3031 in 308

[Augie]

I've got a bunch of IMR 3031 to use up, anyone got any good loads with this powder and 150 to 168 grain bullets. I will of course double check against published data. Thanks

 

[Not_an_outlaw]

I made a batch of 150 with 3031 using Nosler 168 Grain HPBT. They seemed to be the least expesive bullets I could find and 3031 was the only powder sold by my my LGS that was in the manual. Haven't shot them yet. I used the Speer manual (almost 20 years old) and the the lowest charged rounded up to a whole grain - easier to measure.

I'm kind of curoius to an answer to your question as well. One pound doesn't go far in 308. I calculated 162 rounds.

 

[Pinecone]

150 GR. NOS E-TIP IMR IMR 3031 .308" 2.800" 39.3 2628 48,500 PSI 42.8 2839 60,100 PSI

155 GR. SIE HPBT IMR IMR 3031 .308" 2.775" 39.5 2594 43,400 PSI 43.2C 2832 58,500 PSI

165 GR. HDY SP IMR IMR 3031 .308" 2.750" 39.1 2537 49,600 PSI 41.6 2697 59,800 PSI

From Hodgdon site.

 

[Deep Creek Rock]

I made a batch of 150 with 3031 using Nosler 168 Grain HPBT. They seemed to be the least expesive bullets I could find and 3031 was the only powder sold by my my LGS that was in the manual. Haven't shot them yet. I used the Speer manual (almost 20 years old) and the the lowest charged rounded up to a whole grain - easier to measure.

I'm kind of curoius to an answer to your question as well. One pound doesn't go far in 308. I calculated 162 rounds.

Be careful with using older Speer load data. Speer/RCBS has gone to a new pressure testing set up, with more realistic pressure yield readings. Alot of data has changed in the last few years- some charges have dropped from older data.

To err on the safe side, you may want to cross reference your loads, with current data.

 

[DaemonAssassin]

40.0 or 40.2 gr of IMR 3031 on either a 165 SGK or 168 SMK. I've had good results with these loads.

 

[Not_an_outlaw]

Be careful with using older Speer load data. Speer/RCBS has gone to a new pressure testing set up, with more realistic pressure yield readings. Alot of data has changed in the last few years- some charges have dropped from older data.

To err on the safe side, you may want to cross reference your loads, with current data.

This is great advice. I will cross reference.

1994 12th edition.

 

[wheelgun]

If it helps...

I've got a bunch of IMR 3031 to use up, anyone got any good loads with this powder and 150 to 168 grain bullets. I will of course double check against published data. Thanks

This load is what I've used for over thirty years in a .308 Win. Remington 760 Carbine:
1. Remington brass.
2. 39.0 grains IMR 3031.
3. Sierra 165 gr. Spitzer Boat tail.
4. CCI # 250.

I loaded 100 rounds in 1982 after much testing, and never loaded anymore. They still perform flawlessly. I don't hunt much anymore, but when I did, it only took one per deer. I checked the gun/load a couple years ago at AGC, and it still would put three rounds in a group of under an inch.



***Please note the time frame of when the components were purchased, and check my data against current data before loading.***

 

[Mike3888]

I agree with DCR, some of my books are 20+ years old. Lately I have just added some caliber specific books. Plus with all manufacturer info on line it don't take much time to cross reference.

 

[byf43]

Is this powder (3031) going to be used in a bolt gun, or a semi-auto????????



Someone correct me on this, if I'm wrong, but, isn't 3031 too slow to be using in a gas gun, like the M1A, etc.?????????

I'd hate to see the OP load up some ammo and bend something.


I'm not sure....... just tossing this up to see what others say.

IF these loads are for a gas gun, I'd say use 4064, or 4895, W-748 or even H-335.
Again..... I don't have any manuals handy. (I'm at work!)

 

[Pinecone]

3031 is faster than the typical M1A powders.

IMR 3031 is #78 on the Hodgdon chart.

H4895 is #87

IMR 4064 is #93

Varget is #99

BL(C)2 (basically the powder used by the military) is #102.

http://www.hodgdon.com/burn-rate.html

 

[Augie]

Thanks for the info, it is for a bolt gun but I have used 3031 before in 30-06 Garand loads with good results. I'm going to start with 39 grains and see how it does, looks like max with a 168 grain bullet is 41.5.

 

[midnightSGT]

Be careful with using older Speer load data. Speer/RCBS has gone to a new pressure testing set up, with more realistic pressure yield readings. Alot of data has changed in the last few years- some charges have dropped from older data.

To err on the safe side, you may want to cross reference your loads, with current data.

THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT TIP!! Thank you I never would have thought of that. I'm just finishing up compiling all my tools and I'm almost ready to start my first loading session. The manual I have is the Speer 12th. I'm going to buy a new manual to cross reference!!

 

[bbarrows32]

Can't beat the hodgden site for load data for their products. Great starting reference point at your fingertips...FREE!