IMR 3031 for 223/556

I use it. With one of those pan/funnels for the electronic scale I have no issues putting it into the case. No really exceptional recipes to share, I use it in semi-auto, sorry :/
 
I just started to reload using an IMR 4064. I just use the Lee dipper and an RCBS trickler. It falls in the .223 cases very well, coupled with the Lyman powder pan/funnel.
 
yes I,m starting with 22grs of 3031 with 55gr fmj
yes I have been finding it does not meter very well with electronic scale, ill just have to take it easy
 
I just tried out a load this weekend. 22.6 if I remember correctly. It did well at 100 yards and I have two pounds so I will be loading a bunch. I use a manual powder measure and have not had issues metering.
 
55gr fmj sounds like a plinker round 3031 is a pain in the 223, I throw my charges of varget and get sub moa you will get sick of weighing every charge if you shoot a lot.
 
Cummins said:
55gr fmj sounds like a plinker round 3031 is a pain in the 223, I throw my charges of varget and get sub moa you will get sick of weighing every charge if you shoot a lot.
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Yep got lots of varget and happy with that but saving it for 308. Just happen to have 4lbs of 3031
 
just read a link on the internets written by a guy who seems to know stuff about the subject in question. His assertions are that the .223 for the AR-15/M16 was designed around 3031. They later replaced it with an analogue, and it was still just fine, but when they changed it to ball powder things went to hell. He went on to speak about burn rates and buffers and bolt speed etc.

of course, we all know you can't believe everything you say on the internet, but he did seem to have lots of credibility.
 
When I was working up loads for my 24" bull barrel target AR (SS 1:10 twist barrel) I tried some loads with 3031. I don't have the test targets on hand right now but I remember that while it wasn't awful the groups were kind of mediocre (maybe 3/4 moa at 100 yards). That was with 52 gr. Sierra Match Kings. I got a best 5 shot group of .28" with Benchmark so that has become my go to powder. Nothing wrong with 3031 for .223, it just wasn't the best for my bullet/gun combination.
 
Cool, one powder 2 different cartridges (5.56 and .303 British)! I would also like to hear some recipes for 5.56 and IMR 3031 powder. I think the lighter 55 grain bullets are easier to source than the 60-72 grain ones, but if someone is loading these let's hear about it!?
 
Bullet weight in the 223 is very light for the 3031 burn rate. This extruded stick powder is difficult to feed into the smaller cases and is dirty and may leave unburnt residue.
 
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