I have not used surplus powder or FMJ's. I have had good luck loading Hornady 110g pointed bullets with IMR4198, and Remington PSP 125g bullets with H335. I loaded the 110 grainers to 2800 fps, and the 125's to 2550. I liked the 125's best, they carry better than the 110's. In our Savage model 340,most 150g pointed bullets are too long and need to be seated deep in the case to fit into the clip.