Imr 8208 xbr?

[Silvercrow1]

Well, I'm going to start reloading for .308 soon and am collecting components; bullets, powder, got the dies, got the shell holder, picking up appropriate primers tomorrow..

While at Cabela's this morning I was looking through the mauled copies of reloading manuals they have for checking suggested powders vs. whats on the shelf. I bought 200 155 Gn. Hornady Amax bullets on line, amongst some others from the good folks here in the classifieds. I spied a 1 lb. jug of IMR 8208 XBR powder and it was listed in the Hornady manual, but not the others. I have NOT bought the "One Book, One Caliber" manual yet for .308, but will. The XBR was $24.99 so I bought it. My Speer reloading manual does not list it for .308; my "One Caliber" book for .223 does not list it at all for any .224 bullet.

I know it's a relative "new comer" in the market; other forums on the 'net list folks saying it's the "new Varget"; it is close to "so and so" powder, etc.

To you vets out there; wheres the best place to get the true "skinny" on this powder? Anyone one using it for .308? For .223? Opinions?

I'm new to this- successful so far in loading for my .223 Rem. I have a couple of pounds each of Varget and Winchester 748 on hand-is what I've been using for .223 with 50 Gn. and 55 Gn. Hornady bullets.. So whats the deal on the 8208? AS ALWAYS- thanks for any info., informed opinions, lucky guesstimates (only kiddin'!).

Brian

[243LPR]

Used it in both,check their website.

[Silvercrow1]

Used it in both,check their website.

Looking at it now. What was your experience? Brian

[snowgetter1]

I use it and find it to trickle easy and uniform. Some of the most accurate loads with it also. I use it mainly in the 243.

[FW Conch]

No great mystery here. Go with the Hodgdon data, no need to check any where else. 8208 makes my 250/3000 Savage a "Lazer Beam"!
Good Luck-Good Shooting......Jim

[BoilerUP]

XBR is good stuff - temp stable and meters VERY well.

It works great in the 223/5.56/223AI, and also in the 308. Its a great powder for high velocities with 155s, 168 velocities tend to be nominal, 175s run 50-60fps slower than Varget/RL15 and anything heavier really needs a slower powder.

I run 23.5gr with a 77 in my 18" 1:8 AR (2660fps) and 24.9gr with a 80gr A-Max (2890fps) from a 22" 1:7 223AI.

[Silvercrow1]

XBR is good stuff - temp stable and meters VERY well.

It works great in the 223/5.56/223AI, and also in the 308. Its a great powder for high velocities with 155s, 168 velocities tend to be nominal, 175s run 50-60fps slower than Varget/RL15 and anything heavier really needs a slower powder.

I run 23.5gr with a 77 in my 18" 1:8 AR (2660fps) and 24.9gr with a 80gr A-Max (2890fps) from a 22" 1:7 223AI.

That is great to hear! VERY good info; I have 200 155 Gn. Hornady AMax- cant wait to try it! Brian