Imr 3031

I use 3031 as a smokeless load in my Hartford Shiloh Sharps (36.5 grains behind 405 grain lead bullet) - it is a close equivalent to the BP load of yesteryear (1150 fps) as I understand - slow with mild recoil and a trajectory like a rainbow.
It is very consistent but cannot be fed from a powder throw - I scale one load at a time. That is about all I can tell you - it should work well enough in other calibers (especially if you already have a supply). Good shooting!

I use it in several calibers, its a pretty good medium burn rate powder. Its good for the 223, and fair to good for the '06. If you have it I'd just use it.

It doesnt meter real smoothly in a measure, if not making precision loads, check the variance, it may be fine for general shooting loads. I usually throw a charge a little light and trickle it up to weight. Its likely overdoing it though for most general shooting.

IMR-3031 can certainly be used in either caliber with light to medium weight bullets.

It wouldn't be in my top 5 choices for either caliber if best velocity at lowest pressure is desirable.

But it's hard to argue with free powder.

Choot'm!

rc

Its my favorite for AR 5.56 loads and I can make a decent 308 load with it too. I havent loaded it in much of anything else where I really really liked it. Havent tried it in an '06.
Its pretty coarse, and most powder throws wont be real consistent with it. I trickle up to where I want the weight to be. Kinda time consuming, but worth it.

223 rem. With Hornady 68gr match & IMR 3031 worked great for me. Barrel twist of 1-9 or faster. Data at Steve's pages.

3031 doesn't seem to get much love these days. But it used to be used in match rifle competitions. Like others have said, it doesn't meter real well. Long stick powder. But it's beyond reproach as a proven performer. Best of all...it was free. Should be great with up to 165-175 gr bullets.

I just bought 30 lbs of powder, hundreds and hundreds of brass cases (LC308, 30-06, 270, and 7 mag) thousands of bullets, and the list goes on and on from a friend I hadn't seen in almost 7 years. Paid $400 for all of it. The two powders I was happiest to see in the lot were IMR 3031 and H110.

I mainly use it for loading 30-30 and 32 SPL but it is also a good 223 propellant for me when I get low on the propellants I use regularly with slightly better results. I was happy the love was lax as it remained in stock and available long after more popular propellants were gone from the shelves.

There may be better, more current info, but in an old NRA reloading manual I have, they tested the difference in thrown vs weighed charges in the 30-06 on 300 yard targets. I dont recall the specifics, but it took more variance than most powders give in thrown charges to make much real difference in groups, and that was at 300 yards. Checking some groups with your load, thrown vs weighed may show that meticulous weighing isnt really neccesary in general use practice or less than super precise loads. Again, thats based on ancient info, if anyone has better detailed and more current info I'd be truly interested to see it. Its hard to get away from the habit of carefully weighing every charge.

I get outstanding results in the 45-70.

I use a RCBS powder measure and don't worry about the variation.

Using 34 - 36 grains and a 405 gr. cast lead bullet I have competed successfully out to 600 yards and it shot clear through a buffalo at 165 yards out of a Pedersoli Rolling Block.

As I understand it IMR 3031 was used as a propellant for M193 (55gr FMJ)5.56mm military ammo for a time, thus explaining why AR users have turned to it time and again. I used it for years before settling on slower propellant for soft bullets in a longer barrel. It is coarse, but a joy to load in small batches.

"...tips or tricks..." Reloading isn't rocket science, but there are a few 'Thou shalts.' Mostly for semi-autos, but they apply to lever actions and pump action too.
You must FL resize every time. You need to check case lengths and trim, chamfer and deburr, as required, plus watch OAL lengths. Other than that reloading is pretty much the same for anything.
You don't need to crimp for anything but tube mag lever actions and heavy recoiling cartridges. However, some times a light crimp out of some rifles, helps. Usually though, crimping is not required for bottle necked cartridges.
You can ignore the cannelure on any bullet and seat to whatever OAL you're using too.
And IMR3031 is one is the go-to .303 Brit powders. Don't worry about compressed loads either.

IMR3031 is my favorite 223/5.56 powder. Much easier to find it in stock in #8 jugs.

Dupont 3031 is a favorite of mine. I started handloading in 1953 and used 3031 as a match load in my 6mm R. Intl. and for a reduced recoil load for my late dad's 30-06 with 125's.

It's the powder used in my favorite BG rifle the .358 Win. with 200 gr bullets.

It's extremely accurate and reliable for me.

I love IMR 3031! I developed a load for the .30-06 742 Carbine I stupidly sold many years back, of 43gr. IMR 3031 with a 168 Hornady (IIRC) BTHP using CCI lg. Rifle regular primers. I have a target with a three round group at 50 yds. that mikes out at .18" It beat many a bolt and a Ruger #1 in '06 with that load.

One of my favorites my 22-250 loves it with 55 gr Seirra spitzer flat base bullet.Ive also use it in my Remingtom model 700 mountain rifle in 280 Rem. I weigh each charge by hand for my rifles so metering isn't an issue for me. Very good powder so is IMR 4064

I've used 3031 for years for .223, .22-250, and .30-06. It's not my first choice for them but is very versatile. If you have it use it.

I use IMR3031 for .223 REM in my AR's and it works just fine. The powder is a long grain type so it has a tendency to throw inconsistent charges from the powder measure.

I often find myself setting up the powder measure to throw under my intended charge and trickle charge from there.

A good powder if you have the patience for it, and its very versatile.

3031, great for loading 30.06 it has to be one of my all time rifle powders. Never had a problem with it.

3031 is the most accurate powder for reloading 125 gr HP Sierras in a .30-30. That's all I really use it for.
I like RL 19 for .30-06

Been loading 3031 since 1971. Main cart was 35 rem, 200 grain jrn shot in Marlin 336 straight grip !
Ah, the good old days!
Catpop

3031 & 308win

Had a bunch of 308 win, 150 gr sp made for me when I was much younger. They shot great. No reason to think 308 and 3031 wouldn't still work.

What charge variations are people getting from throwing 3031 from a measure?

Many have mentioned weighing out every charge, and for hunting rifles. I just read through the thread today (and most of the links, which are very good) about weighing VS throwing charges. Some very well versed guys have given some very good information there. I think I'm going to stop weighing every charge. With serious, super accurate bench rest guns, most arent weighing every charge, some only when getting to extended ranges (like 600 and up). It seems truly doubtful that its going to make a noticable difference in a hunting rifle if the bench rest guys generally cant tell the difference in a 2/10 to 3/10 variation.

Good thread, I suggest reading it. Quite interesting.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=785199

Next time I set up to load I'm going to throw a bunch of charges of 3031 and see what the actual variation is. If its 3/10s and under, I'm not weighing any more of them.