IMR 3031 for 55gr Nosler bal tips?

[Dolmar]

Anybody have a starting load for IMR 3031 for 55gr Nosler ballistic tips? I'm shooting these strictly out of a bolt action and strictly for long distance varmint hunting. Reason for the 3031is because it's what I have on hand for my .223 right now.

 

[witchhunter]

Hodgdon lists 21.6-24.6 3031 with a 55 Speer. The 24.6 is compressed. Start low and work up for your rifle.

 

[Dolmar]

Hodgdon lists 21.6-24.6 3031 with a 55 Speer. The 24.6 is compressed. Start low and work up for your rifle.

Thank you. I didn't have it listed in my Lyman book. I've been loading up fmj rounds at 22.5gr of 3031 and 55gr bullets. Couldn't find a load for it on the Nosler site.

 

[au_prospector]

I have heard some say 3031 is a very good choice for .223. Let us know how it works out okay?

 

[horseman1]

3031 worked well for me with a 55 gr fmj, using the Hodgdon data that witchhunter listed.

 

[jmorris]

I had a 20 lb keg of "old" 3031 that is reportedly a longer cut than "new" 3130. I did not like the powder bridging when loading .223.

With 55 g bullets the loads I used were all compressed.

 

[weemsf]

3031 bridges in my Dillon 550 as well. Drives me nuts....:banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:

 

[jmorris]

It bridged for me even using a manual powder dropper. I have been told new(er) 3031 is cut shorter to help reduce the problem.

I do my best not to use any extruded powders in my progressive reloaders.

 

[spitballer]

Dolmar I can't seem to get a good seal on the Nosler BT 55's with anything less than 25 grains of the 3031. Not sure why, but anecdotally I can tell you that these bullets seem to have an ever-so-slightly smaller diameter than any of my other .224 bullets. I have had good luck with the fairly fast IMR 3031, which seems to lessen muzzle upset with the boat-tail, and will be trying 4198 soon. Good luck.

 

[heathkiks]

I just found a great load using a .223 Ruger #1. I have to use a drop tube, but I am using 25gr of 3031 with 55gr Nosler BTs there are zero pressure signs. This may be the old powder in the metal can?

I have found the data in the books vary pretty widely using 3031.

Edit - Definitely start low

 

[cowtownup]

I shot my best groups with 23.5 grains of IMR3031 and 55 grain FMJ...

 

[Dolmar]

I shot my best groups with 23.5 grains of IMR3031 and 55 grain FMJ...

After a bunch of test groups, I ended up shooting three shot groups I was able to cover with a dime at a 100yds. Ended with 23.5 grns IMR3031, 55gr BT with an overall case length of 2.259".