Published: 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
IMR 3031 is a medium-fast-burning, single-base extruded powder – one of the oldest continuously used propellants in the DuPont / IMR lineup, with a lineage extending back to the pre-WWII era of American rifle development. It was developed for the intermediate-capacity rifle cartridges that defined North American sporting rifles through the mid-20th century: 30-30 Winchester, 222 Remington, and the original 308 Winchester military cartridge development. That legacy is still visible today in its strongest applications.
The powder sits in the burn rate position between Hodgdon H4198 / Alliant Reloder 7 (faster) and IMR 4064 (slower). This positions it for a specific set of medium-capacity cases and intermediate-weight bullets where the burn rate is too fast for the slower alternatives and too slow for the faster ones: 30-30 Winchester with 150-170 grain bullets, 308 Winchester with light 110-150 grain projectiles, and 222 Remington at standard velocities.
The honest context: IMR 3031 is a traditional DuPont long-cut extruded powder without modern temperature-stabilizing additives. Its temperature sensitivity (approximately 0.8-1.2 fps per degree Fahrenheit) is manageable for hunting applications but requires seasonal load verification for precision long-range use. Its long-grain geometry produces metering variance of ±0.3-0.5 grains in volumetric measures, requiring hand-weighing or auto-dispensing for precision work. These trade-offs are offset by a published data library and a 30-30 Winchester application record that no competing powder has equaled in that specific cartridge.
This article is based on published manufacturer specifications, established load data, and documented field reports. Specifications and performance figures can vary between lots, rifles, and conditions. If you have loaded IMR 3031 in practice – leave a comment below: real-world experience from the reloading bench is what separates verified data from manufacturer claims.
Powder Description and Technical Profile
IMR 3031 is a single-base, long-cut cylindrical extruded powder. The single-base formulation – nitrocellulose without nitroglycerin – is the chemical basis of its clean-burning behavior and moderate temperature stability relative to double-base alternatives at the same burn rate.
The progressive linear pressure curve is the property most consistently associated with IMR 3031’s accuracy reputation. Pressure builds steadily through the charge range rather than spiking sharply from peak to decay. In the 30-30 Winchester, where the rifle action geometry and lever-action mechanism place specific constraints on peak pressure, this progressive behavior is functionally important. In 222 Remington precision work, the linear curve produces small velocity standard deviations that support tight groups.
The long-cut grain geometry is the defining practical limitation. Traditional long cylindrical sticks bridge in measure drum apertures, shear at the drum edge during cycling, and settle inconsistently in the case. Charge-to-charge variance of ±0.3-0.5 grains is typical in standard volumetric measures. This requires hand-weighing or auto-dispensing for any application where consistency tighter than half a grain matters.
Bulk density is approximately 0.880-0.910 g/cc – moderate for the medium-fast rifle position. In 30-30 Winchester with 150-170 grain bullets at working charge weights, case fill runs 85-94%, adequate for position sensitivity resistance without compression.
The original article’s description of IMR 3031 as being between Alliant Reloder 7 (faster) and IMR 4064 (slower) is correct for the burn rate positioning.
Strengths:
- Deep published data library especially in 30-30 Winchester and 222 Remington – more manual coverage in these specific cartridges than most medium-fast alternatives
- Progressive linear pressure curve – gradual pressure development is functionally appropriate for lever-action 30-30 Winchester and forgiving during load development
- Single-base clean burning – less carbon residue than double-base alternatives at equivalent pressures
- 308 Winchester light-bullet specialty – with 110-130 grain bullets, IMR 3031 produces better case fill and standard deviations than medium-slow powders optimized for heavier bullets
- DuPont heritage with documented lot-to-lot consistency from long-established Canadian manufacturing
Limitations:
- Long-grain geometry produces ±0.3-0.5 grain volumetric variance – hand-weighing or auto-dispensing required for precision work
- Temperature sensitivity of 0.8-1.2 fps/°F – standard single-base extruded powder behavior without modern stabilizer chemistry. Seasonal load verification required for precision applications
- 45-70 Government application requires pressure tier awareness – same critical safety distinction as with other fast powders in the large-case 45-70 Gov’t; must match published data to the correct rifle pressure level
- 7.62x39mm is marginal – the burn rate is at the slower edge for 7.62x39mm; Accurate 1680 or Hodgdon CFE BLK are better matched for semi-automatic carbine gas system cycling
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | IMR Powder (Hodgdon Powder Company) |
| Heritage | DuPont original formulation |
| Origin | Canada |
| Type | Single-Base Long-Cut Extruded |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | ~0.880 – 0.910 |
| Grain Shape | Long Cylindrical |
| Coating | Graphite Surface |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium-Fast Rifle |
| Temperature Sensitivity | ~0.8-1.2 fps / °F |
Temperature Stability – Practical Assessment
0.8-1.2 fps per degree Fahrenheit places IMR 3031 in the moderate sensitivity range – better than many double-base ball powders (1.2-2.0 fps/°F) and comparable to other traditional single-base extruded powders without modern stabilizer additives.
For the primary applications:
30-30 Winchester hunting at 0-200 yards: A 60°F seasonal temperature swing produces 48-72 fps velocity variation. At 200 yards on deer-sized game, this produces approximately 1-1.5 inches of vertical shift – well within the practical hunting margin with appropriate holdover adjustments.
222 Remington varmint hunting at 0-300 yards: The same 60°F swing produces 1-1.5 inches at 300 yards – manageable for most varmint work. For precision 400+ yard varmint shooting across seasons, Hodgdon H4198’s Extreme series stability (10-20 fps per 60°F) is a more appropriate choice.
308 Winchester light bullet target: Similar variation – manageable for practical shooting, requires seasonal verification for precision match use.
| Powder | 60°F Swing | At 200 yards | At 400 yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4198 | 10-20 fps | <0.5″ | <1″ |
| Hodgdon Varget | ~25-30 fps | <0.5″ | ~1″ |
| IMR 3031 | ~48-72 fps | ~1-1.5″ | ~2-3″ |
| Winchester 748 | ~72-108 fps | ~1.5-2″ | ~3-4″ |
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Key Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4198 | Single-Base Short-Cut | 0.865 | Faster – Extreme stability |
| Alliant Reloder 7 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.880 | Faster – 45-70, small-bore |
| Accurate 2015 | Single-Base Short-Cut | 0.910 | Similar – short-cut, good metering |
| IMR 3031 | Single-Base Long-Cut | 0.895 | Reference |
| Hodgdon H4895 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.880 | Slightly Slower – Extreme stability |
| IMR 4064 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.890 | Slower – 308 Win, versatile |
| Hodgdon Varget | Single-Base Short-Cut | 0.910 | Slower – Extreme, 308 Win benchmark |
| Alliant Reloder 15 | Double-Base Extruded | 0.920 | Slower – double-base, higher velocity |
vs. Hodgdon H4895: H4895 burns slightly slower and belongs to the Extreme series with ~0.3 fps/°F stability. It is specifically the benchmark for 308 Winchester with standard 150-175 grain bullets and covers many of IMR 3031’s application cartridges with better seasonal consistency. For a reloader choosing between the two for 308 Winchester standard loads, H4895 is the more seasonally stable choice. IMR 3031 specifically excels for 308 Winchester with the lightest 110-130 grain bullets where H4895 is slightly too slow, and for 30-30 Winchester where IMR 3031’s specific burn rate is historically the most documented.
vs. Hodgdon Varget: Varget burns slightly slower with Extreme series stability (<0.5 fps/°F) and is the benchmark for 308 Winchester precision at standard 150-175 grain weights. For 308 Winchester with 110-130 grain lighter bullets, IMR 3031 is the better burn rate match. For standard-weight precision 308 Winchester across seasons, Varget is the more appropriate modern choice.
vs. Accurate 2015: Accurate 2015 is a single-base short-cut extruded powder at a comparable burn rate with substantially better metering than IMR 3031 from its shorter grain geometry. Both powers cover 222 Remington, 30-30 Winchester, and 223 Remington standard loads. Accurate 2015 is the modern metering-improved alternative; IMR 3031 has the deeper legacy data library for older cartridges. For a reloader who progressive-press loads these cartridges, Accurate 2015 is the more practical choice. For single-stage precision work where the data history matters, IMR 3031 is defensible.
vs. IMR 4064: IMR 4064 burns slower and is one of the most versatile medium-speed single-base extruded powders with deep data coverage across many cartridges. The demarcation: IMR 3031 is better for 30-30 Winchester, 222 Remington, and 308 Winchester with very light 110-130 grain bullets. IMR 4064 is better for 308 Winchester with standard 150-175 grain bullets and the medium cartridges where IMR 3031’s burn rate is too fast for efficient combustion.
vs. Alliant Reloder 7: Reloder 7 burns faster and is more appropriate for 222 Remington at maximum velocities, light-bullet 45-70 Government, and 22 Hornet where IMR 3031 is slightly slow. IMR 3031 is better matched for 30-30 Winchester with standard 150-170 grain bullets and 308 Winchester light bullet loads.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
IMR 3031 is specifically suited to the medium-capacity case range with standard-to-light bullet weights.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30-30 Winchester | 150-170 gr | Primary application – historically matched |
| 222 Remington | 40-55 gr | Classic varmint standard |
| 308 Winchester | 110-150 gr | Light-bullet applications only |
| 30-06 Springfield | 110-150 gr | Very light bullet applications only |
| 22-250 Remington | 40-55 gr | Light varmint loads |
| 223 Remington | 40-52 gr | Light bullets only – verify |
| 45-70 Government | 300-405 gr | See pressure tier note |
| 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser | 120-140 gr | Light-bullet historical loads |
30-30 Winchester is the application where IMR 3031 has the deepest documented record in North American reloading. The burn rate is specifically matched to 30-30 Winchester case capacity with 150-170 grain flat-nose bullets for lever-action use. The Hornady LeverEvolution polymer-tipped bullet – designed for lever-action rifles where pointed bullets are unsafe in tubular magazines – pairs well with IMR 3031 and provides meaningful velocity and BC improvements over traditional flat-nose designs.
308 Winchester light-bullet specialty: The original article correctly identifies this as a “secret weapon” application – specifically with 110-130 grain varmint and light deer bullets. With standard 150-175 grain 308 Winchester loads, IMR 3031’s burn rate is too fast; Hodgdon Varget, IMR 4064, or Hodgdon H4895 are the appropriate choices there.
45-70 Government pressure tier note: IMR 3031 is published for 45-70 Government loads. The three-pressure tier safety framework applies here exactly as for Hodgdon H4198 – Trapdoor (~14,000-20,000 PSI), lever-action (~28,000-40,000 PSI), and modern single-shot (~50,000-60,000 PSI) are distinct tiers. Use only published data developed for the specific pressure tier matching your rifle.
7.62x39mm note: The original article lists 7.62x39mm as an IMR 3031 application. The burn rate is at the slower edge of efficient for 7.62x39mm in semi-automatic AK and SKS platforms where gas system cycling pressure timing is critical. Accurate 1680 is the more specifically documented and appropriately matched powder for 7.62x39mm carbine use. IMR 3031 in 7.62x39mm is appropriate for bolt-action precision use only, and requires verification from current published IMR data.
The 30-30 Winchester Connection
The 30-30 Winchester is the cartridge most directly associated with IMR 3031’s specific burn rate, and it is worth understanding why the connection is more than historical.
The 30-30 Winchester was introduced in 1895 for the Winchester Model 1894 lever-action rifle. The rifle’s toggle-link action limits peak pressure to approximately 42,000 PSI – substantially below the 60,000 PSI of modern bolt-action cartridges. The case design, tubular magazine requirement for flat-nose or rubber-tip bullets, and barrel length (typically 18-20 inches on production carbines) all define a specific burn rate window where pressure development produces adequate velocity without exceeding the action’s design limits.
IMR 3031 was developed for exactly this window. The pressure builds progressively to a peak compatible with the lever-action mechanism, burns efficiently in the 18-20 inch carbine barrel lengths, and produces the 2,200-2,400 fps that makes the 30-30 Winchester effective at its traditional 200-yard hunting range. No modern temperature-stabilized powder has displaced it in this specific application, and the depth of published 30-30 Winchester data with IMR 3031 across all major North American manuals reflects decades of confirmation.
Practical Loading with IMR 3031
The long-grain geometry requires one of two loading workflows for consistent precision work:
For single-stage precision: Throw slightly under target weight with a quality measure, then trickle to exact weight using a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler on a high-resolution scale like the RCBS MatchMaster or Lyman Gen 6 Compact. This achieves ±0.02 grain consistency.
For auto-dispenser loading: The RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme and Hornady Auto-Charge Pro handle long extruded powders by weight. Dispense time is longer than with ball or short-cut alternatives, but the resulting charge accuracy matches hand-weigh results.
The original article’s note on maintaining a consistent “brisk” handle stroke to minimize grain shearing is valid practical advice. A hesitant, inconsistent stroke is more likely to catch grains at the drum edge. For high-volume progressive press loading, the Dillon Precision Case Activated Powder Measure Assembly handles IMR 3031 with consistent stroke force, though periodic scale verification is important.
Bullets
IMR 3031 produces best results with standard-to-light hunting and precision bullets in its primary bore sizes.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady | LeverEvolution | 160 gr | 30-30 Winchester | Modern Lever-Action |
| Hornady | InterLock FP | 150-170 gr | 30-30 Winchester | Traditional Lever-Action |
| Sierra | Pro-Hunter FP | 150-170 gr | 30-30 Winchester | Flat-Nose Hunting |
| Hornady | V-MAX | 40-55 gr | 222 Rem / 22-250 | Varmint Hunting |
| Sierra | BlitzKing | 40-55 gr | 222 Rem | Precision Varmint |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 110-130 gr | 308 Win (light) | Light Bullet Target |
| Nosler | Ballistic Tip | 110-125 gr | 308 Win | Light Bullet Hunting |
| Nosler | Partition | 150-170 gr | 30-30 Win / 30-06 (light) | Classic Hunting |
| Barnes | TSX | 110-130 gr | 308 Win | Lead-Free Light Bullet |
| Winchester | Power-Point | 150-170 gr | 30-30 Winchester | Traditional Deer |
Have you loaded IMR 3031? Your practical data on charge weights, 30-30 Winchester accuracy, temperature behavior, or 308 Winchester light-bullet results helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
IMR 3031 as a single-base long-cut extruded powder ignites reliably from standard large rifle primers in large-bore applications and standard small rifle primers for small-bore cartridges. Magnum primers are typically not required for the primary applications, but are appropriate in cold conditions below 0°F or in larger-capacity cases at maximum charges.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Federal GM210M | Large Rifle Match | Competition 308 Win light-bullet |
| CCI BR-2 | Large Rifle Benchrest | Competition lowest SD |
| CCI 200 | Large Rifle Standard | 30-30 Win, 308 Win, 30-06 general |
| Federal 210 | Large Rifle Standard | Consistent general use |
| Winchester WLR | Large Rifle Standard | Hunting loads |
| Remington 9-1/2 | Large Rifle Standard | Traditional IMR pairing |
| CCI 250 | Large Rifle Magnum | Cold weather below 0°F |
| CCI 400 | Small Rifle Standard | 222 Rem, 22-250 Rem, 223 Rem (light) |
| Federal 205 | Small Rifle Standard | Precision small case ignition |
| CCI BR-4 | Small Rifle Benchrest | 222 Rem benchrest applications |
| RWS 5341 | Large Rifle | Premium European precision |
| Fiocchi Large Rifle | Large Rifle Standard | European alternative |
| Ginex Large Rifle | Large Rifle Standard | Cost-effective general option |
Reloading Safety Notes
All charge weights must come from current published IMR/Hodgdon load data for IMR 3031 specifically. Do not substitute Alliant Reloder 7, IMR 4064, or Accurate 2015 charge weights without independent verification.
[45-70 Government] pressure tier matching is mandatory. The three pressure tiers (Trapdoor, lever-action, modern single-shot) have distinct maximum charge weights. Published data must match the specific pressure tier for your rifle.
7.62x39mm semi-automatic cycling caution: If using IMR 3031 in AK or SKS platforms, verify that published Hodgdon/IMR data for this powder produces adequate gas port pressure for reliable bolt carrier group cycling. If cycling is unreliable, Accurate 1680 is the more specifically documented alternative.
Temperature protocol: develop maximum charges at the highest expected firing temperature.
Start 10% below the listed maximum and work up in 0.3-grain increments for the primary applications. The progressive pressure curve produces gradual feedback – watch for flattened primers, stiff bolt lift, and ejector marks.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification.
FAQ
Is IMR 3031 better than Hodgdon Varget for 308 Winchester?
For standard-weight 150-175 grain 308 Winchester loads, Hodgdon Varget is the more appropriate choice – better burn rate match, Extreme series stability, and the deepest documented precision record in that cartridge. IMR 3031 specifically excels in 308 Winchester with light 110-130 grain bullets where Varget’s burn rate is slightly too slow for efficient combustion at those lighter weights.
Is IMR 3031 appropriate for modern lever-action 30-30 Winchester?
Yes – IMR 3031 is specifically documented for lever-action pressure levels in 30-30 Winchester and is historically the most thoroughly data-covered powder for this cartridge. With the Hornady LeverEvolution 160-grain polymer-tip bullet (designed for lever-action tubular magazines), IMR 3031 produces velocities that represent a genuine improvement over traditional flat-nose load performance.
Does the long-grain geometry of IMR 3031 affect accuracy?
The long-grain geometry affects metering consistency but not inherent accuracy. A precisely weighed IMR 3031 charge produces accuracy equal to or better than most competing powders in its application cartridges – the powder has a documented benchrest-quality track record in 222 Remington. The issue is achieving consistent charge weights: volumetric measures produce ±0.3-0.5 grain variance. Resolve this with hand-weighing or auto-dispensing and the accuracy potential is fully realized.
Conclusion
IMR 3031 holds its place in North American reloading through three specific strengths that no modern alternative has displaced: the deepest 30-30 Winchester published data library, the 308 Winchester light-bullet specialty where faster powders are too fast and slower powders too slow, and the 222 Remington standard precision application where the DuPont heritage formula has been validated over decades.
The long-grain metering limitation and the 0.8-1.2 fps/°F temperature sensitivity are the honest trade-offs – both manageable with appropriate technique and seasonal awareness.
Choose IMR 3031 if you load 30-30 Winchester for lever-action hunting, 308 Winchester with light 110-130 grain bullets, or 222 Remington standard precision applications and want the deepest published data history for these applications. Choose Hodgdon H4895 if Extreme series stability for 308 Winchester at standard 150-175 grain bullet weights is the priority. Choose Hodgdon Varget if year-round precision consistency in 308 Winchester standard loads is the requirement. Choose Accurate 2015 if the same burn rate position with better short-cut metering is worth developing new loads from scratch.
Editor’s note: Published load data and manufacturer specifications are the starting point – not the final word. Field experience from reloaders who have actually worked with this powder is the most reliable guide to what it does in practice. If you have used IMR 3031, share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised May 2026. The revision added the 30-30 Winchester connection section explaining why the burn rate is specifically matched to the cartridge’s lever-action design constraints, added the 308 Winchester light-bullet specialty section with clear guidance that standard-weight 308 Win precision loads use Varget or H4895, corrected the 7.62x39mm application from “primary” to “bolt-action only – verify cycling,” added the 45-70 Government three-pressure-tier safety framework, added the temperature stability comparison table with application-specific context, added the Accurate 2015 competitor comparison, extended the bullet and primer tables with full internal links, and added three community data disclaimer blocks in the correct blockquote format.
