Anybody ever use IMR 3031 in the 7mm-08? I have two pounds that I'd like to find a use for. I've got a 7mm-08 that I haven't worked up any loads for and a couple hundred 139gr Hornady interlocks.
yup.. I like 3031.. and use it like they did way back in the 50s, when a lot of folks were still frugal left over from growing up in the Depression...its always accurate in any application..... charge weights from 30 to 40 grains with that bullet... provide a nice low recoil round...the 139 gr bullet will do a nice job, at higher velocity or down to a low 1500 fps impact speed... especially on deer ...
It is my go to powder in my 7mm Mauser in a Model 70 and My Ruger 77 Mk2, in the same caliber...the 139 Hornady SP or the 140 Ballistic Tip are my two bullets I usually reach for to load in them... behind a charge of 40 grains...
+1 on IMR 3031, I used it in .30-30 and .308 years ago and recently discovered a Ken Waters' Pet Load for .35 Whelen with Hornady 200gr. RN that gives outstanding accuracy and has proven itself to be deadly on whitetails. Should be a good powder in 7-08 as well.
Thank you all for the responses. I have looked at load data from different sources and it looked like it would be worth trying. Fremont mentioned 120s, would it be better suited for that bullet weight? I have a few boxes of 120 nbt as well. Looking for an accurate load for an old 18.5 barreled model 7.
Fremont mentioned 120s, would it be better suited for that bullet weight? I have a few boxes of 120 nbt as well. Looking for an accurate load for an old 18.5 barreled model 7.
Nosler load data has H4895, IMR 4895 and 4064 as the fastest powders listed for its 120's. Hodgdon shows a 120 NBT with 3031 as well as 139/140 bullets. I shoot 140's in my 7-08 with Varget; it works well. I like 3031 a lot but haven't experimented with it in this chambering.