Next best powder to replace IMR 8208

[IA_shooter]

Looking for a powder to replace IMR 8208 with since it's unattainable now unless you want to pay ridiculous gouging prices. I'm down to 1 lb left and I'm saving it for my 20 Practical running 39gr Sierras but I'd like to try some 39's and 40's in a 204 Ruger as well. What are guys using instead now and having good luck with? Thanks.

 

[sandwarrior]

Staball Match...when you can find it...
Added: Also when you can find loads in what you're using. Even just finding a starting load.

 

[rjtfroggy]

I have been there, searched for 8208xbr for 2 1/2 years with very little luck. Did some looking around and found that VV n135 is a better alternative in my opinion, I have a good shooting 30x47 and now after switching to N135 I have a fantastic shooting rifle. I am not near my copy of the burn chart but if memory ?? is correct AR Comp is on an equal level as well, but is extremely pricey.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I have been there, searched for 8208xbr for 2 1/2 years with very little luck. Did some looking around and found that VV n135 is a better alternative in my opinion, I have a good shooting 30x47 and now after switching to N135 I have a fantastic shooting rifle. I am not near my copy of the burn chart but if memory ?? is correct AR Comp is on an equal level as well, but is extremely pricey.

https://forum.accurateshooter.com/a...okeless-relative-burn-rate-chart-pdf.1443763/Here’s a new one that was posted the other day.

 

[17cal Fan]

I got jug of 8208 from Powder Valley a while back and it took checking daily for a couple of months. Haven't looked for it lately because I'm good for a while. If I see any I'll throw you a note.

 

[SmokinJoe]

For what you are doing, look at Benchmark or AA2520. You'd be surprised what H4895 will do in that application also with all you can get in it without compression.

 

[whatsupdoc]

Picking 2 powders next to each other from the burn rate chart is hit or miss.
I use H4350 Reloder17 and Accurate 4350 that are three in a row on the chart and they
are totally different in performance. I substituted N133 for IMR3031 and it
was perfect.

 

[rjtfroggy]

https://forum.accurateshooter.com/a...okeless-relative-burn-rate-chart-pdf.1443763/Here’s a new one that was posted the other day.

Thanks. I guess my memory isn't that bad after all.

 

[Walt Krafft]

H4895 haha

 

[rjtfroggy]

Picking 2 powders next to each other from the burn rate chart is hit or miss.
I use H4350 Reloder17 and Accurate 4350 that are three in a row on the chart and they
are totally different in performance. I substituted N133 for IMR3031 and it
was perfect.

You are correct 100% but the chart sure makes for a good starting point.

 

[Bill K]

First use the chart to pick one or two close one's, then you must test loads with it, in your rifle to see what it likes in comparison to your loads that you used prior.

You are correct 100% but the chart sure makes for a good starting point.

 

[dhenry132]

CFE 223

 

[urbanrifleman]

AR COMP

 

[Doom]

I was looking for a replacement for 8208 in 223 with 52/53 grain and 308 with 168 gr and went with N135. Another option that looks good in IMR 3031.

 

[Webster]

Looking for a powder to replace IMR 8208 with since it's unattainable now unless you want to pay ridiculous gouging prices. I'm down to 1 lb left and I'm saving it for my 20 Practical running 39gr Sierras but I'd like to try some 39's and 40's in a 204 Ruger as well. What are guys using instead now and having good luck with? Thanks.

8208 is my standard in my 6BR but H322 works well with good speed. 58 gr bullets, 14 twist.

 

[SSchnd]

AR Comp
TAC
H4895
Win Staball Match
VV 135
VV140

Funny when I started using 8208 a long time ago no one wanted to use it. Spiked pressure when you reach max in that rifle, oh it wont cycle my AR. yada yada, stuff meters great, performs great. I am down to my last 1 lbs.
I had nodes in a 20" WOA barrels from Wilsons, Kreigers and Shillen Ratchet that just shot great in service rifle. 52 gr to 80.5 gr. 22.5, 22.8, 23.0, 23.2 was the go to load. I have been using a heavy wall case for about 5 yrs now so I lowered my charges. Go to was 23.2 in a LC case.
Sad we cannot just find it every day now.

 

[Fern]

I just found some from another member locally that I traded for.
Before that I was working up loads for my 204 ruger with cfe223.

 

[varget204]

H-335, H-322, Varget, Win 748, CFE 223 for 20 cal

 

[Webster]

Picking 2 powders next to each other from the burn rate chart is hit or miss.
I use H4350 Reloder17 and Accurate 4350 that are three in a row on the chart and they
are totally different in performance. I substituted N133 for IMR3031 and it
was perfect.

I don't look at burn rates. I normally look in several loading manuals and see which powders give the highest FPS for my bullet weight. I tend to pick the powders that have been around a while. If you get high fps I assume it indicates good compatability and good burn rates for my cartridge.

I hope everyone knows that burn rates are not determind using a rifle chamber or barrel. Look it up. There is a standard volume cylinder and a standard amount of powder put in the cylinder and it is set off with an igniter and the temperature and pressure are measured electronically. Cylinder volume and the amount of powder charge change the burn rate. Burn rate is not a constant number. All othe conditions under which it is burned change the burn rate. All powders are tested under identical unrealistic conditions. It's just a crude guide. I will try post post a link to the procedure.

 

[searcher]

In that caliber and with those bullets you mention, I'm sure you would not be disappointed with Accurate LT32. My friends and I have found nothing better for that combo. While pretty much available - it is a pricy powder. The two next best overall powders that will shoot those bullets pretty well (all under 1/2" MOA in all of our varmint A/R's) are H322 and H4198. If you can get some LT32 - start there.