HBN and compatible or incompatible powders

[gasdoc1]

Are there some powders that work better than others for HBN coated bullets and barrels? Seems like in reading the threads on HBN that VV and Ramshot powders seem to be working well with HBN. Yea or nay?

 

[Heavies]

Never heard that one before. I am interested in the replies from other folks, and the theory behind their thoughts.

I used HBN with H4350, Varget, RL-22, RL-15, RL-17, IMR 8208 XBR with no problems.

 

[spclark]

I wouldn't think it matters much, but then my propellant list is getting shorter every time I try IMR 8208XBR in another cartridge.

So far I've shot hBN-coated bullets with (in no particular order) N140 & N150, Varget, RL-15, H4831SC & the 8208 XBR which I'm really taking a liking to.

 

[zfk55]

Propellants make no difference whatsoever.
I meant to say that I've never seen any evidence that one projectile or propellant combination works better than any other combination when impact coated and fired through a coated barrel.

Latigo

 

[NateG]

I wouldn't think it matters much, but then my propellant list is getting shorter every time I try IMR 8208XBR in another cartridge.

No kidding. I tried it first in my 6RAT, and it replaced R15. Then in a .223 service rifle, replacing N540. Then in a Palma rifle, replacing the Varget I planned to use. Then in a 6BRX (105s), replacing 203b. (Though my other BRX still likes 203 better)

 

[spclark]

Hmmm, your experience kinda parallels mine.

Started first with 6XC & the Berger 105VLD for 1k, then 6RAT (same bullet), then Palma with the 2156 (awesome results) then .223 in my service rifle... now that I got a decent sight picture with a MicroSight!

That it's no more $$ than Varget or RL15 is nice compared to N150. Seems to burn cleaner than Varget too in my Palma barrel.

 

[Heavies]

+2 on 8208.
I like the powder alot. Burns cleaner than Varget and I seem to be able to get more speed and accuracy too.

I'm using it in my 6BR with 95's, 105's, and 107's. Also in .308 with 155 Amax's. All HBN coated.

Nate. How is it with the BRX? Speed, accuracy? I'm thinking of a BRX or Dasher for my next build. If I can utilize 8208, that would be fantastic.

 

[NateG]

Nate. How is it with the BRX? Speed, accuracy? I'm thinking of a BRX or Dasher for my next build. If I can utilize 8208, that would be fantastic.

It's great in the BRX. It was a little slow (at least the charges I tried--but they were also mild) in a 30" Brux. Before I got around to bumping up the charge a bit, I replenished my 203b stocks (what I used in my old BRX barrel) and went with that. It shot well, though, and the velocity variation was quite small, and average speed was around 3000 on the dot.

My new barrel (30" 1:8.7-8.3 Krieger gain twist) didn't seem to like 203b much (which surprised me) but it *really* liked 8208. Excellent velocity numbers (mean 3050fps and velocity standard deviation=4.5) and it shot quite well. (Only time I've had it out at range was 10 shots at 600, and none were taller than the X-ring--the wind was a bit gusty, but I only used about 2/3 of the X-ring's elevation--on the standard MR-1 target)

I'll be trying 8208 in the BRX from now on. As mentioned earlier, it's really clean-burning, and it'll be nice to have (almost) all my guns shooting the same powder: the Palma, SR, space gun, and prone gun.

 

[Heavies]

Nate. How is it with the BRX? Speed, accuracy? I'm thinking of a BRX or Dasher for my next build. If I can utilize 8208, that would be fantastic.

It's great in the BRX. It was a little slow (at least the charges I tried--but they were also mild) in a 30" Brux. Before I got around to bumping up the charge a bit, I replenished my 203b stocks (what I used in my old BRX barrel) and went with that. It shot well, though, and the velocity variation was quite small, and average speed was around 3000 on the dot.

My new barrel (30" 1:8.7-8.3 Krieger gain twist) didn't seem to like 203b much (which surprised me) but it *really* liked 8208. Excellent velocity numbers (mean 3050fps and velocity standard deviation=4.5) and it shot quite well. (Only time I've had it out at range was 10 shots at 600, and none were taller than the X-ring--the wind was a bit gusty, but I only used about 2/3 of the X-ring's elevation--on the standard MR-1 target)

I'll be trying 8208 in the BRX from now on. As mentioned earlier, it's really clean-burning, and it'll be nice to have (almost) all my guns shooting the same powder: the Palma, SR, space gun, and prone gun.

Thank you Nate. The setup you described (30" 1:8.7-8.3 Krieger gain twist@3050) is just what I was thinking about doing.
Prefect!