IMR 3031, 41.0 gr with 180 grainers and

IMR 4350 50.0 gr with 180 grainers.

The 4350 gives you slightly higher energy(less than 100 ft/lbs than the 3031. I loaded both for my buddies 600Mohawk for decades with nothing but excellent results.
And you are right about the muzzle blast too

You're right by saying the shorter the barrel <> the faster the powder for best results
Slower powders have(build up) more energy and you want that used within the barrel for max results. thus mag calibres are all 24 or 26 inch barrels for that reason(there could be the odd 22 " ones) but I can't think of any.

With 180 gr bullets I always had good luck with 3031 also. plus WW748, H335 and BL/C #2. I didn't see a lot of difference in any of them and I think if was 3031 I eventually used, lost records in a house fire. I also dropped down to a 165 gr bullet.

I use 44.2 grns of varget with 165 grn sst hornady under 1 inch with my M14 Works for me F.K.

Thanks guys. I was thinking that, due to the shorter barrel, it might lead me to using 150g or 165g bullets and faster powder to get a complete burn, which should lead to less blast. Not that muzzle blast is a prime consideration, just seems like a waste of powder for no benefit. There are quite a few well constructed 150g and 165g bullets that would be fine for elk. I will try the 3031 once I accumulate enough spent brass to reload a batch. I've been taking the 600 out deer hunting but haven't seen anything worth shooting yet.

Try H-4895, IMR-4895 and Ramshot TAC. They work well in my 20" barrels.

Thanks J,

What are you shooting for bullets weights with those powders?

150 and 165 grain bullets.

If you haven't already, try some flat base bullets. They sometimes shoot better at closer distances particularly from short barrels.

Good point. This isn't a bean field rifle. Pretty much nothing over 200 yds.