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Thread: IMR 3130 for .223 AR?

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy
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    IMR 3130 for .223 AR?

    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
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  2. #2
    Boolit Master


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    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.

  3. #3
    Boolit Master

    dale2242's Avatar
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    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.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master Castaway's Avatar
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    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.

  5. #5
    Boolit Buddy
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    3031 is an extruded powder so it needs to be trickled to get consistent charge weights.
    quando omni flunkus moritati

  6. #6
    Boolit Master Drm50's Avatar
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    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.

  7. #7
    Boolit Grand Master


    Larry Gibson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kenton View Post
    3031 is an extruded powder so it needs to be trickled to get consistent charge weights.
    And to get the large long extruded grains into the small 22 cal mouth of the case. Not conducive to use with powder throwers, especially if a progressive press is used.
    Larry Gibson

    “Deficient observation is merely a form of ignorance and responsible for the many morbid notions and foolish ideas prevailing.”
    ― Nikola Tesla

  8. #8
    Boolit Master
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    Yep, I've had it hang up in my press before. Makes a mess when the logjam clears

  9. #9
    Boolit Master
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    I bang the press handle to get it to clear. Have consistent results too.

  10. #10
    Boolit Buddy
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    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

  11. #11
    Boolit Grand Master


    GregLaROCHE's Avatar
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    Things may have changed, but I always heard 3031 was very close to military specs for small arms.

  12. #12
    Boolit Master Castaway's Avatar
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    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?

  13. #13
    Boolit Buddy AviatorTroy's Avatar
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    Some of my more accurate loads in .223 are with 3031. I’ll check my notes...
    Airplanes and guns should always be made out of metal.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check