8208 xbr ??

[Hutch]

Was just curious as to the general consensus....

I've had some, just haven't used it till the other day.
Accuracy seemed to be decent, nothing spactacular, but worth tinkering with.
The one thing that really caught my attention was the low barrel heat generated in my 9 twist 22-250.
Is the normal across the board or am I just some kinda dufiss



Hutch

 

[1000yardstare]

Great results with 8208 in my new .35 Whelen. The Hodgdon web site shows best velocities for the Whelen across the board with 8208.

Most wouldn`t think of using a benchrest powder in a large caliber thumper but put three Sierra 225 gr spbt into 5/8 inch at 100 metres out of my Rem 700 CDL.

 

[Fordnutter]

It is also very well matched to the 308 with 155gr or less projectiles. Gives more speed than varget for the same pressures with the same if not better accuracy. It didn't go very well in my 6BR though - it seems well suited to the 308 case size family.

 

[Heavies]

Fordnutter,
what did you try with the 6br? I have had some fairly good results so far in my testing of this powder in my br. Wondering what your components and experiecne was?
Thanks.

 

[Hutch]

Hmmm.....not many praises......


I'll burn the rest of this pound to see if it's worth changing to, that won't take long LOL.....If not , I'll be gittin an 8#'er of varget, problly a couple of 8#'ers just to make sure I got enough



Hutch

 

[Steve Blair]

It is also very well matched to the 308 with 155gr or less projectiles. Gives more speed than varget for the same pressures with the same if not better accuracy. It didn't go very well in my 6BR though - it seems well suited to the 308 case size family.

I will second your .308 results. Berger 155.5 shot extremely well in my Pierce tactical rifle. My 6BR results differed a bit. 31.1 under Sierra 107 molys has produced several sub-.125" 5-shot groups at 100, a 9-shot just over an inch at 300 and a 150-12X on the 300 yard reduced F-Class target. All on a challenging range with no flags. Different guns, different loads.

 

[amamnn]

For what it is worth the IMR8028XBR lot I tried (4832) did not improve upon the VV N-135 I was already using in the 6BR--my 6 BR may be a bit unusual since it is a 1/14 twist and I am using 66 gr Precision Ballistic FB bullets. The only range I can shoot at is 200 yards--the proposed 600 did not happen at the local club.

I did like the XBR in my .223 rem and also .243 WSSM--fairly decent improvements as long as humidity did not vary wildly as it can here. I have heard/read negative reviews of this powder from folks located in other coastal areas, as well. Possibly they had not noted the humidity in their tests.

 

[CJ6]

As noted above the Berger 155.5's work great with 8208. my load is 44.7 (8208 XBR lot 4798) Fed 210's -.01 lands.

 

[kdvarmint]

Spent time today working new brass to load some 175 SMK's in 308. 8208 is in the lineup. Will let you all know how that works out.

 

[Heavies]

Possibly they had not noted the humidity in their tests.

Curious to know what the humidity did, and what to watch out for?

 

[VooDooMagic]

I'm well pleased with the results of 8208 in my 6XC...

 

[Johnboy]

I love it in a 223 with a 69gn NCC.shoots great for me.

 

[deadlyswift]

Anybody tried 8208 with the 185gr LR BT berger's?? (308win) If so what kinda velocities did you get? As well Accuracy, ES/SD? Is the powder cleaner than Varget? I hear the 8208 is more less a better improved Varget? Just wondering if it's worth buying a pound or two just to try?
Thanks
Mark

 

[Steve Blair]

I have heard/read negative reviews of this powder from folks located in other coastal areas, as well. Possibly they had not noted the humidity in their tests.

I live in San Diego and, like other desert areas, our humidity ranges from ~6% to 100%. My 8208 results have not changed shooting at 100°, under 10% RH, to 50° and misting, 100% RH. Smokeless powder is not hygroscopic. The 8208 MSDS sheet from the manufacturer mentions no consideration for humidity and states that it is not soluble in water. Winchester ball powders are mostly manufactured underwater and arsenals store large amounts of powder underwater for safe, long-term storage.

Exterior ballistics will vary with humidity changes but it is not likely to affect powder burning in a cartridge case.

 

[Heavies]

I didn't think that humidity would make much of a difference. I have tested my loads in varying humidity and have seen no difference. Not quite settled on the load yet, but I am very close.

 

[Steve Blair]

Not quite settled on the load yet, but I am very close.

What bullet are you using in 6BR?

 

[Heavies]

I am using 105VLD hunting and 95 SMK. Load for 95's are 29.4 with cci450, and 105's are using 30 grains also with cci450.
I was getting sticky bolt with the bullet jammed so I backed off the lands and found tight groups.
When I have more time I will tweak the seat depth more. So far I've been getting five shot groups in the threes at 100.
I suspect my shooting is limiting the accuracy. :
Your info has helped me alot sleepygator. Thank you very much.

Edit: bullets are HBN coated

 

[Steve Blair]

You're welcome. I had the same experience with the Sierra 107 molys. 2.392" is touching and the original load was 2.4". It was not grouping well and showed pressure around 30.4. When I seated 2.380", groups tightened and found best accuracy with 31.1 @~2930 from 30".

 

[kdvarmint]

Spent time today working new brass to load some 175 SMK's in 308. 8208 is in the lineup. Will let you all know how that works out.

38.5 gr. XBR
Seat- Just Touching Lands
1-3 shot group .455
2444 avg. fps

Also loaded 39.5, 40.5 didn't do as well. Will have to load more to see if it does this good consistently. Also did well with Varget 42.0 gr. 2586fps .499 inch 3 shot group.