223 AI---IMR 8208 XBR

[durango]

Making a list for the gun show tomorrow--Has anyone tried 8208XBR behind 69 gr SMK in the 223 AI? How about 52-53 gr SMKs? What are your thoughts? How about any other favorite powders in this round? So far Varget has been the best for me--I also have Reloder Varmint, 10x and RE 15 that I'm hoping to try. Looking for help on this round--does the 222 rem mag have a similar case capacity and can the load data be extrapolated for the 223 AI?

You thoughts and comments would be appreciated. Steve

[nsaqam]

Steve, if you want to give me some specifics I'd be happy to run the numbers through QuickLOAD.
I'd need COAL, barrel length, pressure you're willing to use, and if you want more accurate measurements your actual case capacity in grains of water filled to the top.
There isn't a SAAMI spec for pressure for this cartridge but I know the case is capable of handling 65K psi+ and bolt thrust is relatively low with the small diameter of the casehead.

Let me know and I'll run them.

[Blue Avenger]

30.849gr of water is the norm

[nsaqam]

30.849gr of water is the norm

QL's default for the cartridge is 31gr so you're right on Blue.

[Billch]

I've given 8208 a try with the 75 gr. A-Max in my 223 AI. This particular bullet has given me problems so it hasn't been a reasonable trial for this powder.
I plan on giving the 60 gr. V-Max a go this weekend. I've run it in QuickLoad and come up with 25.5 gr. of 8208 XBR at 2.260 OAL. This is about .025 off the lands in my rifle. Predicted MV is 3188 with about 59k psi. This will be a safe load for my rifle.

B

[SMK Shoe]

I do use 8208 with 69 Nosler Custom Comps in a regular .223 remington. Outstanding result's. Lots of groups in the two's and three's. mine like 38.1 clicks (22.3 grains) on a Harrel's powder measure. getting around 2850 fps with good SD's.

[durango]

Thanks for the replys--additional comments are welcome.

nsaqam, Thanks for your offer to help with quickLOAD. I'm not able to provide all the info at this time-maybe later this week. I'm in the process of finishing up my version of the stoneypoint/hornady AOL gauge and will play with the COAL question. You kind of threw me off with the pressure question--I've never thought much about actual numbers on pressure--just so it doesn't show the usually accepted signs of a 'hot load' and doesn't blow up my gun!!

As far as water capacity, I've never done that but I'm willing to learn. What do you do about the primer? Just leave an old one in the case or plug the pocket with clay or ??? Do you use tap water, tap water with a drop of dish soap or distilled or what?

I did pick up a bottle of 8208 and hope to get off a few rounds later this week.

Thanks again, Steve

[nsaqam]

You just leave the fired primer in, weigh it then mix a drop of dish soap with tap water. Fill it to the brim and weigh it. Subtract and that's your actual capacity.

There is of course no SAAMI MAP for the .223AI but if you're comfortable at 60K run there and if you're comfortable at 65K (I am) run there.

Barrel length, case capacity, bullet, powder, moly or no, and COAL are what I'll need.

[243LPR]

OK,I'll ask. Why the dish soap??

[kelbro]

The dish soap breaks the surface tension allowing a more consistent fill.