.30-06 Cast and IMR 3031

[4570guy]

I had been wanting to try and work up a load using 3031 in the '06 in an effort to improve the trajectory for 200 yd target work. I shoot the 200 gr Lee bullet in both my 03A3 and my M1917. I've had very good success with this bullet over 22 gr of SR4759, but have to raise the sight elevation to 700-800 yds for 100-200 yd target work.

So - I decided to experiment with 3031. To my pleasant surprise, I found that almost any charge weight from 37.5 gr to 42 gr of 3031 worked very well. The only charge weight that seemed to string shots was 41.5 gr. I found that 40 gr gave about the best overall group and had consistent POI with charge weights +/-0.5 gr of either side. I'm shooting bullets cast from air cooled WW and tumble lubed with LLA. I found that I had no leading issues.

Muzzle velocity was about 2300 fps out of my 03A3. This dropped my rear sight setting down to 600-650 on my 03A3 which should give me a bit finer adjustment than what I had with 4759. It is certainly better than being max'd out near 800 on the rear sight.

[Tom W.]

I shoot a 160 grain Lee boolit with about the same loads as you indicate to fire form my brass in my 30-06 a.i. I don't bother to change my scope setting, but just for S&G I'll shoot at a limb on the 200 yard berm and with a wee bit of hold over, I'll hit it every time..

[zomby woof]

Out of my 03A3 and 311299 I use 30 grains 3031, 2500 lube.
Excellent results.

[mustanggt]

Zomby, I use the same load as you but use the 314299 sized .312. That is "THE" load for my 03A3.