Of course a 308 Garandicon will shoot well with IMR 3031. With bullets equal to or heavier than 150 grs. Any claims to the contrary are fantasy.

IMR 3031 shot well with cheap Hornady FMJBT 150 grain bullets. 100 yard target below.

I purchased 3 lbs of estate sale IMR 3031 and shot the stuff up, most of it in high power matches. I shot HM scores with the stuff out to 300 yards in a bolt rifle, and in a match M1a. Given that a M1a barrel is 22 inches, your 24 inch barrel will give a higher velocity for the same powder charge.

A factory 308 M40-X I purchased, it came with a factory target showing that the rifle would shoot half MOA at 100 yards. If my memory is correct, the load was 168 SMK 37.5 grains IMR 3031.

I read that at one time Federal Gold Medal match used IMR 3031. What is used now, I don’t know.

IMR 3031 is the fastest I would go in a Garand or M1a. Still I would use it over slower powders. It is better to go fast than slow in one of these rifles; you do not want your bolt was overaccelerated.

With a 168 Match, I would start around 38.5 grains, and I suspect your best load will be around 39.5 grains IMR 3031.


M1a Super Match 1:10 Douglas Barrel


168 Nosler 40.0 grs IMR3031 wtd Lot FE23B LC90 CCI#34 OAL 2.780"
T = 52 ° F 2-Feb-08

Ave Vel = 2540
Std Dev = 42
ES = 101
High = 2585
Low = 2484
N = 5