IMR 3031 and the M1 Garand....

[Brutus]

Hello Fellow Garand People,

I use this powder, under a 150 grain bullet, using 48.0 grains.
Although according to the NRA, this is a safe recommended load. I like this formula, as it has proven to be fairly accurate in my rifle.
I was wondering if anyone routinely shoots this on a regular basis?

Is it too much IMR 3031 powder for most 30-06 Garand shooters, or am I just paranoid?

Cheers...........

 

[Silverback]

Since IMR3031 is actually just a little bit faster burning than IMR4895 I wouldn't be too worried, most of the supposed damage potential seems to stem from loads made with heavier bullets and slower burning powders such as IMR4350 and IMR4831. The loads from the NRA book should be safe in your rifle, if you are really worried buy some IMR4895 and use it for your reloads.

http://www.hodgdon.com/data/general/burnratechart.php

http://zapatopi.net/afdb/

 

[Brutus]

Thanks Dave, I was hoping you would reply first.
I did read an article the other day that referred to powder charges in rifle cases for semi auto rifles. It was believed that after the first shot, subsequent follow up shots in close succession could be, ignited when suspended in the case due to recoil and contributing. up to a minute of MOA variation in bullet strike?
So my belief in that this stick powder was very bulky, it might help in this regard.

Anyone hear of this???

 

[Silverback]

No probem, here is another....
I think that if you are shooting fast enough that the powder is still suspended in the air in the case from the recoil for the next shot you probably wouldn't notice much accuracy anyway. You would have to be shooting like Andy with my Garand to do that.

 

[Brutus]

I wonder if Andy checks this site much lately!
Good one, we should hear from him some time.....

I digress, Silverback lives in the same town as me. I could have easily telephoned him and asked this same question.
However with the popularity of the M1 Rifle in Canada, I wanted newer owners to know that this powder IMR 3031, often found in sporting goods stores, is a safe, reasonably priced and easily available resource for handloaders for their 30-06 Garands.
(obviously there are more choices too, ie: IMR 4895, IMR 4064)