Hodgdon's New Powder: IMR 8208 XBR

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evan price

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Don't know if it has been mentioned before, but Hodgdon brought out a new rifle powder that is supposed to be close to the old T32/8208 surplus powder. IMR 8208 XBR has a burn rate slightly faster than 4895 and slower than H335. Should be good stuff. Can't wait to see if it is better than Varget, that would be hard, but both are Australian.
 
There is a facinating article about this new powder in the 2010 Hodgdon annual by writer Jim Carmichael. He used it to win a 2009 National bench rest championship. His group size average at 100 and 200 yards was less than .2 MOA! So I guess that proves at least one gun writer knows how to shoot. I'll try the powder myself as soon as it comes available.
 
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I've got some - haven't been able to do some really good testing of it yet due to weather.

For those who are interested, I got it at Scheels in Cedar Falls. I would think most other Scheels would have it. Load data is available on IMR's site.
 
a new rifle powder that is supposed to be close to the old T32/8208 surplus powder..................Australian
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Then it should be good stuff.
 
The key to this powder is it's ability to be used at all reasonable temperature ranges without affecting performance. Not all powders can make this claim.

To quote: "The ballistics group at IMR has tested this powder from -40 to +165 degrees Fahrenheit with virtually no performance variation."



NCsmitty
 
Everything I've read about it tells me i should try it. As soon as I can find a pound I'm going to give it a try for my .223 bolt action rifle.
 
If it's good in extreme temps w/o changing characteristics then I'll try it. It's really hard to beat Varget, though, because I can load it and shoot targets for ballistic info in my Minnesota winter and know that it'll still be good figures to use in the heat of a North Dakota August day of P.D. shooting.
 
T32/8208 were highly prized in the Benchrest game for many years. If it shoots that well, they will have a hit. Still some T32/8208 hoarders out there.
 
Well, has anyone tried it yet in .223? I can get an 8lb jug but i dont want to get it and not like it. Sure wouldnt want to waste money! hmm
 
Based on the pressure/velocity numbers with .308 168 gr HPBT with the IMR-XBR, I''ll stick with IMR-4895, which is really doing well for me. I live along the front range of the rockies in Colorado, the coldest temp's I shoot in are around 30 degrees, the warmest, 85 degrees. I might lose or gain 50 or 60 fps with this temp variation, but that doesn't really bother me. IMR-4895 is doing great for me, I'll stick with what I know works.:)

IMR-4895 delivers more velocity at a lower pressure than IMR-XBR, with 168 gr HPBT.
 
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O'le farmer, in your situation, you definitely need one of the "extreme" powders, Varget would be an obvious choice. Those types of temperature extremes would wreak havok on IMR-4895 or any other powder like it. You'd probably have a 200 ft/second + or - variation, not to mention the pressures.
 
The sun was shining here today for a change. Tomorrow is supposed to be nice as well. I plan on taking the .222 Mag out for a short range session.

Let us know how the 8208 does.
 
Walkalong said:
The sun was shining here today for a change. Tomorrow is supposed to be nice as well. I plan on taking the .222 Mag out for a short range session.

Let us know how the 8208 does.
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I'm gonna have to quit eating supper and going to the couch for a 'few' minutes! That few minutes leads to a few hours. Anyway, i'm awake now and i sure will let you know. Had to get an 8 lb jug so i should be able to find a load before i run out. Our yearly gun show is coming up next weekend, it'll be interesting if its available to some of the vendors yet. Our gun store guy hadnt heard of it yet.
 
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I tested some out today. I'll post more tomorrow, but I was pleased enough with the results today.

Weather wasn't the best (a bit chilly, and a bit windy at times) but I would estimate most groups (5 shot) between 1.1 - 1.8. Still lots to play with, but I am pleased with the first bit of testing.
 
ole farmerbuck'
In your first picture you listed a spread of .454" but groups are usually measured center to center so your 3 shot group is smaller than you think... Nice shooting.
 
Thanks ArchAngelCD. But there are 4 shots there. I think the bottom hole is the one with a double. .230 does look better than .454! I think i'm gonna get along with this powder.
 
.230 does look better than .454!
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Darn tootin'.

I took the .222 mag out Sunday. I only shot one group after checking the POI. It was a classic 4 & 1. (4 in & 1 out of the group) I got careless on the 4th shot and let it leak out to the right. The 4 in the group looked like a big two or a little 3, but with the one that was out of the group it looked more like a big 5 or a little 6. Arghhh.

IMR 4895 & Hornady 50 Gr SP's. H335 gives more speed, but the 4895 beats it a little for accuracy. H335 does very well though. :)
 
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