Does anyone use 3031 powder?

James@12"

FNG
Joined
Feb 3, 2022
Messages
2
I just got back into reloading after 25years. I used IMR 3031 for rifles in the past. I don't ever see it used on the forums. Is this not a good powder for the 55gr. 223 loads?
 

B23

WKR
Joined
Aug 17, 2017
Messages
1,140
Location
NW
I know 3031 was always one of those "go to" powders for 17 Rem shooters but with regard to using it in a 223 w/55's, I think there are, many, much better powders to use.
 
Joined
Dec 24, 2013
Messages
736
Location
western Oregon
It's not bad for what you're asking about. But it's not the latest/greatest new powder either. Also works good in the 30-30. H335 works as well but you never see it mentioned much either
 

sneaky

"DADDY"
Joined
Feb 1, 2014
Messages
10,112
Location
ID
It's a powder that works in a ton of different cartridges, but isn't the best per se. A solid powder to have during these times because of its flexibility.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Mar 17, 2014
Messages
335
Location
NE Wyoming
Have used 3031 in 223, 30-30, 308, 7mm-08, 7-30 Waters, and 350 Rem Mag.
In all of these 3031 is an okay powder. I think it is good in the 30-30, 7-30 waters case as it tends to be more efficient with that parent case. Perhaps it is just my perception too as 3031 has been the old standard in those cartridges. I have quite a bit of the powder and some older primers, thus when reloading components got hard to find it became my go-to for barrel break-in, load testing, plinking powder. It might be a hair dirtier especially when compared to newer powders but it gets the job done.
Specifically in the 223, I used 3031 for 50 and 55 grainers. Shot decent enough to load bunches for p-dogs and plinking. Dirties up a bolt gun pretty fast but shooting lots of rounds does it too.
In the 350, I used it to create some reduced recoil loads for deer. On the lighter end of loads, I got some hangfires and sooty cases but I think this had everything to do with the small amount of powder and the case size. Nonetheless, those reduced loads are good but h4895 would be better.
 

snuzzo29

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 15, 2019
Messages
154
Location
WY
I worked up a load with 3031 in 223 and 55gr Ballistic Tips. It shoots sub moa for me with good velocity. It is a compressed load. 3031 fills a 223 case very quickly.
 
Joined
Jul 27, 2021
Messages
1,594
3031 was my go-to powder for .223 years ago bit dirty but worked fine. Still load with it on occasions, especially with the shortages going on for things related to the craft. My take is load with what you can get for now.
 

NorCal 707

FNG
Classified Approved
Joined
Aug 18, 2021
Messages
52
I use it for my 22-250. Just a mild load around 3400 fps with a 55 grain Hornady bullet shoots 5 in a ragged hole. Not the best as far as temperature sensitivity but for plinking and varmints out to 300 yds it's a fine powder.
 

88man

FNG
Joined
Aug 27, 2012
Messages
94
3031 for the 30-30
BLC2 for the 223
4064 or 4320 for the 22-250
Retumbo for the 7mm dakota
R22 for the 300winmag
AA3100 for the 270wsm> Im out, powder discontinued, need replacement
 

Wydaho22

FNG
Joined
Sep 27, 2018
Messages
20
I like it for some of my lever gun loads for shooting lead slugs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

83cj-7

WKR
Joined
Dec 26, 2020
Messages
1,170
Location
West Virginia
Imr3031 is a powder that I always have on hand. Maybe not the best velocity for everything, but you can use it for nearly all rifle cartridges. Get a few older loading manuals, it will be listed for a lot of cartridges.

These are from the best shooting AR that I’ve ever owned.
 

Attachments

  • BA93B375-E872-42AF-8B8F-AED8270BB0D0.jpeg
    BA93B375-E872-42AF-8B8F-AED8270BB0D0.jpeg
    158.1 KB · Views: 9
  • F1857829-683D-4C52-BCC9-0E06405DC353.jpeg
    F1857829-683D-4C52-BCC9-0E06405DC353.jpeg
    164.6 KB · Views: 9
  • E4F2B39B-7B34-4FE4-90E9-06B85A308D0A.jpeg
    E4F2B39B-7B34-4FE4-90E9-06B85A308D0A.jpeg
    151.7 KB · Views: 9
Joined
Nov 20, 2021
Messages
1,581
Have used 3031 in my 35 Whelen AI, 200 gr Barnes original X. Longest shot that rifle has taken an elk, 341 yards. I've since moved to a slightly slower powder (IMR4064). I'm able to gain meaningful additional velocity and shoot the 200 TTSX now.
 
Top