53 Vmax and XBR 8208

[Cfshooter]

I haven’t seen much on 53 Vmax and XBR data so figured I would share my result of an OCW charge test shot today. This load will be used as a general plinking load for multiple rifles and I have found if the load shoots decent in the WOA, it does as well or better in the other rifles. It looks like the higher side of the charge should tune in and be a decent moa’ish load after I play a bit with seating next time out. (Second pic shows chrono data)

 

[Ryan66]

Thanks for sharing. Out of curiosity, how did you come up with trying XBR with the 53vmax ?

 

[boltfluter]

What is a WOA? Guessing an AR-15.

 

[BradY]

I use the same combo in a 223 bolt gun. 26gr behind a 53 vmax will keep 3 shots in the same hole at 100m very nicely

 

[Cfshooter]

Thanks for sharing. Out of curiosity, how did you come up with trying XBR with the 53vmax ?

I was in need of more plinking ammo and I had a few hundred Vmax and a jug of 8208 that wasn’t being used. I usually used N133 for light plinking loads but ran out last batch. So basically used 8208 by default.

 

[Cfshooter]

What is a WOA? Guessing an AR-15.

White Oak Armament. Yes. AR 15.

 

[Mark W]

53 Vmax over 8208 XBR shoots really small in my 1:12 twist CZ 527.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

Thanks for the powder porn, but 8208 is just fantasy land for most of us. Seen some once 4 years ago. Been in stock online occasionally and sells out super fast!

 

[Cfshooter]

Thanks for the powder porn, but 8208 is just fantasy land for most of us. Seen some once 4 years ago. Been in stock online occasionally and sells out super fast!

Yeah, and to be honest, I would not try too hard to land any. There are other powders that are easier to obtain that do just as well or better.

I just use XBR as “plinker” powder now, when I’m out, it will not be replaced.

 

[searcher]

Those WOA uppers shoot pretty darn good, especially with the heavy 24" barrel. If that is what you are shooting, I suspect it will do much better with another powder. If you have any Accurate LT32, Reloader 7, Tac, H4198, Varmint, etc. lying about - I'd try them too. All the 24" WOA uppers I have and have dialed in for others have little problem shooting 1/2" (+/-) MOA when paired with the "right" powder. Because one can't really "jam" the bullet due to safety and magazine restrictions, etc. - if I go through the powder ladder and don't get at least a few 5/8" or smaller groups with a given bullet - I don't waste time - I switch powders. Good luck!

 

[jwink]

Love the XBR in my .22-250 with 50 to 55's, fell in love with it back when it was introduced, picked up enough to get me thru most anything in the foreseeable future.

 

[benchracer]

XBR has been among my favorite powders. From a bolt action with a 5.56 chamber and 24" barrel, 8208 and 53 VMAX tuned at 3220. Paired with 75 AMAX (or ELDM), 8208 tuned around 2830. In 22-250, 8208 and 53 VMAX tuned in the mid 3800's from a 26" barrel. I also really liked 8208 and Sierra 155 Palma (2156) in .308 from a 26" barrel.

In a gas gun, my favorite powder is AR-COMP. Unlike XBR, it is still regularly available. Favorite though it may be, I don't like it enough to be willing to pay $70 a pound for it, so I will be ceasing to use it, too.

I still have a pretty good supply of 8208 XBR. Enough for another season or two. I have begun to re-develop my load data using other powders. I plan to reserve my remaining XBR exclusively for my bolt action 5.56 loads, which should buy me some time before I have to use something else.

I am sorry to see 8208 XBR become a victim of diminished supply chains and foreign misadventures. It was a good and underrated powder.

 

[Raptor]

I would not use it for 53s. Try H335, Benchmark or 322....

 

[Cfshooter]

I would not use it for 53s. Try H335, Benchmark or 322....

Was just trying to use what I had around for some plinker loads.

 

[SSchnd]

Absolutely nothing wrong with XBR8208 and a 52-80 gr projectile. Used 8208 for many years until recently out of my supply.
XTC 20" WOA Wilson barrels, WOA Kreiger, WOA Shillen ratchet, 7 & 8 twists.
8208 meters like water in a measure for dropping charges, pretty clean and shoots as well as my H4895 loads, albeit I used -.2 gr less 8208. Buddy has done same.
23.2 is the go to 77-80's, but pending brass capacity has had nodes 22.5-22.8-23.0 and max at 23.2, yes I ve loaded hotter long line ammo with 80 smk and 80.5 Berger FB but found the speed was not needed for Xs at 600 yds
24gr for 69
same ole 24 for a 52-53 gr- if it shoots why burn more powder.
All match grade bullets.
Sadly, everyone started to figure out it was-is a great powder and its a unicorn now, much like H4895 is.
Yes H335 works great in a short course load under 52/53, so does W748, H4895, TAC and many others but the H335 recommendation is legit.