First Work with IMR 8208 XBR

[DrMike]

Scotty,

If this powder is in fact AR2219, ADI has been working up loads with 250 grain bullets in both the .358 and the .356. If, as it seems apparent, the burn rate approximates H4895, then it will work fine for heavier bullets in those cartridges. It is not going to be the "go to" powder for standard cartridges such as the 30-06 with heavier bullets, however. I will be doing some work (d.v.) over the coming months with the .358 and the .356 using IMR8208. It will take a bit of time, however.

Consequently, I was shooting my Model 94, working up a load with Hornady FTX and A2015 this afternoon... Well, the planets were aligned or something. It was about -12 C and still. Velocity was low as this is the initial work-up with this powder and these bullets. This first group was almost off the paper. I had to raise elevation by about 9 MOA and windage left by about 7 MOA. The group size is 0.79 inch. The remainder of the group is all minute of moose to 200 yards, but it gives me hope on this rifle.

I recently put a new scope on this rifle and I'm still working with it. It is a 1.1 - 4 X 24 Kahles 30mm tube. It is certainly not for long-range shooting, but to 200 yards, it works just fine. Usually on this rifle I've used 220 grain Speer FN bullets, but the FTX may work. My initial work with this bullet gave me about 2500 fps but the groups were less than spectacular. This gives me some hope that I can make this work. Just thought I'd share it.

 

[DrMike]

Corey,

I'm not currently working on any 223 work. I may at some point in the future, but I don't foresee doing that right away. I mention this because data is trickling out indicating that Hodgdon and some specialised handloading groups are working on the cartridge using this powder.

 

[C.Smith]

Dr.Mike, my bad sorry. I will have to look for it. Thanks

Corey

 

[SJB358]

Scotty,

If this powder is in fact AR2219, ADI has been working up loads with 250 grain bullets in both the .358 and the .356. If, as it seems apparent, the burn rate approximates H4895, then it will work fine for heavier bullets in those cartridges. It is not going to be the "go to" powder for standard cartridges such as the 30-06 with heavier bullets, however. I will be doing some work (d.v.) over the coming months with the .358 and the .356 using IMR8208. It will take a bit of time, however.

Consequently, I was shooting my Model 94, working up a load with Hornady FTX and A2015 this afternoon... Well, the planets were aligned or something. It was about -12 C and still. Velocity was low as this is the initial work-up with this powder and these bullets. This first group was almost off the paper. I had to raise elevation by about 9 MOA and windage left by about 7 MOA. The group size is 0.79 inch. The remainder of the group is all minute of moose to 200 yards, but it gives me hope on this rifle.

I recently put a new scope on this rifle and I'm still working with it. It is a 1.1 - 4 X 24 Kahles 30mm tube. It is certainly not for long-range shooting, but to 200 yards, it works just fine. Usually on this rifle I've used 220 grain Speer FN bullets, but the FTX may work. My initial work with this bullet gave me about 2500 fps but the groups were less than spectacular. This gives me some hope that I can make this work. Just thought I'd share it.

Those look great too me. How is case fill? That seems to be the biggest problem (if you can call it a problem) with the 358 and heavier bullets. You cannot always get enough powder in the case in order to fill it enough to get good speeds with powders like Varget. Just wondering. Guess I need to find some bullets and try some out. Scotty

 

[7mmXBOLT]

Just wondering if because Hodgdon considers this a BR powder does the price reflect.

What is the general cost for 1 lb can of the IMR 8208 BR? Does anyone feel it would be worth wild trying it a barrel that is not match grade? 8)

 

[DrMike]

Those look great too me. How is case fill? That seems to be the biggest problem (if you can call it a problem) with the 358 and heavier bullets. You cannot always get enough powder in the case in order to fill it enough to get good speeds with powders like Varget.

Scotty,

This charge was about 85%. Lots of room.

7mmXBOLT,

I can't speak for pricing in the States, but the price per pound here is identical to the price for other IMR and Hodgdon powders ($36.99). We run quite a bit ahead of the states, in part because of transportation costs, but also because Canadian distributors can take a pretty good cut.

 

[DrMike]

http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/MSDS Files/Smokeless/Hodgdon/Extruded Rifle Powders/H322.pdf

According to this MSDS, AR2219 is equated to H322. Ergo, if one works up IMR8208XBR without pressure-tested load data, the individual must understand that it is dangerous to assume that the data for AR2219 is interchangeable. In fact, the burn rate will be faster. Understand that this must be treated as a unique powder until proven otherwise. Just a cautionary word for anyone planning to work with this powder--start low and work up carefully.

 

[super-7]

I've read the rave reviews on this powder, in a couple of mags, thought that maybe a good powder for the .204, instead of varget? Any thoughts, I have enough ammo reloaded for this winters coyotes, but next year I may experiment.

 

[DrMike]

As with every new powder, it will require testing before drawing such a conclusion. Velocities look to be similar, if not slightly faster, than other powders used in that cartridge across a spectrum of burn rates. The sales pitch is that it is more consistent in burn and temperature insensitive (as are several of the extreme powders).

The newer powders have different formulations that give us wider options, which means that we are more likely to find precisely what we need. The cost is not prohibitive, so I'd certainly give it a try.