Vihtavuori Tin Star

Chance · March 19, 2018, 12:18:36 PM

Does anyone use this powder for CAS loading? I'm looking for loads for .32/20, /38/40 and .44/40

Chance

Sir Charles deMouton-Black · March 20, 2018, 05:28:09 PM

I just checked their reloading pages. No listing for the classic W.C.F. cartridges?!

https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/cowboy-action-reloading/

Baltimore Ed · March 21, 2018, 12:39:40 PM

I use 9.7 gr with a 160 gr lead bullet in my Krag. A nice load that's got some juice but is easy on my steel. Can't help you with the other loads I'm afraid. Liked the Tin Star better than the fluffy donut powder whose name eludes me right now.

Chance · March 21, 2018, 04:53:06 PM

Quote from: Sir Charles deMouton-Black on March 20, 2018, 05:28:09 PM
I just checked their reloading pages. No listing for the classic W.C.F. cartridges?!

https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/cowboy-action-reloading/

I checked that already and cannot understand why they make a "cowboy" powder without catering for these classic calibres.

Chance

treebeard · March 25, 2018, 11:00:01 AM

Handloader magazine no.288 Feb/March 2014 had an article on it. Might be helpful if you can get a copy. Sometimes the publisher has back issues.

Cowtown · May 15, 2018, 06:56:45 AM

At End of Trail several years ago I wound up with 2 lb of this powder. Never could find Reloading Data for the cartridges I wanted to reload. What am I missing? Seems like Evil Roy was the spokesperson for this stuff for some time. And they certainly have branded this powder for cowboy action shooting which one would surmise means cowboy ammo reloading...
I still have those two pounds, by the way. One of these days I'll figure it out.

Johnny_Cyclone · May 15, 2018, 08:58:55 AM

In the past I had trouble finding it listed as Tin Star, but found more info "here and there" through search engines by using
N32C as my search criteria. I'd try the VV alphanumeric naming of Tin Star (N32C). Just leave Tin Star off and type 44/40 N32C or 44 wcf N32C.

https://www.vihtavuori.com/powders/tis-star-powder/

Yes, I also think it's a baffoon move for them to market a "Cowboy Powder" and not have official load data for Dash cartridges. Especially when they have had over a decade to come up with some data. But... it's their house.

I haven't used any in years, probably because I'm chea... ahem.. thrifty

David Battersby · May 18, 2018, 03:25:25 PM

I swear that if you took the little cylinders that are Tin Star and sliced them into little washers it would be TrailBoss.
It may not be, but it sure looks like it.

Coffinmaker · May 18, 2018, 03:34:32 PM

Ahem. Not to fling disparaging connotations at Vihta whomever ..... but powder for those "classic" old "dash" calibers is simple to find. Just start with ffg or fffg. The actual recipe is easy to find as well.

this has been one of those "public service" announcements not intended to provide an real meaningful additional information to the OP nor incite excitement over new and wonderful previously unknown data. Therefore can and probably should be disregarded by everyone.

Professor Marvel · May 18, 2018, 04:16:59 PM

Quote from: Coffinmaker on May 18, 2018, 03:34:32 PM
Ahem. Not to fling disparaging connotations at Vihta whomever ..... but powder for those "classic" old "dash" calibers is simple to find. Just start with ffg or fffg. The actual recipe is easy to find as well.

this has been one of those "public service" announcements not intended to provide an real meaningful additional information to the OP nor incite excitement over new and wonderful previously unknown data. Therefore can and probably should be disregarded by everyone.

why, thank you coffin

yhs
prof marvel

treebeard · May 20, 2018, 02:38:07 PM

This thread got me curious enough to order Handloader No. 288 to see what it had to say about Tin Star. Also has articles on 45-70 which I recently started playing with.

Chance · May 21, 2018, 02:35:48 AM

Is there any indication of how it should be used in the calibres I mentioned? If so Ill order a copy.

Chance

Gabriel Law · May 21, 2018, 11:50:20 AM

Here's my experience...

.45 Colt...7.3 gr. Tin Star, 250 gr. RNFP lead bullet - 640 fps
8.3 gr. " " - 842 fps ....this in SAA 5 1/2" revolver
8.5 gr. " " - 1033 fps ...this in Pedersoli Colt Lightning rifle 20" bbl.

Pleasant loads to shoot. Shoots to the sights at 25 yards. No excess pressure signs. With Lightning rifle, almost no blowback.

treebeard · May 21, 2018, 05:37:48 PM

Quote from: Chance on May 21, 2018, 02:35:48 AM
Is there any indication of how it should be used in the calibres I mentioned? If so Ill order a copy.

Chance

I will be sure to let you know if there is data on the Winchester dash cartridges. I am also interested in the same information and it should be here in a few days as I received an email that it was shipped today.

treebeard · May 23, 2018, 05:30:06 PM

Quote from: Chance on May 21, 2018, 02:35:48 AM
Is there any indication of how it should be used in the calibres I mentioned? If so Ill order a copy.

Chance

Received my copy of Handloader #288 which has an article on Tin Star by R.H. VanDenburg. He only mention 44-40 in your list as a load of 7.5 grains under a 200 grain bullet for a velocity of 793FPS out of a revolver.

Chance · May 24, 2018, 01:24:52 AM

Thanks for that, tb.

Chance

Jack Straw · September 18, 2018, 04:51:09 PM

I've been experimenting with Tin Star for a few weeks now in .45 Schofield with 200 and 225 gr. bullets.

It's working nicely for me, particularly with the 225 gr. projectile. It isn't as bulky as Trail Boss but does fill the cases to the point that the dreaded double charge is not a worry.

Load data is scarce so start low, use a chronograph, and watch carefully for excess pressure signs.

Bunk · September 18, 2018, 05:27:41 PM

Stand by for a rare Bunk rant

Or simply fill the case to the bullet (any weight) base with FFFg or FFg honest to god real black gun powder, or APP which also will work and go on your merry way.
Put chronographs on Craigslist and get back to basics.
Remember it don't matter how fast it goes it matters where it goes. If it don't go where you aim it that load ain't worth a plugged Mexican peso
This ain't rocket science people it is hit an 18" diameter disk a few yards away or a critter at any range because you have practiced... a lot. Practice and testing is the goal of accuracy and precision..
Precision and accuracy is what we all try to acquire remember it means shooting a tight group (precision) right where you are aiming (accuracy).
Rant completed
Bunk
Gee that felt good!

Jack Straw · September 19, 2018, 02:43:32 PM

Professor Marvel · September 19, 2018, 07:07:09 PM

Why, thank you Bunk for your heartfelt feelings
(which may not help Chance with smokeless load data for Vihtavouri powder)
but clearly hearkens back to the good old days of simplicity and charcoal.

hope you feel better getting that off your chest LOL.

meanwhile we bring back the thread to data for strange foreign ( possibly Finnish?) powders....

yhs
prof ( its all good) marvel