If I could find 3031 in my AO I would use it. Things have been very thin lately……
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If I could find 3031 in my AO I would use it. Things have been very thin lately……
We didn't get to set up the chrono, but Max published load for 69 gr is definitely weak. The bullet starts lagging a little at 500 yards. At 750 yards it's like a mil and a half under-performing. I don't expect to get full throttle velocity, but I think this lot will need a work up that is over published max to get it acceptable.
I double checked the published data online for the 69gr bullet which shows a max of 22.5 gr getting 2900ish FPS from the 24" barrel. I've worked up to a full grain over max published (23.5 gr) and I'm still in the low 2800s out of a 20" bolt gun barrel, and no pressure signs. I might try 3/10s higher.
As chance would have it, 4 LBs of this IMR 3031 came into my possession yesterday. Now I too am wondering how best to match it with 5.56 / .223 loadings and my horde of the 62 Hornady BTHP's that remain.
Any hints at what you may have tried and found to work well?
I bet the 62s are a great match for 3031. I loaded it with 69s only so far. With the lot I have (an 8lb) I am a full grain over publish max just to get the velocity acceptable. (I don't have the exacts in front of me) I think 22.5 was my published max for a 69 gr bullet. And I'm at 23.5 with modest velocity and no pressure signs.
I shelved the powder for a minute because it's long grain kernels and I'm weighing every charge. I'd love to run some 62s in front of it though.
So I went with a charge of 24 grains, wolf srm's and LC brass @ 2.245" COAL. 18" beater barrel gave 2975 ft/sec and surprisingly good accuracy. 14.5" BCM gave 2925 ft/secs. SD was in the 15 range for 10 rounds. Absolutely no pressure signs noted.
Loaded some 69's to try in a better barrel next week.
I'm thinking of jumping back into this powder to get some ammo that's not popping primers. Every damned week for the last month we've been digging primers out of ARs.
3031 is not that much slower than h322. And it is a real pain in the rear to dispense. And is not temp stable at all.
That's not a problem. I run it through a chargemaster, and don't load for high accuracy with this powder anyway.
That's interesting. I've not tried it in big weather swings. This is a blaster powder for us that leaves our preferred powder saved for better ammo.Quote:
And is not temp stable at all.