Reloading .223 with IMR 3031, Compressed loads

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Norinco45

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I have just started reloading .223 for my new Savage 12 LPV and have run into a bit of a problem.

The other rifle caliber I reload for is .303 British so I was hoping to use one powder for both cartridges to simplify things.

This morning I poured a starting load of 20 grains of 3031 into the prepped .223 case and was shocked to see how little space was left in the case, it was pretty much up to the neck. The Lee manual recommends 22.5 grains as the minimum load for a 55 grain bullet. I fear that will lead to a compressed load which I have no experience with. I shook the loaded cased and that settled the powder a bit so that I seated the bullets to 2.260" which leaves the bullet canulure protruding about .060" above the neck of the brass.

My questions for you, the august group of wise experts out there, are:

1) Am I reasonable in expecting to use one power for both these calibers? If so which one would be the best?

2) Can I safely "cram" say 22-23 grains of 3031 into a case? Will this create a "compressed load"?

3) Are there any special considerations to take into account when using compressed loads or is it simpler to switch to another powder?

Thank you all.
 
3031 wouldn't be my first choice, but my Nosler manual states that 20gr. is the starting load, and 22gr. is the recommended MAX! ..and yes, it's a compressed load.
I always try and check at least a couple of sources or loading manuals before starting out..and it's best to start on the conservative side and go from there...ideally monitoring velocities and as well as watching for signs of excess pressure..
i.e. flattened or pierced primers, 'sticky' bolt action, etc.
When the volume of powder used is close to filling the case, it's best to 'trickle' the powder in slowly...it fits better!
I've got no experience with .303, but it would seem that you'd be better to invest in a couple of pounds of Varget, H322, W748, IMR 4895...all powders that would suit the smaller bore better.
Case volume can also vary quite, depending on the manufactuer.. Also military brass is thicker and the case volume is therefore smaller.
Are you using new or used cases, and are they sorted by manufacterer?
For optimum consistency and accuracy, it's best to reduce the variables...
 
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3031

I have reloaded .223's with 3031 and the accuracy was pretty decent with no pressure issues. Because it is a stick powder the charges are easily compressed. Compressed charges are no big deal as long as you stay within recommended charge limits.

As has been noted it's not the best .223 powder around but you could certainly use it in a pinch if you had nothing else or if economics are a problem.
 
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Varget rocks for .303 and .223 with heavier bullets (68 grains & up).:rockOn:
Try using a drop tube for .223 loads that use alot of powder.
 
I've found that 21.6gr/IMR4198 under a 52/53gr pill to be the cat's meow.

I stumbled onto this load because I was at a loss, and I had some of this powder so I thought that I would give it a try.

The trouble with a 1 powder does all is that it doesn't do anything well, just OK IF you're lucky.
 
While I agree with the others that other choices are better, I have used compressed loads in a wide variety of cartridges, and had no issues other than bullets walking out of the case on severely compressed loads.
One trick, is to vibrate each case. An electric razor works quite well. Drop tubes are faster, but the razor will settle the powder the best.
Some slow powders actually seem to perform better with slightly compressed loads IMO.
 
Gatehouse said:
If you must use 1 powder, Varget wouldn't be a bad choice.

But Benchmark for the 223 is badass:cool:
Click to expand...

I haven't tried Benchmark but I concur with the Varget statement. I tried IMR3031 and found that Varget gave me much better accuracy and consistency. My Tikka T3 Lite .223 1:8 Twist likes a 26grn compressed load under a 69grn Sierra Match King. Whacked gophers out over 200yds with that combination.

Check out these sites for some good load info
Reloadersnest My Personal Favorite as you can choose by Powder Type, Bullet weight or Bullet Type

Relaodammo

Hodgdon Relaoding Data Center
 
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I'm trying to find a decent load using imr3031 as well. So far only mediocre accuracy. I have used a 50grn bullet and started at 23 grns and worked my way up to 25grn of IMR3031. No signs of overpressure but the accuracy was mediocre. I think I'd like to try the 748 powder since my rifle seems to shoot the wwb stuff pretty well and I assume that's whats in them.
 
Started again with a 45grn bullet this time and worked my way up from starting load to max and am still getting mediocre accuracy (roughly an inch) with imr3031. I think I'll try using a different powder, perhaps h335 or 748 if I can get it locally.
 
John Y Cannuck said:
One trick, is to vibrate each case. An electric razor works quite well. Drop tubes are faster, but the razor will settle the powder the best.
Click to expand...

There's another vibrating gadget on your bench already.

It's called a tumbler.;)
 
For my 223 I use 21.5 gr of IMR 4198 with a 55 gr Rem pill and for my buddy's 222 I use 19.4 gr of same powder with a 50 gr TnT bullet.Accuracy is excellent in both rifles.I use IMR powdwer in pretty much everything I load other than H 1000 in my 7 mm STW .

Bearcat
 
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