What is IMR 3031 generally used for ?

[entropy]

Yes. It's IMR (that's what IMR is the acronym for, Improved Military Rifle) 3031, and yes, it's fine.

 

[DennisT]

Thank you. I feel better. With what is going on in our Country, looks like I'll be digging out my reloading equipment.

 

[Fishtales]

3031 has been my go to powder for my .270 since 1975. Warning, since you are just getting back into reloading, primers of any size, are difficult to come by.

 

[ericuda]

I found it good on 45-70 on higher powered loads. Lots of unburnt powder at lower end though.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I have full can of 3031 and 4064 that I KNOW can not be newer than 1984. I know it's been stored indoors since then. What are opinions here about using it? Would I be correct to assume that it has weakened some and current recommended starting loads may be a little too low for this old powder?

 

[Charlie98]

I have full can of 3031 and 4064 that I KNOW can not be newer than 1984. I know it's been stored indoors since then. What are opinions here about using it? Would I be correct to assume that it has weakened some and current recommended starting loads may be a little too low for this old powder?

Very likely in metal cans? Dump some out on a sheet of white paper... look for rust or powder clumps, and give it a good sniff... if it's very acrid, it's deteriorating.

Otherwise, just start low and work up, like you would with any new powder.

 

[Hugger-4641]

Yes, it is unopened metal cans. I do have some new 3031 and 4064 to compare smell with. Thanks for the reply!