I.M.R 3031 powder

[jednorris]

I just purchased a used Browning 1885 .45/70 B.P.C.R. and I want to shoot smokeless in it. I have one just like it that I shoot in competition but use Black Powder in it. I occasionally like to have a gun for a "newby" to shoot that does not require so much cleaning. I want to use a powder that comes close to filling the case. I found that I could put as much as 49.0 Gr. of I.M.R. 3031 in the case behind a 480 gr. lead bullet without using a wad. I do not want a stout load, but an effective one. I have loaded up some rounds with 42.0 gr. , but wonder what kind of flexibility I have with that powder.

[Outpost75]

Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th Edition (2010) in the Trapdoor loads shows starting load of 38 grains of IMR3031 and 500grain #457125 at OAL 2.885" fr 1075 fps and 12,400 cup.

[Gunlaker]

I think that 49gr load would be a little stout feeling. I have shot a fair bit in the 42gr range ( 405gr to 450gr bullets ) but found occasional hang fires. I use a magnum primer and that problem went away.

Chris.

[JimB..]

I’m 500 miles from my reloading data, but 42gr of 3031 over a 405gr bullet sounds like what I last used for target fun.

[Winger Ed.]

I try other things here and there, but keep coming back to 40gr. of 3031 with a cast 405gr.

It does a good job. I haven't had any issues with it.
Also, I don't have to sit back, scratch my head, and try to figure out which end of the Marlin is more dangerous than the other.

[NSB]

I've had much better luck with 4198, Rel7, 2400, and 5744. All shoot better and the recoil is pretty mild with reduced loads. Here's a couple fired at 114 yards (my deck to backstop).
241387

[Gunlaker]

I agree on the 4198. I use Hodgdon's trapdoor loads of H-4198, but again with magnum primers, the most for .45-70 cast bullet shooting these days.

Chris.

[marlinman93]

I tried IMR 3031 decades ago because I have so much of it here. But it burned incompletely, and left a lot of unburned powder in the bore. Just didn't like it much. 4198 is a much better choice, and works well in my .45-70's.

[EDG]

It depends on the velocity you intend to shoot.
If you want traditional BP velocity use less of a faster powder.
The best choices run from Alliant 2400, IMR 4227, Accurate 5744 and IMR 4198.
I use about 25 grains of SR4759 for excellent accuracy. This powder has been discontinued but I stocked up so I can still use it.

If you fill the case you will get one of 2 results

1. Velocity will be too high and you will have a powerful load that exceeds black powder performance.
2. If you lower the pressure and velocity with the slower powders you will get a lot of unburned powder left in your bore.



I just purchased a used Browning 1885 .45/70 B.P.C.R. and I want to shoot smokeless in it. I have one just like it that I shoot in competition but use Black Powder in it. I occasionally like to have a gun for a "newby" to shoot that does not require so much cleaning. I want to use a powder that comes close to filling the case. I found that I could put as much as 49.0 Gr. of I.M.R. 3031 in the case behind a 480 gr. lead bullet without using a wad. I do not want a stout load, but an effective one. I have loaded up some rounds with 42.0 gr. , but wonder what kind of flexibility I have with that powder.

[ascast]

you might look at IMR 4831. Ken Waters called it the best cast bullet powder he had ever used. I have not had a chance to try it.

[243winxb]

flexibility- H4895 its used to down load for the Youth Loads. See Hodgdon "Trapdoor Rifles data." also.

[marlinman93]

I've tried 4831 also, and like 3031 it too leaves too much unburnt powder in the bore. And not very consistent velocities in my .45-70 trials.

[cwlongshot]

I have accumulated much 3031 myself and was hoping to burn some off in the 45/70’s with my new 425g cast boolit.

I shot a few at 35 & 37g didnt notice much if any unburned. I loaded but haven’t fired the 40g loading.

Not looking for stompin loads here but want something more powerful than the 454. I am using Magnum Federal LR primers.

CW

[onelight]

I have great results with 3031 but the loads that worked well were not trap door loads.