IMR 3031, the forgotten old lady of powders.

I also like IMR3031.

I still have a white keg of it marked only 3031 with a safety warning. It's close to 50 years old and it's still very consistent.

I used to use it in the 223 Remington because it was so consistent but switched to BLC2, which has a similar burn rate but I can get more into the case because it's a Ball powder and it isn't nearly as temperature sensitive.

I used it a lot for 303Brit/30-06 with 150gr bullets/308Win/225Win/30-30Win/6.5x55 and 30-40 Krag. It's a very versatile powder but there are more consistent powders available now.

I do use it, along with IMR4064 and 4895 in my Garands.

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Has anyone had any luck with 3031 in the Swedish mauser carbines? I use 4350 exclusively in the m96 long rifles, but a pal told me about 3031, something about it being better in the carbine length barrels.
 
i got a lb to reload 30-30, but am always on a look out for other cal to reload, interesting that hogdon never listed it as a powder for .303BR, after tinkering with their website there is only one load; max load 38.3gr to push 180gr bullit to 2300 ft/sec
anyone care to post their pet loads for .303?
 
I picked up the old metal can of 3031 two years ago in auction. I compared the old with new (plastic can) and no difference. The old metal can had be at least 20 yrs old unopened. I love this powder for my Lever WIN 94, 1956 model in 30-30
 
Obviously she has not been forgotten, but more correctly not discovered by many. ;)

I neglected to post that I have also used it in a lot of 285 gr loads in the 9.3X57. Easily gets past 2200 fps, and is very accurate.

Ted
 
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rhino519 said:
i got a lb to reload 30-30, but am always on a look out for other cal to reload, interesting that hogdon never listed it as a powder for .303BR, after tinkering with their website there is only one load; max load 38.3gr to push 180gr bullit to 2300 ft/sec
anyone care to post their pet loads for .303?
Click to expand...

The nitrocellulose powder the military ammo was loaded with was very similar to 3031. It is a bit fast for the 174 gn bullet, perfectly usable.
 
Irons78 said:
Has anyone had any luck with 3031 in the Swedish mauser carbines? I use 4350 exclusively in the m96 long rifles, but a pal told me about 3031, something about it being better in the carbine length barrels.
Click to expand...

4350 is an excellent choice for the Swede.

The only time I would consider 3031 a useful choice is if I was making some very mild plinking loads. It is too fast a powder for good velocity.

Length of barrel would not matter.
 
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