New DPMS 308 need 3031 ideas

[mleeber]

Got a new to me 308, 18" barrel. I have some Hndy 150gr FMJ/BTs to try, does anyone have any experience with 3031 in an AR10? I have other powders but the 3031 is sort of extra since I do not shoot much 30-30 anymore.

Thanks!

 

[rcmodel]

IMR-3031 might not be my first choice for best .308 velocity, but it will certainly work.

rc

 

[popper]

Same rifle, same bullet, I use H335, H4895 and Varget. I use the same for 30-30 J or CB. 3031 is close enough. Shoot it up and then see if you need to make a different choice.

 

[helotaxi]

3031 is an excellent powder for the .308. Plenty of load data out there. I'm not near my stuff, but it shouldn't be difficult to find something.

 

[Slamfire]

I chronographed these loads in my Douglas Barreled M1a. Barrel twist was 1:10. You can compare the 168 load against the White Box load.


150 gr Hornady FMJBT 41.0 grs IMR 3031 Lot 385 Mixed LC WLR OAL 2.785

28 Sept 2008 T = 80 °F

Ave Vel = 2693
Std Dev = 40
ES = 126
High = 2747
Low = 2621
N = 14

174 FMJBT LC79 Match M118 White Box
18 May 2008 T = 71 °F

Ave Vel = 2550
Std Dev = 16
ES = 41
High = 2564
Low = 2523
N = 5

168 Sierra 40.0 grs IMR3031 lot FEB23B LC90 CCI#34 OAL 2.750"
18 May 2008 T = 71 °F

Ave Vel = 2533
Std Dev = 17
ES = 45
High = 2551
Low = 2506
N = 6
v. good group

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Load data is available from the Hodgdon Load Data Site. I have never used 3031 in the .308 or 30-06 but it's in the same burn rate range as a few other popular .308 powders. You probably won't achieve the highest velocities with it but the load data indicates acceptable velocities.