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Now that REACH edicts have been implemented here in Europe, and UK signed up to them before leaving the EU, we are bereft of many of the enormous range of American-made propellants we once used to enjoy. Having lost my all-time favourite 4064, in the crazy rush to be compliant with the demands of the rest of Europe, I've had to look to stuff made in Europe instead.
Many good loads can be assembled from the wide range of Vihtavuori propellants, but until recently the downside was sheer cost. Only available in 1 Kg tubs, it was over $125 - plus you had to go get it, unless you were happy to pay the $40 HAZMAT charge.
All that changed last year, when the company, based in Finland, decided to cater for the financially-straitened, and produce 1/2 Kg containers across the range. My selected grade, producing, according to the figures, the same velocities as 4064, was N140.
After a bit of trial and error, this is the result you see here from the morning's shooting. Weather was fine and sunny at about 50F, and a moderate gust that blew in all directions at once. I ignored it for 100m shooting, and here's what happened.
The rifle is my 36-year old Krico 650S, now with well over 10,000 rounds down the barrel, most of them handloads. Still does the biz, though, I reckon.
Many good loads can be assembled from the wide range of Vihtavuori propellants, but until recently the downside was sheer cost. Only available in 1 Kg tubs, it was over $125 - plus you had to go get it, unless you were happy to pay the $40 HAZMAT charge.
All that changed last year, when the company, based in Finland, decided to cater for the financially-straitened, and produce 1/2 Kg containers across the range. My selected grade, producing, according to the figures, the same velocities as 4064, was N140.
After a bit of trial and error, this is the result you see here from the morning's shooting. Weather was fine and sunny at about 50F, and a moderate gust that blew in all directions at once. I ignored it for 100m shooting, and here's what happened.
The rifle is my 36-year old Krico 650S, now with well over 10,000 rounds down the barrel, most of them handloads. Still does the biz, though, I reckon.