have some hit and miss with the surpply of Hornady bullets the Burger looks like a good option , also how what was the outcome of pushing the loads past the max and what was the end result. Enjoyed as always . Paul

[@JaredKattner]

Must be nice to be able to get powder.

[@xBiGxKiNGx]

I love that STAball so much I ditched 4350 all of last season

[@robertweeks2039]

Have you tried this N555 powder in a 6GT with Barnes 112MB bullets? It seems like it might be very good.

[@coloradodrew]

Looks promising. I love VV powders.

[@topcatlawson5490]

where do you guys get all these primers and powder.i cant buy these items anywhere.all sold out.

[@patpatrick74]

Try it in a 25 creed. I put it in a 31” barrel, 43.5 grains sends them 2950 fps Accuracy is there. 135 grain Berger.

[@jarrodvw9794]

Hey I was thinking with the primer shortage going on, and with those of us that enjoy reloading but can't find primers to do so, but still want to be able to tinker around on the reloading bench, I was wondering if you would consider doing a 22lr video? I have been seeing on a few forums that more people are starting to reload 22lr or at least questions on reloading it are coming up more. I know there is not much on 22lr when it comes to equipment for reloading as there is not much needed. and there are a few of videos of people reloading them and repriming them, but not on powder used and when they do talk about it some of it is no longer available. I was thinking about a powder video for 22lr as you can still get bulk 22lr primed cases and you can get 22lr bullets for reloading or make your own. I myself after reading some of the new posts that I have been seeing coming up as of late. I am planning on giving it a go. I have plenty of 22lr but with the primer shortage I think It would be a fun was to still be able to reload for those of up that can get primers.

[@Dave-cf2ng]

N560 works very well too

[@ajdube9967]

I'd be curious to see some large sample data. Three shots doesn't really show anything.

[@shermdog6969]

Now only if I could find ANY powder.

[@codypavao6358]

Would you recommend this powder for 22CM

[@mattfleming86]

Large pistol came back about month ago. around here. I also found large rifle primers last week and off an on for the last month, as long as you wanted remington.. found exactly 100 small pistol primers 3 weeks ago but they were limiting to 1 box per person. better than nothing. at least inventory is sporadically coming back in. i'm buying wjen I see them. even if they arent my usual products at least I can have them for a rainy day or to trade off later. i'd like to pixk up a few thousand small rifle though. not seen those in about 6 months. down to about 700. i'm not loading now just because i don't like to use something that's i can't easily replace. i'd buy from gunbroker IF it were not for the fact that half of the shortage has been caused by the scalpers and gun shops hoarding/holding just to sell them online for 3x retail to be a douschebag.

[@michael-cp8vq]

while I liked n555 with the 130gr bullets its weak compared to h4350 or even rl17 to me which both got me over 2800 fps with 42gr or less . If this was a few years ago when you had other choices I would not shoot this unless I had no other choices . thanks for the video regardless it's always nice to have more options .

[@greeneman99710]

That would be awesome to try but have not been able to get VihtaVuori powder in my area for years.

[@donlovell6708]

Hope it will do good in 6.5 Grendel

[@jwschroeder804]

Scored some N555. Can you make a recommendation for starting load for 7PRC?? 180 gn ELDM, Berger Hybrid Target 180? Thanks.

[@a.k.4363]

Great video... you are The Man!!

[@kraggman]

Thoughts on 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser ??

[@vodekz1534]

use slow burning powder, Rl-22, Norma MRP, N 560 fro 140 gr

[@johnschultz3565]

Since primers seem to be the hot topic, here is question for all. I picked the worst time to get back into shooting and begin reloading (April 2020). I have only used CCI No. 250 Large Rifle Magnum primes from the beginning loading for 6.5 CM. Yes, I am aware that magnum primers are not necessary, but it is all that was and is available to me. I have not run into any problems using them and I am have excellent results with a variety of different bullet weights and powder brands/charge weights utilizing Starline brass. The question is, what are the potential downsides to using magnum primers vs. standard large rifle?

[@Rprecision]

What do I think? I think your whole wireless microscope setup must get alot of use on the old I pad...........

[@pearlrival3124]

Please Gavin continue with powder reviews.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Thanks! Lots more coming!

[@gregspangler5155]

excelent info

[@stevengibb5267]

Were any of the over max loads compressed loads?

[@jonellis1680]

Sorry Gavin, off track a little, but what's the front bag rider you're using? Struggling to find one for the Tikka T3 tac A1 (in 260 rem, so N555 is getting a try soon :))

[@tam12mil]

Would like to see what it does in 6mm. Have a 6mm AR and am interested in what that would do.

[@neilb1619]

Gavin, how about a test of Alliant Reloader 16, or the new 15.5, compared with the Vihtavouri N555 against the benchmark which is H4350? I'm looking for a solid PRS load with a 140grn projectile. (Currently using 140grn Nosler RDF.) Thank you.

[@hawghavoc2057]

I currently load n560 in my 260ai. I recently chopped and rethreaded barrel to 20". It was 27". Its a laser. 49gs vvn560 147g rldm 2990 to 3k fps. I want to try out vvn555 because of my shorter barrel. Thanks for the data

[@Mark-uq9km]

Gavin, you touched briefly on the StaBALL 6.5, a relatively new Hodgdon/Win powder that is in league with the H Superformance powder. I use the Superform in my .30-06 giving me a (unmeasured) sense of increased ballistic performance, which I like. However, I cannot use my powder measure to accurately and consistently meter my powder charge in Superformance and have to weigh each charge. The flaky powder is almost like dust and won't drop. Do you find the StaBALL to behave like the Superformance powder? Thanks for your posts. I always learn a lot from you even though I reload various calibers and have been doing so for over 40 years.

[@KyleShields]

I've been wondering about this one, I saw it months ago but I'm holding off on doing any new powder testing until I get a chrono. I've never tried Viht powders but I want to try them- from my research they seem very consistent in lot to lot, in measuring, and in SD's. The only thing I'd worry about with the N500 series is possible accelerated throat wear, that Nitroglycerine really helps push those bullets out fast! :)

[@ulrikerudel6859]

holy, those scratches on the front of the upper

[@stephenwright497]

Temperature stability?

[@larrykehl5300]

OK Lapua brass now that you have large primer brass: small versus large primer 6.5 Creed accuracy with N555 (or 4350 - don't care, dealers choice) using the 140 Berger - any real difference, again accuracy wise only - using that same Ruger rifle?

[@1steelwheel1999]

sounds promising thanks for sharing

[@lr22same47]

Looks good, TY.

[@Frolofsn]

Could that be a good candidate for 6XC?🤔

[@12kire34]

Also thinking in those lines. Have not seen data anywhere...

[@Frolofsn]

@@12kire34 Me neither. Should pop up soon I hope.

[@RobertJohnson-lb3qz]

Is it as good for the 6.5PRC?

[@50702GN]

how much do you jump those 140 bergers? what was OAL and also measurement to ogive of your loaded round.

[@dennisshemory4859]

What about 6.5x55 with this powder

[@vodekz1534]

RL-22, Norma MRP, my favorite ( if you can buy one today ) N 560, what I use with 140 gr bullets

[@worksonjunk]

My rifle will shoot 140 SST at 2800fps with SRP and H4350. The small rifle primers have given me over 100fps with each of my rifles

[@troyd1072]

I was hoping to see if ignition was a problem with small primers. Some have had problems with 500 series primers and small primers.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Good idea to check that!

[@gregspangler5155]

can you shoot lever evolution powder in 6.5 creedmoor

[@Ryan-os1lt]

Off topic but where do you your hulls? I can only seen to find used ones.

[@rebfan1861]

Hey guys, would this be a viable option for loading 6mm ARC with 110gr projectiles? I had a buddy give me a 1lb bottle the other day. I have done some looking online but since this powder and 6ARC are so new I haven't found anything.

[@dmperry1974]

I was just thinking about that, I to have a 6mm ARC bolt gun.

[@redraiderreloading7612]

Best powder I've found for this arc is cfe 223 and levereverlution

[@billcarlson852]

No for 6 arc

[@greenacres4518]

I have about 7.75 lbs for sale of n555. Tested it in another caliber, but was too slow burning (really close to imr 4320).

[@brianmccormack84]

I hope it's good I got 16 lb of it

[@nigelscott1922]

IMR 4166 works just as well

[@Chevy2U]

I may have to claim my son's Red Ryder in these difficult times. Just hope there isn't a run BB's.

[@vincentevans2286]

Nice video. I have tried to find some N555 to no avail. Where did you get it? I am running out of Creedmore class powder. Any ideas?

[@Ultimatereloader]

Midsouth has it "back order OK"

[@crashs278]

That’s a lot of Nammo Group products in a line there to start this video..

[@pwprochazka]

i need an AR 15 or Ruger 6.5 Creedmoor conversion kit to make it a flintlock. No primers anywhere.

[@trevorkolmatycki4042]

500 series vihtavuori powders are single based. 100 series vihtavuori powders are double based. If your priority is velocity try 500 series powders. If your priority is stability try 100 series powders.

[@trevorteague8430]

Hey bud, if you haven't already, you really need to try some RL26 in your 6.5 Creedmoor with those pills. I'm using it in my personally built AR-10 with a Criterion 22" barrel, seeing phenomenal accuracy at 2780fps with the 147 ELD-M and no pressure signs. Also using that powder in my 300 win mag Bergara B14 HMR with the 225 ELD-M and averaging 2968fps and consistently holding 4" groups at 840 yds. I'm sold on the RL 26. Now... If I can find some of those Bergers that you're using to try out...

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Good stuff. Thanks

[@markmtbrider]

If it works for 260 , should run well with 243 win. No?

[@shannonnunn]

Could you try this powder with 95 grain smks in the 224 valkyrie... The n570 is a super dense powder I use in my 7mm wildcat and I push the 195's at 2950 and the nodes are crazy... I had an es of only 16 ft per second between 4 charge weights that varied 1.2 grains of powder. I was curious about the density of the powder in comparison. I can fit more n57 in my case than I can reloader 33. If n555 takes up less space it might work for the heavey smk. The burn rate might be too slow but it might actually hit the spot If it is dense enough to get 26-28 grains in the case.

[@maxtheroofer8004]

Hello Gavin, I handload for .308 Win using 175-185gr bullets, and have only tested IMR 4895 thus far, what would be the best powder in your mind, to load with, i have never seen IMR 4064 or varget locally, but would look to order something if available online

[@cs_yt]

4350 gets me very good results, so it would be nice to run them side by side. It might be a good substitute, but I would have to have real comparative data to replace 4350.

[@shootloadrepeat]

Takes about a grain more to achieve same velocities as H4350

[@YourOfficialDailyAmerican007]

This could probably work well for the new 6GT

[@smau990]

Have you tried RL-17 in the creedmoors? 2745fps out of 24" isn't terribly impressive, was that 44gr compressed charge? N550 should be able to do that without pressure marks just as well.

[@jamesesenwein5152]

What's the front rest assembly that you are using in the video?

[@R0b87]

Seeing that H4350 is banned in Europe, this makes a good alternative.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Banned?

[@R0b87]

@@Ultimatereloader Yes, sadly the bureaucrats at EU have decided that different makes of gunpowders contain harmfull substances. So almost anything Hodgdon is unavailable, making Norma and Vihtavuori the only viable options.

[@YourOfficialDailyAmerican007]

Would your seating in or off of your lands make a difference within the same powder load??