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.
IMR 8208 XMR in .222 with 50gr Bullets
- Thread starter gzig5
- Start date
I've been using 21 grs 4198 in my 3 - 222 rifles with my own 46 & 51 gr bullets in 24" barrels. The clocked velocity is 3350 fps for the 46 gr and 3105 for the 51 gr. I really don't like the way 4198 measures, but I've tried many different powders over the last 30 years and none but 4198 have given me the consistent repeatable accuracy.
My two single shot bench gun's shoot in the high ones and low twos. My re barreled Sako
Vixen L-46 shoots in the three's.
Mike Walker designed the 222 Rem with 4198 and a 50 gr bullet. So I just continue to weigh my charges and enjoy shooting the nice small groups with this outstanding cartridge. I got 7500 rds out of my old Sako barrel before groups started to open up.
This round is very kind on barrels, and doesn't eat a lot of powder.
Yeah, 21g of IMR4198 and a 52g bullet is all I've ever used in my Sako 222, if I watch the flags and do my part it'll print .2 and under at 3300fps
kolar55
Silver $$ Contributor
To answer your question as to the use of 8208xbr in the .222, I have tried it with 50 and 52 grain bullets and it shot very well. Meters pretty good too. I don't have my data in front of me but it seems like I was up around 25+ grains of it for velocities well over 3200. This is in a custom chamber in a Brux 4 groove 12 twist barrel with Lapua match brass. N133 and LT32 both work very well in the duece also.
Kolar, if you could PM me your loads when you get a chance I'd appreciate it. I'm just looking for a realistic ceiling to approach since the published data seems so mild. I don't have a ton of time for testing before my April trip.
I've tried H4198 and it shows promise but the conditions were sketchy so I need to give it another try. Velocity was just over 3000fps with 21.4gr which is already 1gr over Hodgden's max.
I really need to do a ladder or OCW test with these but I simply don't have time and the weather here is not conducive to extended test sessions yet, so I've just picked some near max published loads and am hoping for the best with powders I have on hand.
I've tried H4198 and it shows promise but the conditions were sketchy so I need to give it another try. Velocity was just over 3000fps with 21.4gr which is already 1gr over Hodgden's max.
I really need to do a ladder or OCW test with these but I simply don't have time and the weather here is not conducive to extended test sessions yet, so I've just picked some near max published loads and am hoping for the best with powders I have on hand.
If you got some try imr4320 it works very with the 50g pills. I have used it for the 50g speer sps and the 50g v-maxes and had great luck with both.
My experience with that particular powder (8208XBR) is that it takes VERY VERY little up or down from your target weight to drastically change pressures/velocities. I really had to be anal in my weighing operation. It did produce great groups though. The problem was my scale is only accurate +- 1/10th grain and with this powder that little bit up and down can throw the whole load off.
BURN RATE OF 4320 TOO SLOW FOR THE DUCE CASE. THIS WAS POINTED OUT BY THE NRA TECH. STAFF SOON AFTER THE DUCE HIT THE MARKET.
YOU CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF IT IN THAT SMALL CASE TO PRODUCE GOOD VELOCITIES.
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Especially if it's in all caps.
Just what is good velocities? And no I didn't check the speed of the loads. They were very accurate and at the time it was all the powder I had for that caliber.On the 6mmbr page they even suggested using that powder when nothing else could be found.I later went with the 40g v-max and imr4198.
3000 fps with 50 gr bullets was the intended velocity by the cartridge designers. I'd say that is pretty good for this cartridge.
snert
Silver $$ Contributor
redrockranger
Silver $$ Contributor
I really enjoy the post in all caps. Easy on my aging EYES.
I went back to make sure I didn't shoot any over my chrono and I hadn't.But I still had 7 50g v-maxes and 3 50g speer sps. these were all with imr 4320. So I ran these over the chrono I got an average of 3150. These are just under max loads as well. So yes I think this is a good combo!!!
8208 is too slow for a .222, would use H322, 4198 or N133, Benchmark would be the slowest powder I would use specially with 50gr projectiles. I am using Benchmark 1 which is supposed to be the same as N133 but my best groups are with AR2219 which is the nearly the same as H322 pushing 60gr bullets with .059" groups at 100yards.
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