So I'm really new to reloading, finally got my first press, reloading manuals, and all that jazz (here's a link with all the stuff I got in case that becomes relevant http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7963104#post7963104)....but I think I screwed up on my choice of bullet and powder. I wanted something to try reloading right away (for my .308) so I just kind of...shot from the hip and went with a 168 Gr. Hornady A-Max bullet (I've shot them before and I they seemed alright), and IMR 8208 XBR Powder, the description on IMR's website specified that it was a good powder for reloading .308 target rounds. Well....I can't find any load data now. I have a Speer reloading manual (came with my RCBS kit I bought) and Lymann 49th edition. So now I'm kind of stuck since I'm a bit new to this. I'm wondering should I invest in a different powder, a different bullet, or both? Or is there a good reference for load data on this bullet/powder that I'm missing? Gahh I won't make this mistake again, I'll look at load data BEFORE I buy, I was just excited for my press and just tossed those two items in the cart 'cause :banghead: Anyway, any help is much appreciated!
Question about bullet/powder choice, new to reloading.
- Thread starter spookyu
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Mike 27
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http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp
I just looked it up on their site....They have a load for .308 win. I copied and pasted the data below, looks legible but go to the website and look it up.
Mike
Hodgdon Powder Company
Cartridge Load Recipe Report - 2/22/2012
data.hodgdon.com 308 Winchester
Load Type: Rifle Powder: IMR 8208 XBR
BW: 168
Cartridge Information
Case: Winchester Barrel Length: 24"
Twist: 1:12" Trim Length: 2.005"
Primer: Federal 210M
308 Winchester
Cartridge Load Data Starting Loads
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Maximum Loads
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Bullet Weight (Gr.) Powder Bullet Diam. C.O.L. Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure
168 GR. SIE HPBT IMR 8208 XBR .308" 2.800" 39.0 2493 49,000 PSI 43.3 2707 61,500 PSI
NEVER EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS
I just looked it up on their site....They have a load for .308 win. I copied and pasted the data below, looks legible but go to the website and look it up.
Mike
Hodgdon Powder Company
Cartridge Load Recipe Report - 2/22/2012
data.hodgdon.com 308 Winchester
Load Type: Rifle Powder: IMR 8208 XBR
BW: 168
Cartridge Information
Case: Winchester Barrel Length: 24"
Twist: 1:12" Trim Length: 2.005"
Primer: Federal 210M
308 Winchester
Cartridge Load Data Starting Loads
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Loads
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bullet Weight (Gr.) Powder Bullet Diam. C.O.L. Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure
168 GR. SIE HPBT IMR 8208 XBR .308" 2.800" 39.0 2493 49,000 PSI 43.3 2707 61,500 PSI
NEVER EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS
The data that comes from the bullet mfgr, Powder mfgr websites are good to use in situations like this. In this case, Go with the powder mfgr as is posted above.
And yes, Next time read into your manuals before you buy. I have jotted down info before going to my LGS when buying reloading equipment to make sure I get the right stuff. I once even took the book with me just in case.
In reloading, Double checking and rechecking is a very good thing to do. If all else fails, Invest in a new powder if this somehow happens again.
And yes, Next time read into your manuals before you buy. I have jotted down info before going to my LGS when buying reloading equipment to make sure I get the right stuff. I once even took the book with me just in case.
In reloading, Double checking and rechecking is a very good thing to do. If all else fails, Invest in a new powder if this somehow happens again.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Like I said in your other thread that powder doesn't come to mind when thinking of a .308 hunting load but it will work just fine. You probably would have gotten better results and more load data using Varget, 4895, IMR4064 or BL-C(2). Those 4 powder in the Hodgdon/IMR/Winchester stable are usually associated with the .308 most often. I'm sure there are also good choices in the Alliant and Accurate Arms lines too.
The main problem I see with using IMR 8208 XBR is to generate the velocity delivered by the powders I listed you end up with very high pressures.
Max charge of IMR 8208 XBR delivers 2707 fps @ 61,500 PSI
Max charge of IMR 4895 delivers 2758 fps @ 58,000 PSI
The main problem I see with using IMR 8208 XBR is to generate the velocity delivered by the powders I listed you end up with very high pressures.
Max charge of IMR 8208 XBR delivers 2707 fps @ 61,500 PSI
Max charge of IMR 4895 delivers 2758 fps @ 58,000 PSI
Hmmm....yes I understand, I think. I had seen that site, but maybe I'm just confused. I was under the impression that each bullet (for example A-Max, or the Sierra HPBT listed there) had a specific load data. But that isn't the case? It's just how many grains the bullet is and the kind of powder I've chosen? Gahhh, this is one of those things that all these reloading manuals just assume I already know, sorry for my ignorance in the matter.
4895
Member
The Lee reloading manual is a great reference because it lists the amount of volume in a cartridge case (cc's) and that is useful in determining (for me) what new powder may work better than others due to case fill %. First, I determine which bullet I will use, then I look at the volume of the cartridge, then I compare powders listed with % fill of the case. For heavier bullets, especially in larger cases, a slower powder is often preferred over a faster one. I look for a powder that will give me the velocity I need with near 98% case fill, that has the burn characteristics I desire. Of course, you could look in the manual, they may recommend a powder. If all else fails, ask the salesman at the LGS for advice - maybe. Good luck.
P.S. I use BLC(2) for 7.62 Nato. It is a ball powder that meters very well and burns cleanly.
P.P.S. Please don't assume that all bullets are created equally (by weight). Since you are new, I recommend to use the EXACT recipe that is in the book. Now is not the time for deviation and experimentation. The fundamentals are crucial for success. If it calls for a Remington primer, use that one, if it calls for Federal match primer, use that one, if it says to trim to x.xxx", trim it each time to proper length. Sometimes you will need load data that gives you specific OAL for a bullet. Remember to work up from the start load listed and watch for pressure signs and strange noises. If you load off the rifle lands, be sure to start low and remain vigilant in attention to detail. Check all your cases for powder (assuming you use a load block) before you seat the bullets. There is a lot of experience here at THEHIGHROAD to help you when you get stuck. Take care.
P.P.P.S. Send me a PM if you want me to give you the data from my HORNADY reload manual. If you are concerned at all, it will show what the bullet manufacturer has to say for the load.
P.S. I use BLC(2) for 7.62 Nato. It is a ball powder that meters very well and burns cleanly.
P.P.S. Please don't assume that all bullets are created equally (by weight). Since you are new, I recommend to use the EXACT recipe that is in the book. Now is not the time for deviation and experimentation. The fundamentals are crucial for success. If it calls for a Remington primer, use that one, if it calls for Federal match primer, use that one, if it says to trim to x.xxx", trim it each time to proper length. Sometimes you will need load data that gives you specific OAL for a bullet. Remember to work up from the start load listed and watch for pressure signs and strange noises. If you load off the rifle lands, be sure to start low and remain vigilant in attention to detail. Check all your cases for powder (assuming you use a load block) before you seat the bullets. There is a lot of experience here at THEHIGHROAD to help you when you get stuck. Take care.
P.P.P.S. Send me a PM if you want me to give you the data from my HORNADY reload manual. If you are concerned at all, it will show what the bullet manufacturer has to say for the load.
Last edited:
ArchAngelCD
Member.
no need to apologize for being new, we were all new at one time.
In general a bullet of the same weight and profile can use the same load data. The slight differences are covered but the spread of the load data. That's why you are supposed to start at the Min load and work up to the Max. That's how you insure you don't have a load that is too high in pressure. Always "work up" a load and start over each time you change a component like the bullet.
Mike 27
Member
Most of the time you have to find a similar bullet, unless you have the bullet manufacturer load data. Hornady is a good example. Stick with the general make up, and composition of the bullet. Cast, jacketed, plated and frangible all have different data, and look for a similar design bullet.
Thank you all! That pretty much answered all my questions for the moment. I think after reading all that I have the info I need and feel comfortable enough giving this powder and bullet a go, very informative bunch you all are. I'm going to try to do this the correct way like you all said. Hey murf, the latest edition of the hornndy reloading manual has data for IMR 8208 XBR and, obviously, the A-Max bullets? I guess I'll need to invest in that reloading manual if I continue to reload hornady bullets. Would you mind telling me though, if it lists a start load in there for that? I was to understand that it's like 10% less of the max, or something to that effect?
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