IMR 3031 and surplus

[dragonrider]

I've never had any surplus powder, didn't even know it existed before I found this board. Is there a surpllus that can substitute for IMR 3031???????, am running low and would like to find something at less than $20.00 a pound. Thanks

[Bullshop]

M-9 comes with instructions to use data for 30/31. Be carefull it bridges badly from a powder measurer.
BIC/BS

[dragonrider]

Thanks Bullshop
Have you ever used it.?? Good? Bad?

[TCLouis]

I have NOT seen any in years. Sure will bridge in the measure as you point out!

Jeff did have another 3031 look-a-like listed recently, but it sold out rather quickly as I remember it.

I suggest looking at each of the milsurp suppliers web site at least weekly and see what they list fleetingly in that performance range.

[beagle]

The old milsurp 4198 that came from frangible .30 ammo is pretty close to 3031's burn rat. Alas, that didn't last long either./beagle

[Bullshop]

Yes I have some and its OK accept for the bridging thing. Also if you dont get the pressure up it leaves half burned powder kernals in the barrel.
Even so I have some favorite loads with it in the 348 Win.
BIC/BS

[Buckshot]

...........Dragonrider, see if you can find any surplus 4475. Bartlett (gibrass.com) is now apparently out. I bought 16 lbs of it and tried it out load for load with IMR3031. Check the Surplus Powder forum for the info.

................Buckshot

[JohnH]

dragonrider, What are you loading for? Military surplus powders were designed with only a few applications in mind, mainly 223, 308, 30-06, 50 BMG 20 MM cannon and a few pistol rounds, so burning speeds are pretty limited. Even powders for foreign stuff will fall mainly within the parameters of those cartridges. Many of us are using these powders outside the original intentions of the maker. Not a dangerous practice, just one that takes lots of precautions and no cliff jumping. A surplus powder may or may not give you the velocities or the accuracy you seek, but it will go bang pretty cheap. Give us an idea of what you are loading for and we may be able to suggest a powder that will perform adaquately for your needs.

[dragonrider]

I am loading 30-06, 9.3x57,8x57,45-70, 30-30, 7x57, 44mag, 357, 223, Mostly I am looking at using it in the 45-70, however less expensive powders for the other cals would be a bonus.

[georgeld]

Take a look at: Powdervalleyinc.com
They've got a bunch of powders pretty cheap, some are surplus. Great outfit to
deal with from my experience's. Their media price's are by far the best I've found
around CO.

We used to get surplus powders by the cardboard and tin can's of 10, 20 and 50lbs for 50 cents a pound or less in larger quantities. But, yes, it's been a damned long time ago. Sure miss those days don't we??

After fighting the half full can's filling the shelves. I've gone back to using only two or three for everything and have a lot less headache's.

For rifles: 4895, or because of the price at the time AA2200 for .223

Red Dot and H110 long as it lasts for handguns.
Seems to be all I need.

Only thing it don't do is define: Best, but, no one else has been able to define best either. For MY needs, these do a great job. I don't load anything to max, ever. 4895 will load a very good 'average" velocity in all of them. Sure, you can find a particular powder that will make more velocity for some particular bullet in each caliber. When you do, start comparing what that powder will do in everything from .223, clear up to .375 H&H and see how it compares. IF it'll do the same or better in all of them than 4895 will do. Use it.

For me, it's a whole lot easier to keep track of three or four jugs than it is 20 or more half full pound cans.

Wish you well,

[dragonrider]

Exactly what I would like to do, reduce the amount of powders I have. I have too many of them, most of them just sit there and age.