I realize that there are better powders out there, but a neighbor gave me a couple pounds and am trying to decide what to do with it. Doesn't appear to be fertilizer fodder.
Anyone using IMR 3031 in a .308 or .223
- Thread starter DIBBS
- Start date
Shooting the lighter bullet in 308 and 223 have been a real surprise. Had good speed and accuracy.
It will treat you good.
It will treat you good.
I was in the same boat, could only find IMR 3031 in stores and needed something to load .223 with. The Hornady book lists a max charge of 22.8grs for 55gr bullets, and it has been shooting surprisingly well with the maximum OAL of 2.260.
I read that FGMM used 39grs of 3031 under the 168smk back in the ‘80s
A couple decades ago, I came across a beautiful Kimber Predator in .223. Unfortunately it came with a 1-14 twist which left me shooting 55 grain SMK’s which were tough on targets in IHMSA. So, borrowing from the Lyman loading manual I concocted a load using 20 grains of 3031 behind the 55 grain SMK. For half scale chickens and pigs at 50 and 100 meters it was a killer load. Never a problem shooting, accurate and plenty of power for those small critters at those distances. For turkeys and rams, I used a more conventional load using WW748 and the 55 SMK.
Interesting fact. Sight setting for the chicken was 1 on the scope, 2 for the pigs. Then stepping up to the load using 748 (and 550FPS faster) I again used 1 for the turkeys and 2 for the rams. It was a really nice combination.
One minor issue. Loading 3031 in a .223 case is a lesson in patience. Those big sticks of 3031 do not want to go into that small case mouth.
Interesting fact. Sight setting for the chicken was 1 on the scope, 2 for the pigs. Then stepping up to the load using 748 (and 550FPS faster) I again used 1 for the turkeys and 2 for the rams. It was a really nice combination.
One minor issue. Loading 3031 in a .223 case is a lesson in patience. Those big sticks of 3031 do not want to go into that small case mouth.
918v you are correct, i will add the load development was in military brass, then it was changed to commercial brass, and a few more grains of IMR-3031 were added
I used up my last 3031 in the old tins for a 1000 yard 155 OTM 308 load. Worked well. After using it up, I went to Alliant AR comp for the same load.
I use 3031 quite a bit. Its anecdotal but I think it has less felt recoil than MR2000 and Varget while.being every bit as accurate
I like it in my .45-70.
That said; I’m in love with a 53 V-Max, currently running TAC, but according to Hornady load data, 3031 is a good bit faster, and I’ve never heard anyone complain about how it shoots. Gonna have to try it.
However, it meters almost as well as Lincoln Logs…..
That said; I’m in love with a 53 V-Max, currently running TAC, but according to Hornady load data, 3031 is a good bit faster, and I’ve never heard anyone complain about how it shoots. Gonna have to try it.
However, it meters almost as well as Lincoln Logs…..
I read the price shot up.
I guess Hogdon figures they can charge a premium for the new, magical powders that Elmer Keith was using 50 years ago.
I guess Hogdon figures they can charge a premium for the new, magical powders that Elmer Keith was using 50 years ago.
Having loaded .223’s with 3031, comparing it to Lincoln Logs is a bit of an understatement. Redwood logs maybe but tiny little half inch wind Lincoln Logs,,,,Nah!
Bro don’t know the woes till hath load N570!
Fucking Tic Tacs!
I've heard cordite described as such. What gets me is the IMR 3031 was supposed to be the powder for the 303 Brit 174 ball loads. "303-1" but modern IMR 3031 is too fast of a powder for that use. Must have had a chemical change done to it since back in the day.
