| 3DogMike |
| (.400 member) |
| 21/06/20 07:24 AM |
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Smokeless Loads for double rifles, 1975
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Originally in the 1975 Gun Digest.
I would use this article as historical info, and DO NOT use the load data and wad/filler suggestions for above .400 calibre rifles.
For above .400 there are better powders than 3031 (less sensitive to charge variations), and load techniques that have evolved in the last 45 years.
- Mike
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 21/06/20 09:56 AM |
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Re: Smokeless Loads for double rifles, 1975
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Oh yeah - I well remember as a 25 year old, drooling over those Jones underlever rifles, the pictures of ammo and the loading tools. Thanks for the memories, Mike.
I had the powder then, IMR3031, but no DR's to go with it. LOL
| 3DogMike |
| (.400 member) |
| 21/06/20 12:18 PM |
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Re: Smokeless Loads for double rifles, 1975
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Damn if we aren’t the same vintage......& same here, had IMR3031 but no double rifles.
I still have an unopened 8lb can of IMR3031
but better powder now for the DR’s.- Mike
| 2barrel |
| (.224 member) |
| 07/07/20 12:16 AM |
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Re: Smokeless Loads for double rifles, 1975
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I actually used those loads with the 3031 powder in my Westley 450/400 they shoot real well saved my hide with a Boar encounter but having read about the powder in recent times I plan on pulling the rest of the loaded shells and starting over back then there just was not any info other than that and from the likes of Elmer Keith or Jack Lot.
| 85lc |
| (.375 member) |
| 07/07/20 03:23 AM |
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Re: Smokeless Loads for double rifles, 1975
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Thanks for posting this article.
I like the early Gun Digest; they had great articles. Every now & then, I will reread one.
From the mid-sixty thru the 70s, I used to see DR & Brit SS rifles for sale at what is now extremely low prices. Unfortunately for me, I passes them up.
| 93x64mm |
| (.416 member) |
| 07/07/20 06:28 AM |
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Re: Smokeless Loads for double rifles, 1975
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Good article 3DM!
| 50Calshtr |
| (.300 member) |
| 08/07/20 11:37 PM |
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Re: Smokeless Loads for double rifles, 1975
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I started reloading for doubles using those articles plus some from Ray Marriage and others. Everyone was using 3031 because the burn rate was similar to cordite and a 1 for 1 substitute was a starting point. It was hugely frustrating because a minor change in powder weight would throw your groups all over the target and to change from one lot to the next ment burning a lot of powder to get regulated again unless you were lucky. Thank goodness for modern powders and the guys that taught us how to use them!
| rigbymauser |
| (.400 member) |
| 28/02/21 09:55 PM |
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Re: Smokeless Loads for double rifles, 1975
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Nitro express forum ought to make an artical collection on doublerifles.
Great artical I remembr too from GD.
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 01/03/21 06:27 AM |
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Re: Smokeless Loads for double rifles, 1975
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In the earlier 1970's I found the "maximum" listed load of 3031 in my .358 Norma Mag ZKK602 and 250gr. Speer SP's would make groups as small as 1/4" at 100 yards. I had a 12X Ruko scope on the rifle then, as well as when I re-barreled it to .375H&H with a brand new ZKK 602 unfired barrel. That was a so long ago it seems yet at times, only yesterday.