Powder for 308

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Wendyj

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Been looking at some IMR 3031. Anyone had any luck in 308 with this? Been using varget, benchmark, and Reloader 15. Loaded some varget 44 gr and 150 gr Nosler bt. Filled bass pretty full. Used 43.5 of the reloader 15. Brass still really full. Shot one of each at the house before going to the range out of Tikka T3 Lite. Didn't see any signs of excessive pressure. My first loads over 42 grains of anything. According to Nosler I'm still below max. Found some Sierra 150 gr spitzers and Sierra site has good recommendations with the 3031. What do you think? I've only been doing this for 6 weeks or so.
 
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These days I'm using IMR3031 in the grandson's 308, behind a 150 gr SST. Shoots great. I didn't load it too hot, so that the flinch factor wouldn't be a problem. He seems happy.
 
In the late 1960s i ran experiments with most of the powders suitable for use in the .308. Selected IMR 3031 for bullets to 168 grains. Have not looked back and see no reason to change.
 
Being new yet, I've found the benchmark to be my best accurate loads. Haven't loaded varget and RL15 to almost max levels until yesterday. Sure didn't like brass being so full but like I stated in op I didn't see any excess pressure. Bullet has to be seated on powder. Book shows it isn't maximum or compressed load but don't know how you could get another half grain or full grain and still seat bullet. Can't find Benchmark powder right now but the IMR Is readily available wherever I go. Thought I'd give it a try. Looks like loads for Sierra bt is 39 to 41 gr. not much room to work with. Ladder up in half grains I guess. Don't know how much difference it makes but I'm using Hornady brass. Some I have shot and 50 I bought. Have 20 rounds of Nosler brass I've also shot. By me shooting I mean factory ammo I kept brass for reloading. I haven't reloaded the Noslers but once and only 10 of them. Was shooting Remington sps 700. Throat was really long so I traded for Tikka. I shoot from Uncle Buds bull bag and sps closed for end up on free floating barrell. Had to put sock with sand inside groove to keep from compressing for end from closing up on barrel. Lots of fly always. Trying to find a good steel front rest and rear bag. Don't want a lead sled. Like to feel my gun on my shoulder.
 
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I have had very good results with 3031 in 308. So far it is my favorite powder for my AR-308. I've used 4895, varget and RL 15 for it. Also, it oddly makes the spent brass go backwards of the firing line so I can pick it up, all the other powders make the brass shoot forward :rolleyes:
 
Been reading a lot about the 4895. Seems a lot like it. I can't find it. Also 150gr Sierra was all I could find local. Normally shoot 165 and 168. Midway has 165 but wants tax and $10.00 shipping. I use them if I have to but $10.00 shipping takes 7-10 days to get here. Go figure.
 
I tried Varget, RL15 & IMR4064. My rifle didn't shoot well with Varget, RL15 & 4064 shot much better. Best was IMR4064.
 
I switched from 4064 to RE15 some years back when I inherited some reloading supplies that came with 2 pounds of RE15. I continue to use it because I like the results...

Tony
 
I've only ever used 3031 in .30-30 Winchester that I loaded for a friend. He supplied it.

I don't load .308, but I have loaded .243, .300 Savage, and .30-06, and I've always favored IMR-4046.
 
I think a lot of powders will fill .308 cases without reaching max. I remember the first time I tried IMR4350.:rolleyes:
 
Tried many .308 med burn powders, my most trusted load that I take out to 600 yds is 168 SMK, 42.4gr of W748 with a .020" bullet jump.

A few other favs are :

168 SMK 42.1gr of 4064
168 SMK 43.3gr of 2000MR
168 SMK 38.4gr of Benchmark

The sweet spot with my 1-12" heavy varmint barrel seems to be around 2540 fps.
 
Loaded up about 10 today with 39 gr IMR 3031 under 165 gr Nosler bt. Nosler shows that as most accurate load. We will see I guess.
 
Wendyj said:
Nosler shows that as most accurate load.
Click to expand...

correction: "This is a potentially most accurate Nosler load"

Too many variables, and their tested barrel will most likely NOT produce the same results as your barrel. So again, systematically test and document what works best in YOUR specific circumstances.
 
Yes, that's just their starting point and supposed accurate load. Loading more up 1/2 grain increments. Honestly saving rest of powder for Sierra boat tail spitzers. Got to try them out for accuracy. I've always liked the stopping power they have.
 
I have loaded 3031 ad R15 in my 308. I don't remember the loads but, both have done equally well. IMR 3031 is a great powder with lots of calibers on it's list. If you fool with it enough, you'll find results you will like. God Bless
 
Thanks Mountaineer. I'm going to give it a try. Thinking I'll try some other bullets with it also. The 3031 gets some good reviews. I've tried everything with the varget and can't get the accuracy I'm looking for. Reloader 15 and Benchmark done better but looks like the 3031 is well liked.
 
Only tried powders blc2 and 4064. The blc2 could never stay consitant even getting a crtain powder charge to group at .5 one time any other time after that was over an inch so I switched to 4064 and got much better results.
 
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