8208 can have low nodes and higher nodes, when you hit the pressure limit it will let you know. I have used it for a long time in service rifle competition. Using different brass matters, :IE Lapua or Peterson such vs LC or RP or FED. I run a heavier brass with less h2o capacity so I found my prior loads needed to be lowered by .5 gr.
Wylde Chamber WOA Kreigers, Shillen and Wilson barrels on 20" service rifle competition rig. Hammers from 52-80.5 bullets from 100 to 600 yds.
Meters from a powder measure like a ball powder, very well consistent.
So bolt rifle I see folks really pushing the loads loads. As much as over 25 gr.
In my loads for the AR service rifle I have found low nodes shooting very well at 22.5, 22.8, 23.0 and 23.2.
23.3 in LC brass is the go to load for our game with 77 SMK/75Hornady match.
I found I did not need speed for accuracy at the low nodes. With the Berger 80.5/SMK80 I run 23-23.2 grains for 600 match loads.
Id start in the bolt rifle 23.2-23.6 and see if you get a flat velocity area, then once that is flat play with seating depth. Should be able to shoot small groups. As noted in many threads in forums there are folks really pushing the 8208 in bolt rifles alot higher.
Sadly 8208 has become a known good powder and hard to find anymore
