IMR 3031

[bobg]

Has anyone tried 3031 in any of their 22 caliber Contender barrels? (10-14") I have had great luck with it in my 22 cal. rifles. Thought i would try it in my 13" 221 fireball. Think it will work?
 
                Thanks guys,
                     bobg :?

[Johnly]

Has anyone tried 3031 in any of their 22 caliber Contender barrels? (10-14") I have had great luck with it in my 22 cal. rifles. Thought i would try it in my 13" 221 fireball. Think it will work?
 
                Thanks guys,
                     bobg :?

Bob,

I'm sure that it will work, but I'd try RL-7 first as it gives good velocities, burns clean, and meters through a powder measure a heck of a lot better than 3031.

[C A Plater]

3031 is one of my favorite powders.  Ok, it is my favorite.  I do use it in .223 because I get excellent accuracy out of it.  It also finds much use in my 6.5TCU.  The stick type powders are a problem for some powder measures but I use the cheesy Lee model and trickle the charges up to weight.  It doesn't cut the grains.  You will find a funnel with a drop tube handy in getting the powder in the case.  I see no reason that it wont work just fine in the .221.  Good shooting.

[bobg]

I would say it is my favorite powder too. I have used it in 222,222mag.,223,225,22-250,257Rob. Now i am using it in my 25-35 Contender barrel.  If i could find load data for my Contender 221Fireball and 40gr. Sierra blitz bullets i would be all set.
   
             bobg

[C A Plater]

My IMR manual ( check Hodgdons web site ) show 3031 for several bullets.  Velocities are all below 2000 and show compressed loads.  Best velocities are with 4227 and 4198.  Any way here it goes:

1.800 COL  45 gr. Rem PSP  7-1/2BR primer
3031  17.8C   2015   26800
1.825 COL  50 gr. Rem PSP  7-1/2BR primer
3031  17.8C   1960   28200
1.825 COL  55 gr. Rem PSP  7-1/2BR primer
3031  16.8C   1900   28000
1.825 COL  60 gr. Rem PSP  7-1/2BR primer
3031  16.1C   1770   23600

3031 is my favorite but I'd think 4198 would be a better choice.  Darn, I thought 3031 would be great for everything

1.800 COL  45 gr. Rem PSP  7-1/2BR primer
4198  17.7C   2575   44500
1.825 COL  50 gr. Rem PSP  7-1/2BR primer
4198  16.7C   2380   44000
1.825 COL  55 gr. Rem PSP  7-1/2BR primer
4198  16.4C   2315   51700 * probable misprint
1.825 COL  60 gr. Rem PSP  7-1/2BR primer
4198  15.7C   5124   37100 * probable misprint


All data if from the IMR Handgun Manual.

[bobg]

Thanks for the info C A Plater. I'm not a big fan of 4198. Don't think i've used any in 30 years. Looks like i'll stick to 4227.
 
             Thanks again,
                  bobg