I have been using XBR8208 for years now but since it has dried up, I had obtained pull down 8208 lot #18118 a desirable lot in my limited available research. Only have done a short test in my Service Rifle (primary rifle for XTC comp)
With newer commercial 8208 My go to load testing nodes has been anywhere from 22.5, 22.8, 23.0 and in LC or like brass 23.2 is the go to load for the new stuff 8208 with my SMK77 at 2.25 COAL or my 80.5 Berger 23.0 in my brass, heavier case with less capacity than LC.
Found I had to reduce my normal 23.2 LC case load by .5gr when I got this lot of Ruag brass
This pull down 8208 is in a white jug, my test results loading at the range with 5 x fired Ruag brass, CCi450 and the SMK off the bench were positive and mirrored commercial new 8208 a little bit but I had not expected matching data given its life span in this lot of pull down. I mean this stuff is from way back.
Off course this is 223 Wylde chamber AR upper but again used 8208 for many years in XTC comp uppers.
So here is what I noted for my test, use it as a compare but as most have said above, started LOW and worked up with a Chrono as I was not sure what to expect.
ambient was balmy 51Degrees F on a IL December day, yeah it was warm for the time of year.
My lot is black in color vs new which has the grey/greenish hue like say Varget or H4895, 82-8 and H4895 have been my go to powders and I treat H4895 like 8208 but add .2 grain when using H4895 in place of 8208.
Pulldown Lot# 18118 Mil Surplus powder 8208
22.5 gr was a good group but slow at 2587 FPS
23.0 noted bad group at 2677 FPS
23.2 noted good group again at 2700 FPS, while in the range of velocity I'd expect its a little shy of 2760 I am used to seeing. This may be the spot I would shoot a 77smk or H75 based on target
23.4 noted group opening up again 2721 FPS
I stopped after 23.4 but probably should have kept going given the velocity readings. All primers seemed fine
We do a considerable bit of load testing with numerous rifles my buddy and I from 223, 6BRAi, 308, 30-06 for the most part and are coming to a conclusion lately that while we do ladder testing and seating depths to fine tune a load for A particular rifle, we are having the thought of combustion chamber behaviors more of the influence on a particular rifle and load for lack of better terms. Its just been a different way of looking at seating depth influences on our tests when tuning a load to a rifle.
I know folks who do not believe any benefit of load development, I am a believer.
Not sure I plan to use this pull down for XTC matches yet. I have some other powders may be more, Dependable/Suitable?, but for a shorter reduced XTC match maybe use this powder more.
Not that confident yet in only limited testing with one bullet.
If I can get good results that are consistent on target, (let the target talk to me) I may see if this will work with 69 class bullets for those reduced course matches.
Sorry if this useless info but thought I would share. Being a Knuckle Dragging Service Rifle guy with years of 8308 use this pull down lot is brand new to me.
I am breaking to F T/R thanks to a fiends help so not sure if i will get back to testing this jug further anytime soon.
Start low with a plan and be patient I'd say.
Good luck
