IMR 8208 XMR in .222 with 50gr Bullets

[XBBR Shooter]

3000 fps with 50 gr bullets was the intended velocity by the cartridge designers. I'd say that is pretty good for this cartridge.

The 222 was "designed" for 3,200 fps with 50gr bullets, from the very first box of ammo ever sold. It has not changed.

 

[mac86951]

The 222 was "designed" for 3,200 fps with 50gr bullets, from the very first box of ammo ever sold. It has not changed.

Well, barrel length makes a difference too. I believe it to be 3200 from a 24", but I'm not certain.

 

[BOBC]

The 222 was "designed" for 3,200 fps with 50gr bullets, from the very first box of ammo ever sold. It has not changed.

I really don't care if the velocity is 3000 or 3200 fps. I only use the load that gives me the smallest groups. And the varmints hit with those loads aren't going to know the difference.

 

[hunter243sgk]

I really don't care if the velocity is 3000 or 3200 fps. I only use the load that gives me the smallest groups. And the varmints hit with those loads aren't going to know the difference.

I agree there. I am running the 50s at a little over 3150 (with imr 4320) and that is were I get my best accuracy.

 

[watrob]

I agree there. I am running the 50s at a little over 3150 (with imr 4320) and that is were I get my best accuracy.

That's very interesting, specially since 4320 is a fairly slow power in terms of a 50gr bullet in a .222. I have been running tests on 60gr bullets and have got groups down to .059" at 100 yards using 20.5gr of ADI 2219 (close to H322), running very close in second with 21.3gr of ADI BM-1 (close to N133).

Tried 8208 and BM-2 but the problem with all these powders and the two above is the air space in the cases, cannot run any higher grains as bolt pressure gest high along with very flattened primers. I have reloaded 30 cases with ADI 2206H (H4895) with 22.5gr which is below max (23.3c) but gives me a full case, will see how that shoots tomorrow?

 

[hunter243sgk]

That's very interesting, specially since 4320 is a fairly slow power in terms of a 50gr bullet in a .222. I have been running tests on 60gr bullets and have got groups down to .059" at 100 yards using 20.5gr of ADI 2219 (close to H322), running very close in second with 21.3gr of ADI BM-1 (close to N133).

Tried 8208 and BM-2 but the problem with all these powders and the two above is the air space in the cases, cannot run any higher grains as bolt pressure gest high along with very flattened primers. I have reloaded 30 cases with ADI 2206H (H4895) with 22.5gr which is below max (23.3c) but gives me a full case, will see how that shoots tomorrow?

Yes it is a slow powder. I was only using it because when I first got my 222 I didn't have anything else at that time to use. Looking at one of my reloading books it listed it and imr4064 as usable powders so I tried the 4320. I got really good accuracy with it. I am using imr4198 and 40g v-maxs now. I am going to try some other powders I now have with the 50s and see what i get. But regardless of what some say 4320 does work pretty well!

 

[bheadboy]

Yes it is a slow powder. I was only using it because when I first got my 222 I didn't have anything else at that time to use. Looking at one of my reloading books it listed it and imr4064 as usable powders so I tried the 4320. I got really good accuracy with it. I am using imr4198 and 40g v-maxs now. I am going to try some other powders I now have with the 50s and see what i get. But regardless of what some say 4320 does work pretty well!

Well, having shot BR with Mike Walker and hunted deer with him, you may be surprised to hear his BR load for 52/53 gr pills was imr 4895! most every one else used 4198 and as powders began to change and new ones added favorites began to show 2015 winning matches and setting records for a few years, then h322 came along and there you go--

I tried 8208 with mixed results and went back to 4198, 2015 and h322 - all would shoot under .200 when I was on, and in the .200's no sweat.


Bob

 

[greg8012]

Is anyone using 8208 in the .222? I tried a couple loads this weekend and the accuracy was excellent, five shots in .310" but the velocity was very low according to Hoddgen's data. They list 23.3gr giving 3200fps. I loaded 23.0gr and got an average of 2875fps. This is with moly coated 50gr TNT's. I know the moly will drop the pressure a bit but the same bullet with their book load of Benchmark gave almost the same velocity they estimated in my 24" Sako L461. My result with 8208 was 300fps low. In the same session my H322 loads was spot on with their data so the 8208 result is strange. Just curious what 8208 loads others are using and what velocity you are getting.

I use 25.0 grof 8208 with a 40gr v-max works great. but speed is not what I look for it is the impact when it hits a prairie dog..

 

[watrob]

Spent Saturday at the range testing the .222 & 22 PPC, thought you might like these?