IMR XBR 8208 in 30-06 in a Garand

[atblis]

Anybody know if it's suitable. IMR has data listed for 30-06 with Hornady 168s (planning to use Nosler 168s). On their burn rate chart, it's faster than 4895 and 4064. It's slower than 3031. So it falls in between known acceptable Garand powders. Anybody seen an published data for the Garand for 8208?

Another question, would an adjustable gas plug make 4831SC a viable Garand powder?

 

[GooseGestapo]

IMR8208's position on the relative burning rate charts says that it's acceptable, but the "pressure cure" is what is also important. Everything I've seen suggests that it's acceptable, but I don't know for a fact. I'd shoot Hodgdon an e-mail for their recommedation.

re: H4831SC. I doubt it. First the bullet will need to be 180gr or heavier for the 4831 to be practical. Yes, you can load and shoot it with lighter bullets, but its like running 100ll avgas in your lawnmower. It'll work but will be expen$ive in the long run.
The pressure curve and the pressures that 4831 needs to be run at preclude using it even if it's cheap. (it ain't anymore!!)
You can get bulk 4895 and WC-846 (essentially H335 or BLC2) for $12-$15lb. Save the H4831 for your .300WinMag, .25/06, .270wcf. and the like.

 

[Cop Bob]

I own several Garands, and it is definitely a love affair. I had the good fortune to buy a good quantity of Greek and other ammo mil-surp that was loaded for the Garand.. DCMP is occasionally a good source when they get it, but it seems to be drying up.. They are out now, but check back with them.. http://www.odcmp.com/

After some research I found that Varget, and 4895 both work well.. HOWEVER..

Please be careful, from all that I have read and fortunately I have been lucky, but i hear that the wrong burn rate can damage gas rods.. there are several Garand sites and forums out there with good info.. google is your friend..

 

[Ky Larry]

My Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading (8th Edition) does not list IMR-8208 for use in any .30-06 load. I've been reloading since 1974 and have always followed the reloading manuals. I have yet to have a problem. If Hodgdon/IMR say a given powder will work, you can be sure the smart people in the lab coats have tested it.They won't recomend anything that might possibly cause a lawsuit.YMMV.

 

[atblis]

How old is your manual?

 

[atblis]

Okay, spoke to IMR/Hodgdon

Straight from the horse's mouth

XBR 8208 is safe for 168s in the M1 Garand. It will not damage it. However, it might not provide enough pressure/volume to reliably cycle the gun.

 

[USSR]

...it might not provide enough pressure/volume to reliably cycle the gun.

Don't know why they said that, unless it's a CYA statement. From Hodgdon's load data website:

168 GR. HDY HPBT IMR IMR 8208 XBR .308" 3.230" 45.1 2661 54,800 PSI 48.0 2748 58,700 PSI

Don

 

[P-32]

XBR 8208 is safe for 168s in the M1 Garand. It will not damage it. However, it might not provide enough pressure/volume to reliably cycle the gun.

Well so much for rapids.......

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Another question, would an adjustable gas plug make 4831SC a viable Garand powder?

I wouldn't use 4831 in 30-06 ammo for any gun because IMO it's way too slow a powder for that application. I use H4350 for my 30-06 ammo used in bolt action rifles but no slower a powder. (and with bullets 165gr and heavier)

 

[atblis]

Yeah, after looking at the data for it, it does look a touch slow. For 180s and up it seems decent. Trying to remember why I have 8lbs of it sitting around. Probably bought it for the Swedish Mausers.

I think the 8208 will work. Planning to give it a whirl this weekend.

 

[atblis]

Well, 47 gr gave me 2600 fps with a 168 gr Nosler. Seemed to cycle the gun (only fired two clips out of it, the rest were single loaded).

 

[USSR]

Yeah, atblis, you should be fine with that powder.

Don

 

[popper]

Works fine in .308 - 165s; it's a good cold weather powder. Was pretty pricy when I first got it.

 

[atblis]

My NM AR seems to really like it too, so I plan on having a bunch of it around. Meters well in the XL650...