IMR 3031 loads

[El Chivo]

Well a good friend gave me some IMR 3031 to try and find an accurate 30-30 load. First I'm going to try it in my 336.

Loads I've got in my books range from 26.5 to 31 grains (with 150 gr jacketed), and I don't want to do that many groups. What has been your best accuracy range for 3031? Should I go for the lower end or upper end?

I don't really care about velocity, just finding the accuracy point. Thanks.

[wm]

I don't exceed manual listed limits but my Marlin and Winchester's likes it's 3031 loads at the higher pressure end of recommend loads. I've found that tight crimps and heavier bullets seem to be essential for best performance.......both rifles shoot 170 grainers much better then 150s with 3031 (though accuracy IS quite acceptable with 150 grain bullets). As always your mileage may vary.

I just loaded some 110 grain bullets for some practice with 3031 last night and are going to give them a try, weather permitting, this afternoon

Wm

[Rusty]

My best load was 28 gr with a Speer 150 spire point out of my T/C Contender Super 14.

[Tycer]

30.2 on my 1970s Win Trapper with Lyman 311041 GCs is my best load. Still a 3" gun though as I have not really taken the time to properly develop loads for that gun.

[Old Savage]

Just as a point of reference - in Hornady #2 31 grains was just slightly below a mid range load with a 150 jacketed bullet.

[Chuck 100 yd]

3031 is a good old standby powder for the .30-30 and many other calibers. I use it and Varget in the .30-30 and the .22-250 with great accuracy. 30-31 gr. in the .30-30 under a 150 gr. bullet should work well for you.

Always find a load printed in a trusted manual (preferably two or more) before using any data gleaned from a forum on the internet.
I changed my recommendation to 30-31 gr. from my former stated 31-32 gr. after reading the latest load data from Hodgden. I had always used the heavier loading as was found in earlier manuals. That is still good data but should be worked up to carefully. Each gun is different and what is safe in one may not be in another.

[GoatGuy]

30 grains of 3031 for .30-30 with 150's, and 32 grains of same with 170's for my .32WS. Those two loads are perfect for my 94's, and do everything I'll want those levers to accomplish. Love IMR 3031.

[Borregos]

With some bulk 150gr FMJ's and 29.6gr 3031 my 14" Contender will shoot within a MOA, however I have never tried it in any of my lever guns, may have to do that!