Yesterday's Weapons Forums

Okay, 'Hogger, I tracked down some vintage postings on another forum where IMR 3031 was discussed in depth. I seem to recall that you had a lot of input. How did it all turn out? I found other info and decided on a starting load of 36 grains of 3031 with the Graf 205 grain jacketed bullet. Anyone else out there use 3031?

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GMC(SW), USN-Retired
USS San Diego
USS Missouri
USS Boxer
NAS Whidbey Island

I tried it but wasn't happy with the results. For the 205 grain jacketed bullet, I greatly prefer 48.0 grains of IMR 4064. This is a hot load that closely duplicated the original muzzle velocity.

Work up carefully to it. It's best in long rifles, but was accurate in two of my short rifles with bores close to spec.

For something milder, try the dedicated Lee 205 grain gas checked bullet mold and 20.0 grains of AA 5744. Easy on the shoulder & it has accuracy potential.

Gary might have some 3031 load data that works... none of mine really did. SW

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Slava Ukraini!!

Gary posted a lot of good info on the old site about 3031. It seems that advertised performance is sketchy, though. It is the only rifle powder I have on hand right now and I was hoping to use it up.

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GMC(SW), USN-Retired
USS San Diego
USS Missouri
USS Boxer
NAS Whidbey Island

Well, I ran a batch of 20 loads today with no problems. I used 36 grains of IMR 3031 and the Graf 205 grain JSP bullet. Cases extracted easily and showed no signs of blackening around the necks. I did not see any unburned grains in the bore, nor did I find any 'mystery melts' in the cases. Primers flattened just a tad. Recoil was substantially reduced, as compared to Bulgarian surplus and Hornady's ammo. At 50 yards they all hit about 1 inch above the point of aim, using the 300 schritte setting, and chewed a nice big hole in the paper. A couple shots fell outside the big hole, though. I have to agree with 'Hogger and shooting at 50 yards..... with my lousy eyesight and trifocals, I have a hard time shooting at greater ranges. I am due for new spectacles, so I will try some 100 yard testing then. Cheers!

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GMC(SW), USN-Retired
USS San Diego
USS Missouri
USS Boxer
NAS Whidbey Island

I have a styer 8X56R I just bought some 205 grain spire point from buffalo arms. I am going to pull the bullet on my military brass put new powder and lead, using the same primer in case I have the carbine or at least the short one. i was looking at imr 4350 with 48 grains. has anyone tried this

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