benchmark vs 8208 xbr in 223 bolt actions

[MildBill]

Out of curiousity...

in general when comparing benchmark powder to 8208xbr in bolt action rifles with 50 to 55 grain bullets, how similar in consistency, and or performance can you get with these two powders, realizing powder weights will vary,

I am interested in chorny speed and group size between the two... in general.

I also realize that rifles will tell you what they like to eat but curious if there is a trend.



thanks

 

[jonbearman]

I just tried 8208 in a .223 for the first time and with 55 grain sierra matchkings,I got 1/4 inch groups out of a bone stock remmy SPS. We are using 25.2 grains which is fairly warm.Start lower and work up as always and see if your barrel likes it. Benchmark is great powder for it as well.

 

[MildBill]

thanks,

I been trying some stuff with benchmark in my more or less bone stock 700 stainless sps 223. It is parked in a stockys laminated v-block stock rather than the tupperware one it came with.

So far, at least, with 50 grain bullets is seems to like 25.7 grains of benchmark with federal gm match primers.

I am in the process of trying different primers to see if it prefers others better.

I have some 8208 xbr to try too.

Might use it with the 223 ackley that I need to find a load for.

 

[K22]

I've shot some very tight groups with Benchmark in my bolt rifles (12" twist) with both 50 and 55 grain bullets. I've also gotten some decent velocity with this powder (3200 - 22" barrel) without loading near max.

I have not tired 8208.

Don't want to muddy the waters here but the most uniform results I've achieved with all my 223 rifles (seven) is with Varget and H4895 with 50 and 55 grain bullets and Federal 205 match primers. These powders seem to work extremely well in all my rifles which vary in length from 20" to 26", all with 12"
twists.

 

[rcw3]

I believe the two are essentially the same powder with different packaging (8208XBR the IMR brand name and Benchmark the Hodgdon brand name). I have done some work with both in a cartridge a little bigger than a 223 Rem and with the same load and same bullets the chrono results were so close as to be within lot to lot variations of the same powder. The two also look identical when side by side and stick them in a powder measure with the same setting and they will throw very close in weight to one another (close enough to be covered by lot to lot variations).

 

[BradY]

Benchmark is faster than 8208. We manufacture benchmark here in Aus- its called Benchmark 2. Im not sure if 8208 is made here or not but its sold here as Benchmark 8208. If you look at the powder burn rate chart here you will see the difference.

http://www.adi-powders.com.au/handloaders-guide/burning_rates.asp

Also powder equivalents across manufacturers

http://www.adi-powders.com.au/handloaders-guide/equivalents.asp

I have found 8208 to have less pressure signs in my rifles but better velocity in it too- both meter very very well and are accurate. If I had to choose, I would probably go 8208 but both work for me so I get what ever I can get.

 

[Paddyd]

In a Savage 12 LRPV with a 9twist 26" CBI barrel on it,I have shot multiple groups in the low 2s with Hornady 68s and 8208XBR. Forget the exact weight of charge, but it seemed to repeat with CCI SR and the CCI military primers in cheap Starline brass. The only luck with small groups under 1/2" with H Benchmark was in the same rifle but with a 204 Ruger barrel. Nothing I've tried in 223 with Benchmark has been as good as the 8208. FINALLY found some more just this morning on powder valley's site. Ordered 2 lbs., free hazmat too. If you want some better hurry. That stuff goes away fast.