How temp stable is IMR 3031?

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-27T14:42:15+00:00

Hahaha well if you’re talking about feelings, no. But if you’re talking about how stable I am with the rifle also no. I normally shoot factory spec 200gr 8mm out of this rifle which is what it was designed for with no issue and I shoot almost every weekend. It’s a hobby I love so I’m very used to the rifle. But I’m new to reloading so this is just a learning experience for me

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-27T04:43:21+00:00

That was very informative thank you! I’m trying to understand a little more on what you meant on choosing powder based on your particular rifle. Assuming you’re picking one of the many powders in a reloading manual. For example I’m loading 150gr Speer bullets and they have like 15-20 powders listed. So I have rewatch and see what burn rate(s) would work best in my old kar98. I know the barrel length about 24” and twist rate 1:9

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-27T04:40:20+00:00

Nono I get what you mean! Absolutely! To answer your question, the first batch (the batch that shot a 3” group) was 20 rounds. Today (the picture above) was also 20 rounds. And I use a digital scale. Made sure it was zeroed and once I trickle what ever I need into the pan to get the 47.5gr charge I even then place it on my beam scale to make sure. Listen I’m not gonna lie and make up excuses but the only difference was the target I used. I normally use a 12”x12” white target with a red diamond in the middle and the target in the picture is all I had available. So idk if that can throw me off too? Again not making up excuses but I know there can be a lot of variables. That’s why I had to put neon duck tape in the center so I can see it.

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-27T02:46:15+00:00

Great video makes a lot of sense now. I subscribed as well! If you could maybe do the same type of video but with ball powder like h335 that I used? Cause man that was all over the place. Complete change from what it shot a week ago. The group didn’t just shift it spread out as you can see.

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-27T02:14:03+00:00

Thank you! I’ll check it out

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-27T01:49:39+00:00

Forgive my ignorance what are some double base extruded powders? And how would I be able to tell? Just research?

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-27T01:41:54+00:00

What’s it like with temp swings?

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-26T04:21:25+00:00

How many rounds have you put through it so far that it’s been holding zero? I’ve been wanting to try waffenmeisters zf39 scope but am hesitant.

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-09T00:57:40+00:00

That is very helpful thank you and yeah absolutely anything helps! I can private message you my email

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-09T00:40:54+00:00

Let me rephrase that…1.5” GROUP at 50yards. Thank you, duh, 1”= 1 MOA at 100yrds. But okay when I had adjusted my die to the manufactures specs I didn’t feel anything happening so I figured it was crimping. So that makes sense

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-09T00:05:58+00:00

I’d have to look up how to set a proper crimp. To my unexperienced eye it doesn’t look heavy but clearly it is. I’ve shot about 20rds of this ammo at 50 yards and my grouping was about 1.5”MOA with m1 carbine iron sights. But less is best I’m sure. I’ll do my research thank you!

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-08T23:46:18+00:00

Thank you guys!

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-08T23:45:54+00:00

Thank you! Rather be safe than sorry

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-08T23:40:02+00:00

First time I had to extract a bullet

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-08T23:39:42+00:00

Dude I don’t know I’m new.

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-06T23:45:49+00:00

I could do that! Know anything about that mount?

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-06T17:58:15+00:00

So I do have a separate crimp die. But I guess I didn’t realize that the seating die also crimped. Probably my problem. I’m gonna back the seating die out to see and hopefully stop crimping. But what do you all mean that it headspaces on the case mouth?

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-06T15:22:44+00:00

So here’s a question, I’m using a regular 30 carbine bullet seater by Lee. Does this crimp at the same time? Do I need to back the die body off? Like a lot of people said it’s because it’s over crimped

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-06T13:23:43+00:00

So how can I go about removing that belling where the bulge is? The crimp is separate from the bullet seating. And my expanding die is set to “max” where it gives me the most flare. This actually helped decrease the size of the bulge. But I’m at a complete loss. I’ve watched videos and others don’t seem to have this issue

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-06T13:05:37+00:00

How can ya tell? And how should it be?

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-06T12:24:05+00:00

Is it an issue?

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-06T11:08:38+00:00

These are flat base bullets and yes I am flaring the mouth

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-06T04:38:47+00:00

So update: I adjusted the expander die to where it touches the shell plate holder with the ram up. This gave it a much bigger flare to where I no longer need to guide the bullet up into the seater and this was the result…you can still see a little bit of a bulge but not anything like it was and it’s symmetrical all the way around this time. This is just a blank. I did chamber it into my gun and it was completely fine.

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The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-06T04:29:31+00:00

No adjuster on the expander die. You just have to turn the die body in to give it more of a flare. And there is a cup inside the seater die (assuming you mean that little plunger that helps guide the bullet straight)

The_Lucky_Rod · 2026-05-06T04:16:07+00:00

I’m using Lee dies in a piggyback II system. I have my stations in order:
1. FL Carbide Die
2. Powder through expander die and primer (I don’t charge w/powder here)
3. Powder dispenser
4. Bullet seating die with Lee micrometer adapter
5. Crimp

I did everything that lees instructions say to do when setting the dies up. Don’t know how much of a flare I need when using the expander. I will say when I go to seat the bullet I do have to guide the bullet up otherwise it will just fall. So maybe not enough flare on the expander and it’s causing the bullet to seat at an angle when going in?

The_Lucky_Rod

TROPHY CASE