XBR 8208 with 80 grain Sierras in a bolt rifle

[JohnO]

I'm am not at all new to this forum but I have not posted in a while. I am trying to get back to shooting - this time with a new .223 bolt rifle with a 28 inch 7 twist Wylde chamber. I shot a lot of rounds with 8208 in an AR-15 match rifle but never in a bolt gun. 23.2 grains with a 77 grain worked in the AR but I am not sure if these loads are compatible with a bolt action. IMR states that 21 grains is max with an 80 grain Berger. Is this accurate in your opinion? I would appreciate some guidance before I start to blow primers.
Thanks, John

 

[Snuggie]

Greetings John!
I shot the 80 Sierras with 23.2gr 8208XBR with BR4 primers in a 7.7tw Bartlein 5R 27in. Very accurate! I recently went to. 6.5tw to shoot the 90 Bergers with Varget. Extremely accurate! Better in the wind. Hope this helps.

 

[Shynloco]

John,
Welcome back! Not sure this is helpful, but for what it's worth, I've had very good success in a Savage .223 VLPDBM bolt gun using BLC-2 rather than 8082 which didn't give me nearly as good results. Just thought I'd throw that out, although Sierra had their best results with 80gr Matchkings using Varget in their testing rifle. And as far as Bergers go, I feel their or anybody else's Max loads are on the low side of Max although I'd pay attention to signs of pressure like cratering or heavy bolt lift as I ladder up.

Alex

 

[swadiver]

also try H4895

 

[JAlfred]

I have had respectable results from XBR8208 and 80 gr Nosler CCs

 

[JohnO]

Thanks to all of your replies. I just need to do some careful testing, especially with 8208. I have lots of it to use as well as RE-15. Unfortunately, I will have a short window to shoot anything if I have my shoulder replaced in October.