3031 load

[infideleggwelder]

Have .303 British, round nose 200gr cast bullets, and a pound of 3031. need a starting load for this.
have a max load of 38.3 gr of 3031 IMR with a 180 gr bullet. where do i go from that

 

[cr5]

I'd start by going to the store and buying a couple reloading manuals.
Judging by your 38.3gr max load I'm assuming all you've done is go on Hodgdon reloading data center and that's it. Hodgdon data alone is not enough for reloading any cartridge. You should be cross referencing at least three different sources as far as I'm concerned.

You can also check here for more 303 data
http://www.reloadammo.com/303load.htm
http://www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=54

Typically why they don't give a lower load you know that you are not using an ideal powder for that bullet weight but if you insist on loading with it you could drop the charge 10% and start there watching closely for pressure signs.

Good luck and be safe

 

[plinker 777]

Tagged...newb question. You recommended he drop the powder charge by 10% because of the projectile weight (Heavier than 180 grain)?

 

[infideleggwelder]

the lyman manual only provides data for up to 150 gr bullet. the Hogdon is the only source that comes close.

 

[skneub]

Is it gas checked at least ?

 

[infideleggwelder]

paper patched. works well with 4895, but running out of that

 

[brewmech]

Got any varget or imr 4064? I use 29gr of h4895 with a 180gr gas checked boolit. I've used 3031 but couldn't hit #### with it.

 

[yodave]

I used to run 30-31 grains of IMR3031 with either the 180 or 200 grain cast, start at 29 and work up looking for accuracy

lymans cast bullet manual showed 29-42 grains for the 30-06 with a gas checked 200 grain bullet, case volume is close enough that I just started low and had no real reason to drive them any faster.

 

[legi0n]

there is a way to calculate the charge for your 200gr starting from the 180gr load
but you need a chronograph... and a few 180gr bullets to start with

 

[cr5]

Tagged...newb question. You recommended he drop the powder charge by 10% because of the projectile weight (Heavier than 180 grain)?

Starting 10% below published max charge is usually a safe starting point if there is no minimum charge listed. It's also a good place to start if you are getting load data from someone else who says it runs well in their rifle.
Every rifle is different so just because a load works well for one rifle doesn't mean it will perform well or even be safe in another rifle. Dropping the charge down 10% then working your way back up checking for pressure signs is the safe way to go. The best accuracy is also rarely found at book max charge.

 

[yomomma]

Well....that was easy.

http://www.enfield-rifles.com/imr-3031_topic2578.html

 

[plinker 777]

Starting 10% below published max charge is usually a safe starting point if there is no minimum charge listed. It's also a good place to start if you are getting load data from someone else who says it runs well in their rifle.
Every rifle is different so just because a load works well for one rifle doesn't mean it will perform well or even be safe in another rifle. Dropping the charge down 10% then working your way back up checking for pressure signs is the safe way to go. The best accuracy is also rarely found at book max charge.

 

[Ganderite]

Start at 28 gr and load 5 of each in 1.0gr increments. See what works.

 

[B]

I asked about loads for cast .303 205 grn bullets, some replies included 3031.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...-Best-Powder-for-Heavy-Lead-303-British-Loads