8208 XBR Powder

[CJK8]

New to reloading and trying to figure out what powder to get. I have Remington 700 SPS Tactical in .223 with 1/9 twist. Also a Mini 14 with 1/9 twist. Focused on the bolt right now. I have gotten several recommendations to try 69 gr Sierra match king with Varget. I would also like to try a lighter bullet in the 50-62 gr range and have read Varget is better on the heavier grains. Is 8208 good on both lighter and heavier grains? Thanks.

 

[Presto]

I've gotten the best results from 8208 on bullets in the 50-60 grain range. My rifle has the same twist as yours. I now use BL-C2 for everything. It will handle a huge range of bullets with great accuracy out of my guns.

 

[NCsmitty]

8208 XBR Powder is not temperature sensitive and can produce amazing groups in some rifles. A few guys on this site use it with excellent results.
Velocity wise, it seems more effective with the lighter weights, but it's no slouch all around.
I'm an advocate of H4895 for the 223.

Take a look at www.hodgdon.com and make your own comparisons with bullet weight to velocity.

Don't overlook www.alliantpowder.com as they have some great new powders to check out too.



NCsmitty

 

[dc.fireman]

I'm with Smitty - if Varget doesn't give you what you want, try 4895. Either IMR, or H... I've had some incredible rounds with both, a slight edge going to IMR in my rifles. I'm looking to try XBR 8208 in the near future, but only after I've expended my stockpiles of other powders.

 

[CJK8]

Velocity wise, it seems more effective with the lighter weights, but it's no slouch all around.

NCsmitty

Does velocity and accuracy go hand in hand? Or can you have an accurate load on the end and find an accurate round on the higher end as well? Thanks.

 

[Canuck-IL]

Short of worrying about trans-sonic stability at 1000 yards, you don't generally need a fireball load for good accuracy.

Several guys on the Nat'l Match forum have reported good results with 8208 altho a few have had excess pressure signs trying to push 80 grainers to 600 yards. You might want to look around the reloading section (I believe you have to join the forum to read it but that's pretty painless - lot of good 223/308 and other popular High Power cartridge data there).
http://www.usrifleteams.com/forums/index.php?act=idx

/Bryan

 

[MtnCreek]

I've had good results w/ Varget w/ bullets from 55 to 77 grains.

IMO, 8208 is a little too fast for heavier bullets.

 

[PreMod70]

8208 works good in the 50-55 grain range, can't say about the others.

 

[CJK8]

I have read Varget can result in a lot of compressed loads. Is that an issue? Thanks.

 

[MtnCreek]

I have read Varget can result in a lot of compressed loads. Is that an issue?

Makes a crunch sound when seating bullets, but no problems.

 

[M1key]

Varget is my go-to powder for heavier 223 loads

Compressed loads are no problem

24.5gr with Hornady 75 Match or Sierra 77 MK

I shoot ARs (1:9), a Tikka T3 Lite (1:8), and I just ordered a Remington Tactical...so I'll let you know my results.

M

 

[popper]

I've used it for 308ME with 160 grn FTX. Works OK but watch the pressure. Hodgdon shows higher pressure than other powders. I won't get anymore after this is used up, just because it costs more.

 

[Tim the student]

I love it with my .223, but I shoot lighter bullets. Haven't tried it with anything more than 60 grains.

 

[Grumulkin]

I've been working up 223 Remington loads and the best powder so far for me is RL-15.

I did try IMR 8208 XBR and it didn't do as well. On the other hand, I get excellent results with it in a 270 Winchester so am not sorry I bought it.