Any opinions on IMR 3130 for usage in the AR platform? I just lucked into three pounds. Originally I picked it up for the .30-30 but I thought I might try it in some .223
Any opinions on IMR 3130 for usage in the AR platform? I just lucked into three pounds. Originally I picked it up for the .30-30 but I thought I might try it in some .223
Cargo
It is better intended for short barreled rifles or 223 pistols with 55gr or less projos. Alittle fast for heavier bullets.
Last edited by Greg S; 11-28-2020 at 04:23 PM.
Don`t know about using it in an AR.
A friend burned up 8# of it in a bolt gun using 50 gr. bullets.
It shot quite well for him.
Is your powder ball or extruded? If extruded, it may or may not be IMR 3031. If ball, it’s not IMR 3031 but surplus pull down powder sold a few years ago and supposedly closed to WC 846. Be careful.
3031 is an extruded powder so it needs to be trickled to get consistent charge weights.
quando omni flunkus moritati
I used IMR 3031 in 223. The GI load for 5.56 was 55gr FMJ at 3250fps. With IMR 3031 the load to equal this had to be not only trickled but you had to tap down each load. If you were using GI brass you load would be slightly compressed. Other than that , load shot fine. I only loaded 55gr bullets for accuracy in BAs and Ruger single shots.
Larry Gibson
“Deficient observation is merely a form of ignorance and responsible for the many morbid notions and foolish ideas prevailing.”
― Nikola Tesla
Yep, I've had it hang up in my press before. Makes a mess when the logjam clears
I bang the press handle to get it to clear. Have consistent results too.
Thanks for the info gents, I believe I will reserve this for the .30s and keep an eye out for a .223/5.56 bolt gun to reload for.
Cargo
Things may have changed, but I always heard 3031 was very close to military specs for small arms.
Again, there was a batch of “3130” powder released a few years ago that wasn’t IMR 3031. Completely different. 3130 was a ball powder, not extruded like 3031. Cargo, can you look and post if extruded or ball?
Some of my more accurate loads in .223 are with 3031. I’ll check my notes...
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