My lot of Varget turned out to be slower burning than I wanted for a gas gun. So, I am going to use it in my bolt rifle.

The 7.62 Nato cartridge was developed with IMR 4895. Powders close to IMR 4895 in burn rate will work just fine in 308 gas guns. Powders that I have used in my M1a, and occasionally my FAL are IMR 4895/AA2495/H4895/AA2520. These are very close in burn rate. AA2520 is a ball powder the rest are stick powders.

Even though the FAL has an adjustable gas, in gas guns I still prefer faster burning powders over slower burning and I prefer stick powders in the IMR 4895 burn rate.

I tested IMR 3031 in my M1a and it shot and functioned the rifle just fine. It is the fastest powder I would use in a gas gun.

GI ammo chronographs around 2800 fps in my M1a. I don’t want to push my 150’s that fast. I prefer being just at 2700 fps. Easier on the gun, brass, and me.

I have tested IMR 3031 with 150 grain Hornady FMJ’s. A mild load was 40.0 grains IMR 3031, that clocked at 2540 fps in a M1a. I shot 41.0 grs in a bolt rifle and that was just at 2700 fps in a 26” barrel. I figure 41.5 grains would be right at 2700 fps in a 22” barrel. I recently shot 155 Nosler match with IMR 4895. 42.5 grains IMR 4895 in a 26” barrel chronographed at 2716 fps. I figure a load around 43.0 grains would be a close to 2700 fps in a 22” barrel.

Your FAL is a rear locking action. Your brass is going to stretch. Expect case life around 5 reloads.
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