IMR 3031

S

Stob

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I know powder burn charts are to be used as a "loose" guide only. 3031 is shown as a fairly fast powder for rifles. I have tried to use it in a 6BR and 68 grain bullets, but the velocity just isn't there. Other slower powders do fine and never fill the case. I can't get enough 3031 in the case to get anywhere near the same velocities. Maybe it works in more straight walled cases, but not in the BR.
 
I don't understand, it doesn't give the velocities listed in the dat in your manual or it doesn't give the velocities your getting from other powders?

3031 has been around a very long time, even longer than I have(introduce in 1934 12 yrs before I was born) and is a very useful powder as there is data for it for a very long list of cartridges, I use it in at least five and always have some on the bench because if I get a rifle in and want to make some test loads I can usually find data with 3031.

You have to look long and hard at a lot of printed data to find where 3031 is the top velocity producer but it usually produces accurate loads. Hodgdon doesn't even have data listed for the 6BR in their load book and they sell the stuff so why would you think it would be a goto powder for the 6BR.
 
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My point being, as "fast" as it is per the burn rate charts, you could be led to believe it should produce a fairly good velocity. I have used it for 30 years or more in a 223XP, it just works great. But not in a 6BR.
 
Originally Posted By: StobMy point being, as "fast" as it is per the burn rate charts, you could be led to believe it should produce a fairly good velocity. I have used it for 30 years or more in a 223XP, it just works great. But not in a 6BR.

A "fast burning" powder doesn't mean it will provide more velocity.
 
I used to use it, mostly in the 308. I don't have much against it, maybe the 'stick size' a bit. I'm more likely to use TAC or H-4895 nowadays. Yes I realize the burn rate is a little different.
 
One of my most accurate loads for my 6br is imr 3031, br4 and 70g tnt. My barrel is a 12 twist 26 in.

Ackleyman
I agree it is an odd combination for the br but it works very well with that bullet.

I do use 8208 as well but with a 70g varmageddon and rem.7 1/2 primer it too works very well.
 
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In my Rem 700-270 Win-90g Sierra HP-47.5g of 3031 is the go too powder for super accuracy and 3550 fps splattering what ever varmint all over bushes and trees.

3031 also worked well in 22/250's-55g and 243's-75g.

6br? Humm....8208 would be a better choice, flows better through a powder measure also.
 
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I've used XBR8208, I've used almost all powders in the usable range. I'm compiling a database for my records, 3031 should be usable. I'll try a long drop tube and see if I can get things up to speed. I've certainly not seen any pressure.
 
Hi Stob. Last time I had checked velocity of my 3031 70g tnt load it was in the 3320 fps range.
Mind you that was a few years ago.

What are you getting?
 
Originally Posted By: gord mccooHi Stob. Last time I had checked velocity of my 3031 70g tnt load it was in the 3320 fps range.
Mind you that was a few years ago.

What are you getting?




I will have to look up my older notes later today or weekend. I'll report back.
 
Originally Posted By: gord mccooHi Stob. Last time I had checked velocity of my 3031 70g tnt load it was in the 3320 fps range.
Mind you that was a few years ago.

What are you getting?




My old notes show around 3300, with no signs of pressure. I'll try a long drop tube and see if I can get more in the case. The big sticks don't settle in very well.
 
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