.223 Remington and IMR3031

[beartooth91]

I'm looking for another powder to try in my .223. I've been considering H322 and AA2460. However, a new candidate has emerged: IMR3031. It could also be used for light bullets in my .243. But, my no.1 goal is always accuracy. Does anyone have experience with 3031 in the .223? I'd be loading it behind 50 and 52 gr bullets.
Thanks,

Mark

[thermaler]

It's been said a million times--but your results may vary depending on your rifle/casing/bullet.

[CRAMER]

Thats what I run and It makes little clover leafs when I do my part.

[mattri]

I just started using it in the wife's AR, accurate and cycles great.

[stomp442]

I've used it in 223 and 308 with excellent results. It is very temp sensitive though. I currently run imr 4064 in both calibers with great results as well.

[CJnWy]

If you use a drop tube and dont have a chronagraph IMR3031 can group with the best of them.

[CRAMER]

Whats a drop tube?

[CJnWy]

A quick google search turned up this pic. Kind of extreeme but gives you the idea. A 6" tube between the funnel and case is usually enough if you pour the powder slow.

http://www.shilohrifle.com/shop/images/P/RifleDropTube.jpg

Its hard to get top velocity out of 3031 but accuacy has always been good any time I've tryed it in the 223 case.

[CRAMER]

Sorry I had never heard of a drop tube when dealing with smokeless powder. Is that just to settle it enough to compress the load?

[shootz]

My CZ 527 loves 55gr hp and 3031 - 24.5gr.

[CJnWy]

Ya the drop tube and pour slow thing can add 2.5 grains to your load in a 223 case........Kindofa pain to do but it works quite well if 3031 is all ya got. Another thing I remembered about the 3031 load was that it didnt heat up the barrel near as fast as more siutable powders like IMR4198 or Ramshot TAC.
I cut my teeth on 3031 and have used a lot of it over the years but it just doesnt get used much these days.

[kelbro]

Never used 3031 outside my 30-30. Interesting.