Imr 8208 xbr

[Sniper66]

I bought a pound of this powder based on the recommendation of the dealer at the Tulsa Gun Show this weekend, plus it is a fair amount cheaper than my usual small rifle powder. I would like to hear from you guys out there who have used this powder especially in .223 or .204. I cannot find loads listed in my reloading manuals.

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

Hodgdon website has a full list of loads for 8208XBR. I'm using it in 223/5.56 in my AR and it works good.

I should be very accurate from a bolt rifle on a bench, since its advertised as a benchrest powder.

At 25 grains with a 55 grain FMJ, I was getting around 2850 fps from a 16" AR with an extreme spread around 40 fps.

 

[gbw]

I use it with good results,

22.8gr IMR 8208
62gr Amscor fmj seated to cannalure
Military cases
Colt M4 16" carbine
2670 fps avg. on my chrono, brass has done fine thru 3 or 4 cycles so far

 

[Grumulkin]

I bought a pound of this powder based on the recommendation of the dealer at the Tulsa Gun Show this weekend, plus it is a fair amount cheaper than my usual small rifle powder. I would like to hear from you guys out there who have used this powder especially in .223 or .204. I cannot find loads listed in my reloading manuals.

You must not have a current reloading manual.

Hodgon publishes a reloading magazine yearly that's economical and has loads for their newer powder. That magazine had data for IMR 8208 XBR several years ago. I've found that powder fantastic for 270 Winchester loads with 130 grain bullets and great for 308 Winchester loads with 150 grain bullets. I've tried it in a 223 Remington load or two and got better results with RL-15.

 

[savagemann]

8208 is great for .223
I seem to remember I was around 25gr for 55gr projos.
23.1gr for 68 & 69gr @ 2.245-2.250 OAL
For 75 & 77gr I won't list my load because it is above max, but will tell you I found 3 nodes. The one I wanted was to duplicate the mk262 round. So around 2700-2750fps with a 77gr.
It is an excellent load and most people find that node working up to plus or minus .2gr of max.
Work up to it though as it is hot.
In my 5.56 chamber I get flat primers ( cci400 ) and some swipe marks if it is a really hot day.
Have run over 3k of this load with no issues.
I'm sure a hard military primer would fix the flattening issues, but I have so many of the cci400 primers I'll work with those until I run out.
Here is a 5 shot group with the 69gr load, which is well within book data. Sierra Tipped Match King

 

[TfflHndn]

Looks like you need some new manuals. 8208 is in my Hornady and Lee manuals. The Hodgdon annual issue mentioned above is great for current loads and new components.

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

Over the weekend I shot a .308 load with this powder, 155 grain HPBT, PMC Case and 44 grains. I just picked a number for the charge weight and went with it. Max is 45.4 grains for this bullet.

They were accurate the recoil was mild, I'd say for 150-165 grain bullets, 8208 is a good choice.

 

[Sniper66]

Thanks everyone. You are right, I need to update my manuals. Since my initial post I have looked other places and found lots of load info. It's on to the bench!!