Sure, I know it'll work, but do any of you have pet loads with favorite bullets? I just happen to have probably more 3031 that I can shoot up in the grandson's 308 (since he always swipes my 260), so I'd like to burn some of it up in the 223.

I don't have a Chrono, so I'm also wondering if I can get good velocities with small bullets. Looks like it works a little like Varget, in that you can't put enough in a case to blow yourself up. I like that, but can I get good MV with the 3031?

Any info, and opinions, will be appreciated.

I guess that I'm finding out that none of you use 3031 in your 223. Not really a surprise. Well...I'll figure it out for myself.

There is good data out there but the smallest caliber I have used it in the 6.8SPC necked down to 6 mm (6mmDTI) and it gave me top velocities with the 70-75 gr bullets although I did have to use a drop tube to get a max load in the case.
You are correct in that I doubt you can get enough powder in a 223 case to realize maximum pressures.
It works quite well in 22-250 too.

I shoot about 24.5 or 25 grains, and get acceptable velocity. I always shoot 55 or 62 grain bullets. 3031 doesn't meter worth a flip, FYI.

Its actually a surprisingly good powder BUT as Tactical Cowboy said it is a bear to load with it! That said it was one of the sweetest powders I tried years back, especially in the shorter barrel .223s. It needs to be loaded near max but some match shooters swear by it behind 69 grain Nosler custom Comp bullets.
BTW, it is one of my favorites for an auto in .308 with the 168 SMK. I nearly gave up on it until I got a chargemaster....

for 308 43grns w/ a 155 is smoking upper 2800fps caution is load is very near max work up from 42g

As you already know, 3031 is a great powder but not a real good match for the .223. Besides, I believe that us handloaders have become spoiled & if our powder doesn't come out of the measure perfect without a hitch, we get perturbed a little!

Yep, it wouldn't be my first choice for my 223. Mostly I use H335, AA2230, and some BL(C)-2 and do great with those. And some Varget, but I seem to get better results with the first 3 I mentioned. Bottom line is that I just have more 3031 than I am ever going to need for the 308. Might as well see if I can find a good load for the 223. And yes, I expect it to be tough to meter, but with my Lyman auto measure I'm sure I'll not get TOO frustrated.

Anyway, thanks for the feedback.

55 GR. SPR SP IMR 3031 .224" 2.200"
start 21.6 2907 41,100 PSI
max 24.6C 3233 52,500 PSI

if this load works for you then your good to go for 308/223

Thank you!

if you have a 243-- 34gr IMR3031-100gr SP is A tack driver from 700 Remington.