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Joined: 22 Feb 2019 Posts: 63 Location: United States

I am curious why I never hear of any one using Vectan powders for their target loads. I have been using the AO,GM3,Prima etc. with great results and as these powders are 100% nitrocellulose they are clean burning. One of the real advantages is the price. I have purchased Vectan from Grafs and Powder Valley for less than the pricing of 8lb jugs of other brands. I have found data on European web sites for 16ga loads where they dont specify which plastic wad to use so I have used the Gulandis and the Nobel Sports wads depending on fit and I really like the loads I have been making.

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 1837 Location: Central ND

I have tried Vectan AS powder in my 12 gauge target loads.

It is cheaper, it does burn clean.....but it doesn't do anything any better than the powders I have been using. As many different combinations as I have tried, it does not give as consistent velocities as 700-X.

I am not going to change to save pennies on a box of ammo, when the powder doesn't perform as well as the powders I am now using.

YMMV

Joined: 27 Jan 2016 Posts: 490 Location: Oswego, Kansas

I have been using Vectan powders for a couple years. First tried some AO but it was not what I wanted for 7/8oz loads. Then tried some A1 and liked it but when I got a deal on 10 bottles of D20 at $15 ea I jumped on it and have been very happy. Still not a 7/8oz load powder but works great anyway, also loaded some 20ga skeet loads with it.
Vectan powders are less expensive and they do a great job. I will be going to Powder Valley when I am in the area next month and plan to stock up since I am down to my last bottle.

Joined: 13 Oct 2015 Posts: 151 Location: SE Ks

Bryon, unless somethings changed, give PV a call a few days before you go, they don't like drop in customers that well. I haven't ordered in a while, but usually have them put the order on the local pick up shelf. My Daughter lives just a few miles from them and will pick it up on the way to town. Does make it harder to sneak by the wife though.

Joined: 27 Jan 2016 Posts: 490 Location: Oswego, Kansas

Yes, I was planning to call them with my order as I had learned that the first time I bought from them years ago. A call in or online order for pick up is preferred. Saving the shipping and Hazmat charges makes it a better bargain.
Idea

Joined: 09 Feb 2015 Posts: 817

I've been trying to find it local. Some gunshows have some but dealers have exploded prices.
By ordering it, after hazmat their is no savings.
I have seen at gunshows 700x 8lbs over 200 dollars. I haven't found a deal on componest at vunshows for years. All monkey on a stick crap.

Joined: 13 Oct 2015 Posts: 348

Tons of info on using Vectan powders for target loads. But it's over at SGW. For 16ga, there's not as much data published or guys testing it, as well as very few folks posting about 16ga target loads to start with... At my skeet range, I'm the only guy of 40 regulars who ever shows up with a 16ga really.

Also for 16ga, the fact you could until recently purchase 1oz #8 Herters for $56 to $65 a flat, great target load, put a damper on folks messing with 16ga target loads--everyone likes to collect the hulls from a good cheap load like that!

I use A24 for 12ga 3/4oz skeet target loads. I've loaded thousands, and have hmm...18 lbs probably sitting here. Also great for 7/8oz loads. For 3/4oz, it is superior powder to all other choices I think-- better than ExtraLite and Titewad for me. Extremely clean burning, and extremely consistent to load with--best tolerances in powder charge I've measured of everything, despite being a large square flake. Additionally zero mess, as no graphite or other coatings and the large flake means no powder migration or leakage on the machine. Economical light charges for 1250 speeds, and as you know cheap to purchase. I buy from Grafs and get free shipping and low hazmat when they have deals. Additionally, the chrono results are very good with tight SD.

PS-- Oldog, what exact load are you using? As you say, component choice like wads and hulls aren't specified in euro data...your good fit and function results would be useful to know! Thx

Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 287 Location: missouri

Joined: 09 Feb 2015 Posts: 817

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 1837 Location: Central ND

That is one of the issues with Vectan. You can get it at Graf's or Powder Valley. I have not seen it advertised anywhere else.