a question about powder substitution

Longwalker

Longwalker

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I am running out of my stash of IMR 3031. I have used it in various applications, from .222 Rem/50gr. bullet to .308 win /150gr. and 45-70/405gr. and .375 H&H /235 gr. I have a 8lb. jug of Hodgdon Benchmark which I have no experience with yet. I see that 3031 & Benchmark are next to each other on most burn rate charts. I have found published data for .222 and .308 but not for 45-70 or .375. Is there any reason not to just drop my big bore 3031 loads a couple grains and work back up to the same charge with Benchmark? As far as I know they are both extruded, single base propellants with very similar characteristics, or is there something to be aware of or extra cautious about?
 
Thanks I didn't notice the 45-70 data, that will help. I have been using 3031 in several loads for less popular cartridges like .35 Whelen and 9.3x62 that i'm also wondering about. And some cast bullet loads in various cartridges. and light load .375 H&H data ...
 
You can use the Benchmark powder in a grain for grain substitution. I suspect, but don't know, that it is a Bofors powder, one step faster than their RP-28, which I used to use for match 308 ammo.

I heard good things about Benchmark from one of the big ammo companies. They were using it for match ammo. I forget why they thought it was better than RP-28. Finer grain, maybe?

Buy a couple jugs of it. You will never go back to 3031.
 
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