HILARIOUS! I have 3 pounds of H4198 that the only thing I can use it for in my battery is 45/70..which I RARELY shoot! Sure wish I could swap it for some VARGET!
Posts: 648 | Location: Huskerville | Registered: 22 December 2001
The most accurate powder I have tested in a 7 x 57. Is very good in any case that is 57mms long. Also good in the 6.5 x 55, 243, 260 Rem., 30/06, 22/250, 223 , 338/06, lighter loads in 300 and 338 Mag, 30/30, 444, 8 x 57.
Powder companies push the slower powders more nowadays. You have to use more and are more user friendly when people love to fill the case to the brim to wring out every last fps out of each load.
30 to 40 years ago, the trend was more along the lines of economy and efficiency. 3031 shined at things like this. It is a very efficient powder. Hardly any load manuals promote it any more. I only discovered its use by accident.
It won't always max out velocities but it sure holds its own and it is very accurate in any thing I try it in. 3031 and 4198 are two powders that are not TRENDY, but they are very efficient and accurate. They are not always the faster velocity.
With all the rifles I own If I had my choice of stocking piling one powder and the choices were 3031, 4350 or 4831, I'd take the 3031 any day!
Lots of things. My Remington 7 .308 loves it with 150 grain bullets, less flash in the shorter barrel and deadly accurate. Accurate in my .223 and 6.5 tcu. Good for .30-30 too. It works well for many cartridges. What you got? I'm sure there is a good load for something you have.
Wow that sure stimulated some action! Thanks guys. Maybe I'll try it in my 260 with some lighter bullets. Maybe in the ol' 22-250, but I really don't like stick powders for my varmint calibers...(whine whine whine).
Thanks for all your replies.
Posts: 648 | Location: Huskerville | Registered: 22 December 2001
3031 is THE powder for 75 grain bullets in my .257 Roberts. It is also the best over-all powder for .25-35 that I have tried yet. I sure wish it had TWO IMPROVEMENTS.
First, it does not meter well at all. I believe the appropriate term here is 'atrocious.'
Second, it is very temperature sensitive in my .257. I have been researching a replacement powder from either the Hodgdon Extreme line or another company. I just want to use the same load at 100 degrees for prairie dogs that I do at zero for coyotes. I can't do that with 3031.
Coach
Posts: 114 | Location: near Abilene, Texas | Registered: 04 September 2002
I use IMR 3031 in the 222, the 223, the 30-30, the 45-70 and as a "plinker" load in the Magnum 30's. 50 grains of 3031 behind the 180 grain bullet in a 308 Norma, a 300 Winnie, or a 30-338 makes a mild load that is really accurate in most rifles. Won't beat you up either. Gives about 308 Win velocities. Regards, Eagleye.
I've found IMR 3031 to be an excellent fertilizer for my bonsai hobby. Other than that I think there are better powders out there for most any application. It's a bit like Varget in my experience, does the job but not the best job.
IMR 3031 in my 25-06 with the 75 gr. V-Max is a very good combination for velocity and accuracy in my gun. I must admit that I am probably over stabilizing the bullet because the groups are relatively and consistantly better at 300 yds than 100 yds. Kind of odd, but it works. The old g-hogs don't know what hit them!!!
Posts: 8421 | Location: adamstown, pa | Registered: 16 December 2003
