223 data with 8208xbr

[srawl]

I am looking specifically for loads with only 8208. It's currently the only powder I have. I know varget and rl15 are great but my goal is to stick with one powder if possible for bulk purchases.

The bullets I have for testing are:

Hornady-
50gr zmax (vmax)
55gr fmjbt
68gr hpbt match
75gr hpbt match

Sierra 69gr and 77gr matchking
And
Nosler custom comp 77gr hpbt

I have purchased 2 books now and no 8208 loads...

I found some data for 69s and 77s on hodgdons website but the little I have found online says the best loads are above that range.

I will work up a load stopping when I see pressure signs but am curious what you are using for your best loads with those bullets, specifically the 68-77s with 8208, I can't find much on them online.

Thanks

 

[LoonWulf]

I didnt check them out but Hodgdons site has loads listed for all the bullet weights your using and 8208. I have a pound of 8208 but have not used it for anything besides some early testing on my 6.5 as Ive been using CFE223 almost exclusively in the cartridges it works for

 

[Walkalong]

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/

 

[R. Cobb]

 

[R. Cobb]

After several pounds of different powders. 8208xbr is my go to powder with the 55gr. Hornady V-Max bullet.

Ruger AR556/16" barrel.
Nikon 4-12x40
Geissele SSA-E trigger
55gr. Hornady V-Max
24gr. 8208xbr
CCI small rifle primers
LC brass (anealed every third load)
Trimmed to 1.750"
No crimp.

 

[Walkalong]

Cool, I have an unopened bottle of 8208 and 55 Gr V-Max's on the shelf.

 

[Galil5.56]

Very nice loading and shooting. I've been meaning to get some 8208, and use it/try it everywhere I currently use TAC, AA2460, even IMR 4895. Looks like it should have a nice load density, and meter pretty well too.

 

[R. Cobb]

I was looking for some IMR4895, but everyone locally was out of it. The Range Officer where I shoot at, told me about his luck with IMR8208, so I gave it a shot. Starting at 23.0 going up .3 grains at 24.0 tightened up. Going up .2ths after that, my groups of 10 rounds opened back up at 24.8.... Muzzle velocity around 2750 with a SD around 12 to 18 wasn't bad either. I still want to try TAC and Varget.

 

[JimKirk]

Have not tried 8208 .... But the TAC does really well under both 50 grain & 55 grain VMax ....

 

[Walkalong]

Yep, TAC is pretty good stuff.

 

[KW-HD Rider]

I have had good luck with 8208XBR and the Hornady 75 gr BTHP match bullet at 23.2 grn and is my go to combo in a DMR style rifle with a Seekins barrel. The load works well out to 600 yards if the wind isn't too bad and is sub moa and consistent at 300 yards. I do weight each charge for this rifle but it does seem to meter very consistently and I probably could load them on a turret or progressive.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

I load most of my 223 on a progressive and want a powder that meters well and is more temp stable than the 748 I've been using.
The accuracy of my 8208 loads, mostly 55gr, have been very good. The results of my, admittedly crude, temp sensitivity test were not so good. I need to do some more experimenting but so far it has been no better than 748.

 

[Blue68f100]

TAC is a ball powder, very fine and meters very accurately. I use TAC for the 55gr and lower weight bullets. One of my best powders for the 223R. Varget gets my vote for the heavier bullets, 60gr up.