[tasunkawitko]

i know what the manuals say, but it seems to me that the performance of these two powders is awfully close for all three cartridges.

do any of you use one over the other for any or all cartridges, and if so, why?

tash
www.baitshopboys.com

 

[IDShooter]

I've generally gotten better accuracy from IMR3031, but I can't compare velocities because I didn't have a chronograph when I was using them. I've since started using Varget in place of those two because I get good accuracy & velocities and the Hodgdon powder is temperature insensitive. Plus, it meters more easily. I use it in all three calibers you mentioned. If I were to have to select one of the two powders you listed I would go with 3031. IDShooter

 

[m141a]

Loving the .308, I've found that the IMR 4895 will work VERY WELL, and it flexible enough to be used in other calibers also. Hodgdon's 4895 works equally as well.

Varget, another that is super, temp. insensitive, and very accurate. Works well in .223, .270 .308, 30-06, .45-70, heck it even has worked well in my 30-30.

I've found IMR 4064 to work best in .308. 42.5grains and CCI primers for 165/168 bullets.

Never tried 3031.

Chris~

 

[loader]

In your 308 and 30-30 you are right, there is no practical difference between 3031 and 4895 in pressure or velocity, but 3031 is faster and you will use a few grains less. From 40 to 52 grain bullets in your 223, 3031 gives more velocity than 4895, and 4895 takes over from there up.

The comments on Varget are good...its excellent in both 223 and 308. Its also very good with 150 gr bullets in your 30-30. Given the Montana cold, I like it for hunting as it is very insensitive to temp.

 

[tasunkawitko]

thanks for the replies!

i have been hearing a lot of good things about the varget and the comments here suppor that. i will probably try it when i use up these two IMR powders.....

sounds like it's the 4895 for .308 and the .3031 for .30-30 and .223, BUT in a pinch either will work for any.

thanks again!

ron
www.baitshopboys.com

 

[loader]

One last thought on your 30-30 lever gun. Since you are a hand loader, you can load 30-30 spitzers and hunt with one in the chamber and one in the tube. Believe it or not, tis makes the 30-30 a 225 yard rifle for deer.