IMR 8208 in 6BR

[ericskennard]

Has anyone tried the new IMR 8208 i a 6mmBR yet? I have some on order and I want to try it with the Lapua 105 and Berger 105 VLD bullets.

I was anxious to see if any of you have tried it yet?

 

[Steve Blair]

I am in the same boat as you, Eric. Powder Valley just notified me that they are shipping a keg. I will also try it in 6BR with Sierra 107 and .308 with 155 Lapua Scenars. .223 with 75 Bergers may also be a candidate. Once I shoot it in 6BR, I will have a much better picture of where it fits.

 

[MarkS]

Guys,

I would think if it is a good powder for a PPC, it would be too fast for the BR. It may work with the lighter bullets, but not for heavier bullets.

Mark Schronce

 

[alf]

Hodgdons has load data now on their website for the new powder.

 

[cmillard]

i wouldn't think that it is too fast. i am looking in my 2010 Hogdon manual and it puts imr8208 one spot below H4895 in the burn rate. im guessing that it would be fine for the 6BR.

 

[Laurie]

Having looked at the data on the Hodgdon reloading data center, I'd agree with Mark that it looks a little bit fast burning for heavy bullets in 6BR. Comparing maximum charge weights and MVs, the equivalents for other cartridges (.223 Rem, .308 WIN, and 6PPC) IMR-8208 appears to have similar characteristics to H335/IMR-3031, Hodgdon Benchmark, and H4895 respectively for that trio.

It looks like it could be very well suited to 70-95gn bullets in the BR, but as always, it'll take actual load development and range testing to see what it does with whatever bullet - it may turn out to be a star with 100-108 grainers.

In any event by the time we see it here in the UK, around 12 months after the launch is the norm for Alliant and Hodgdon powders, you guys will have posted lots of results and experience on it - just like Re17 which has only just arrived.

Moreover, while I like what Lou Murdica says about its load tolerance, the temperature stability bit is less important to us in the British Isles - we simply don't see North American temperature ranges here. taking the summer short-range BR season from March or April to October, we'll see a maximum range of maybe the low 50s if it's a cold spring to high 70s if we have a summer heatwave, but most events are held in the 60s.

Laurie,
York, England

 

[Steve Blair]

Well, that is why it is called load development and not load duplication. I was also told (repeatedly) that Reloder 17 was too slow for 6BR and that it would not perform as well as Varget. It is currently my choice for 6BR with 107MK, achieving very close to or slightly over 3000 fps with excellent accuracy and velocity consistency.

The worst that can happen is that I burn some powder, send some bullets downrange and spend time at the range.

 

[Laurie]

Sleepygator,

The worst that can happen is that I burn some powder, send some bullets downrange and spend time at the range.

The worst? That's fun!! Experimenters of the world unite!

Laurie

 

[Bradley Walker]

I want to try it!! This may be my go to powder for 6BR and 223AI. The temp insensitivity is incredible.

 

[eww1350]

I am anxious to try it in my 30BR with 112-118 grain bullets...

 

[Steve Blair]

Thanks, Lynn. I suspected as much looking at the IMR data. We will just have to wait until we actually run our series and see the chrono numbers and targets.

San Diego's climate is pretty moderate but we still see a range from around 50-100 degrees. If the temp tolerance is that much better, it will be worth some compromises. As in any trade study, you cannot get everything that you want but some characteristics are worth more than others.

 

[Steve Blair]

Lynn,
8208 arrived today after some weather delays. It looks a lot like 322, those are small kernels. Time to fire up the Co-Ax, the weatherman predicts highs in the sixties next week.
Steve

 

[jo191145]

sleepygator

Is it a "blond" color like Hodgens 322?
I've heard speculation its just that Aussie Benchmark previously unavailable in the States.
My 8lb jug was supposed to arrive today. Did'nt make it

 

[Steve Blair]

It is not quite as yellow as H322, but it definitely has a yellowish cast. It is a very small, tubular kernel and appears to flow very much like 322.

 

[john1c]

So has anyone tried the 8208xbr with 107 sierra or 108 berger yet? Please tell.

 

[Steve Blair]

I have not tried it and it appears a little fast. Take a look at my post about 8208 and QuickLOAD. ADI AR 2206H is very close and will work as a substitute until new data files are available.

The two best fits I have found so far are Sierra 69g MK in .223 and 155 Palma-type bullets in .308.

 

[jerrysharrett]

Someone on Benchrest Central posted some data that sounds promising.
Keep in mind, this powder is almost as slow as IMR4895!
http://www.benchrest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66942

I just got a shipment Friday from Hodgdon. I'll be trying it soon.

 

[jerrysharrett]

I just got a hurried chrono test done Sunday before a storm front moved through. The new IMR8208XBR, lot 4676, CCI450 primer, Lapua cases, Berger 105VLD, 27" 1:8 Krieger, 0.105" freebore barrel. It shot best around 2950 and the powder at this loading is at the body/shoulder intersection.

 

[Steve Blair]

What was the temperature, Jerry?

 

[Steve Blair]

A good data point, Jerry. I will put together a series and try to get to the range, soon. My range time has been suffering between winter rains and work demands.