45/70 IMR 3031

[straight-shooter]

I done some extensive testing past a Labradar chrono using H4895 and found a suitable load for a 400gr cast coated bullet at 40.4gr of H4895 and a 1gr tuft of Dacron for case fill clocking at 1,530 fps. Accuracy was good but I'm now searching for a load minus the Dacron filler. 40.4gr of H4895 doesn't nearly fill the case and i'm a believer that 45/70 performs best with a near full case fill. A big debate I realize but not the information i'm searching for with this thread.

I have some IMR 3031 which is larger stick and from what I understand, a proven performer for the 45/70. I'm shooting a Marlin 22" 1895. My initial research is the 45gr arena for the load to develop an accurate load in the 1,450 to 1,550 area. I would consider dropping even lower but again, i'm looking to get a good case fill without the Dacron. What you say INGO? Anyone here developed a load using IMR 3031?

 

[Trapper Jim]

I done some extensive testing past a Labradar chrono using H4895 and found a suitable load for a 400gr cast coated bullet at 40.4gr of H4895 and a 1gr tuft of Dacron for case fill clocking at 1,530 fps. Accuracy was good but I'm now searching for a load minus the Dacron filler. 40.4gr of H4895 doesn't nearly fill the case and i'm a believer that 45/70 performs best with a near full case fill. A big debate I realize but not the information i'm searching for with this thread.

I have some IMR 3031 which is larger stick and from what I understand, a proven performer for the 45/70. I'm shooting a Marlin 22" 1895. My initial research is the 45gr arena for the load to develop an accurate load in the 1,450 to 1,550 area. I would consider dropping even lower but again, i'm looking to get a good case fill without the Dacron. What you say INGO? Anyone here developed a load using IMR 3031?

I have been here and done this as I shoot a lot of 45/70 90 and 120. Tried all the IMR and Alliant Powders with good results. However for accuracy, SD, pressure and velocity nothing has beaten H4895. I donot use case filler as my it has made no difference in stats. This pains me to use imported powder but I cannot beat the performance of H4895. Had a lot of fun trying though. Good luck to you.

 

[Leadeye]

The 3031 has been my go to powder for jacketed 405 grains bullets in the 45-70.

 

[straight-shooter]

The 3031 has been my go to powder for jacketed 405 grains bullets in the 45-70.

One of these days I may work up a load for jacketed but with casting my own and powder coating the cost is nearly zero for the bullets. I don't hunt anymore thus the reason i don't use jacketed but it's not out of the question at some point.

I suppose even if the 3031 don't work out i can use some of it up for .308 168gr match loads and 22-250. Very versatile powder. I would love to see if someone has some chrono results for the 45/70 to post for it though.

 

[Leadeye]

I bought a bunch of Remington 405 grain JSP bullets years ago and still use them. In the 1895 Marlin, they are very accurate, but a little hard on the recoil. The 3031 is my preferred powder for 30-30, 30-40, 32 WS and 32-40. It serves we3ll in those cartridges.

 

[straight-shooter]

I figured i would do a followup on my load results. Using the NOE 395gr PB Powder coated cast bullet and 44.7gr of IMR 3031 shot from a Marlin 1895 22" lever action. This proved to be the most accurate load. The velocities are a tad on the warm side but with the powder coat I had zero leading.

 

[Leadeye]

I would call that a definite success.

 

[dennismassie]

I done some extensive testing past a Labradar chrono using H4895 and found a suitable load for a 400gr cast coated bullet at 40.4gr of H4895 and a 1gr tuft of Dacron for case fill clocking at 1,530 fps. Accuracy was good but I'm now searching for a load minus the Dacron filler. 40.4gr of H4895 doesn't nearly fill the case and i'm a believer that 45/70 performs best with a near full case fill. A big debate I realize but not the information i'm searching for with this thread.

I have some IMR 3031 which is larger stick and from what I understand, a proven performer for the 45/70. I'm shooting a Marlin 22" 1895. My initial research is the 45gr arena for the load to develop an accurate load in the 1,450 to 1,550 area. I would consider dropping even lower but again, i'm looking to get a good case fill without the Dacron. What you say INGO? Anyone here developed a load using IMR 3031?

I shot 3031 in my rolling block with great results. Both 406 and 500 grain lead bullets were very accurate. I used the Lyman cast bullet manual to start my load workups. My loads stayed within trapdoor pressure thresholds, and always shot better than I could hold.