IMR 3031 for 243 and 308 (Barnes TSX 308)

[aeladd1967]

Hello

I'm new to reloading, and find it very exciting. I have a couple of questions..

First of all I have a Savage 243 110 and a Savage 10 FP-LE 308

I got a pound of IMR 3031 ,and some 62 GR. Hornady V-Max For the 243, and
I got some Barnes TSX in 308, (168 GR.) I don't have alot of time nor money right know so I want to get the best accuracy as I can, (Believe me if I could I would do it 24/7). Barnes are proud of their bullets! I already decided that "Fire Forming " will be my best bet. I have read the 2nd Edition by Richard Lee, and he talked about seating depth, and COL.

I would like to get some good general reload data for both calibers, using the information that I have provided. And please included COL if you can. I'm sure the "Pros" could assist me.

Here some pics of me! This is my first post here as well!

Thanks A.L

PS VOTE REPUBLICAN TOMORROW!!!!

[jamaica]

Welcome to the forum.
Nice pictures.

3031 powder will work well in both of your calibers. Loads may be obtained online from the powder manufacturers.

A good reloading manual is a must, not just for the loads, but also for the procedure and safety aspect. I am enjoying Hornady's Seventh Edition.

I have used lots of Hornady bullets, and they have performed well for me.

As always, the advice is to start low and work up. I hesitate to give loads on the forums, because typos do happen, and also what works in my gun doesn't necessarily work in yours.

Good luck and be safe.

PS Vote tomorrow!

[Slamfire]

I purchased some estate sale IMR 3031, exact age unknown.

I had read that 39.5 grs IMR 3031 with a 168 was an equivalent load to Federal 308 Gold Medal match.

So I started my load testing at 39.0 grains.

Based on my tests, any load between 39.0 and 41.0 grs would provide excellent accuracy with Nosler, SMK 168 grain bullets. I may have used the last of my 168 Hornady match bullets with 40.0 grs.

Anyway, it is highly probably that your 168's will shoot very well within this powder spread.

Ruger M77 MKII 
26 " Barrel 1:10 twist

 168 Nosler Match 39.0 grs IMR3031 wtd Lot FE23B LC72  CCI#34 	OAL 2.80"		
27-Nov-06 T = 60 ° F						
								
Ave Vel =2513				 		
Std Dev =15				 		
ES =	51				 	 		
High =	2534				 	 		
Low =	2483				 	 		
N =	10		 					
excellent accuracy nice rounded primers						
								
168 Nosler Match 40.0 grs IMR3031 wtd Lot FE23B LC72  CCI#34 	OAL 2.80"		
27-Nov-06 T = 62 ° F						
								
Ave Vel =2568				 		
Std Dev =16				 		
ES =	48				 	 		
High =	2590				 	 		
Low =	2542				 	 		
N =	10		 					
excellent accuracy nice rounded primers								
 best group of IMR 3031 series					
				
								
								
168 Sierra Matchking 40.0 grs IMR 3031 Lot FE2B LC90 CC#34 OAL 2.750"		 	 					
30 April 2008 T =  71 °F						
								
Ave Vel =2560							
Std Dev =36							
ES =	114							
High =	2626							
Low =	2512							
N =	10							
								
								
168 Nosler Match 41.0 grs IMR3031 wtd Lot FE23B LC72  CCI#34 OAL 2.80"			
27-Nov-06 T = 62 ° F						
								
Ave Vel =2619						
Std Dev =16						
ES =	52						
High =	2654							
Low =	2602							
N =	10		 					
	excellent accuracy

[aeladd1967]

Thanks for alll the great info!!! It will help a lot!


Thanks

A.L

[ryalred]

I may get in trouble for mentioning another website, but the The Reloader's Nest has some great load data. Check out their site at http://www.reloadersnest.com/index.asp

Their forum isn't nearly as good as The Firing Line, but they do have a lot of load data.

[BurkGlocker]

My buddy loaded up some .308" 150 gr SSTs on top of 42 grs of IMR 3031 and I had some amazing results, but I like my H4895 alot more under some 168 gr Hornady Moly HPBTs and the 150 SSTs. Going to try it under some 165 gr Sierra GameKing HPBT to see how that works.