ConcernedCitizen
Member
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2004
- Messages
- 149
If you've tried IMR 8208 XBR, would you mind sharing your results, good or bad? I'm having a hard time working up a load with this powder, and have had an even harder time finding any good load data online. IMR's load data seems overly conservative, and Hornady seems to be the only other published source I've found so far. Most posts that I've found mentioning this powder seem to indicate that the best accuracy is found the closer you get to max, and most people seem to be running their personal load at or slightly over the published max.
I'm currently experimenting in .223 with Hornady 55 gr. FMJ-BT and 60 gr. SP. I've worked all the way up from IMR's minimum loads to Hornady's maximum loads with IMR 8208 XBR using both CCI-400 & CCI-450 primers, and the only decent groups I've seen so far have been right at Hornady's max load. No visible pressure signs at all, even at max. Didn't have time to break out the chronograph, so no velocities yet on the max loads.
Does this match everyone's experience so far? If you've tried venturing above max, how far have you gone, and where did you see your best accuracy? Where did you see pressure signs, if any? I know that many are hesitant to post load data above published max, so please feel free to PM me if you prefer.
I'm fully willing to attribute my lousy groups to my poor shooting skills, but would like to hear others' experiences before I spend too much more time chasing groups at max load. I have other powders to choose from, but was hoping to find a good load with this one due to the temperature insensitivity and good metering. Any and all feedback is welcome.
Thanks!
I'm currently experimenting in .223 with Hornady 55 gr. FMJ-BT and 60 gr. SP. I've worked all the way up from IMR's minimum loads to Hornady's maximum loads with IMR 8208 XBR using both CCI-400 & CCI-450 primers, and the only decent groups I've seen so far have been right at Hornady's max load. No visible pressure signs at all, even at max. Didn't have time to break out the chronograph, so no velocities yet on the max loads.
Does this match everyone's experience so far? If you've tried venturing above max, how far have you gone, and where did you see your best accuracy? Where did you see pressure signs, if any? I know that many are hesitant to post load data above published max, so please feel free to PM me if you prefer.
I'm fully willing to attribute my lousy groups to my poor shooting skills, but would like to hear others' experiences before I spend too much more time chasing groups at max load. I have other powders to choose from, but was hoping to find a good load with this one due to the temperature insensitivity and good metering. Any and all feedback is welcome.
Thanks!