Looking for a little insight on IMR 8208 XBR

[Tc343]

I'm about to start using a powder that is new to me, IMR 8208 XBR. What's a good starting point from those who have expertise with this powder. I only ask because I keep reading it doesn't get tight groups until you push its max. Anyone else having similar results? I will be using 55gr SP bullets out of a 16" 1x7 to start out.

 

[Gluemanz28]

It's my go to powder anymore in my 223 with 55gr pills and a charge of 24.5 gets me one hole groups. I bought it in 8lbs jug and will buy another once this one is gone!

 

[Tc343]

Awesome, just the type of info I was looking for.

 

[avboiler11]

Works great in 5.56 with 77gr Noslers, and 223AI with 80gr A-Max.

My experience is that it does in fact provide best accuracy at close to max pressure loads...but that those loads are safe.

 

[Sirshredalot]

It is by far the most accurate powder that I use in my 308 garand....yes better than 4064, varget, or 3031 with a 150gr FMJ...group sizes where 2/3 the size.

Meters VERY well in all my measures...I cant say enough good things about it except that there is not more info or a readily enough available supply.

God bless
-Shred

 

[buckhunterbb]

Will these 55gr bullets shoot properly loaded near max with that 1x7 twist barrel?

 

[SMOKEDIVER36]

I'm about to start using a powder that is new to me, IMR 8208 XBR. What's a good starting point from those who have expertise with this powder. I only ask because I keep reading it doesn't get tight groups until you push its max. Anyone else having similar results? I will be using 55gr SP bullets out of a 16" 1x7 to start out.

What distance are you shooting 55gr SP? Who made your 16" 1X7 barrel? What are you shooting at and for what purpose?

8208 is one of my three go to powders depending on what is in stock at the end of the season. I am among a group that shoots 10,000+ rounds in competition annually. We do push them a little harder than normal but nothing to the point of primer popping crazy. Bench rest shooting and load testing are not my thing but moa does matter and I will say with the information you have given any problems with group size will not be from the powder.

 

[sgreen3]

Ive used a lot of this powder. Its becoming my preferred precision load powder ever more so than Varget. I have not had any problems with having to load it to the "max" to get very nice results. I don't load any of my cartridges to the max. Right now in my Savage Mod11 in 223 my best group load to date using 68gr Hornady HPBT over 21.1gr of 8208XBR.

 

[sht4brnz]

I've been getting excellent results running
23g under 69g smk's on my 16" piston ar 1/7twist

 

[Tc343]

100" yards is the longest range I have close. I have a wide variety of bullets stocked up. The IMR is a new powder to me and I also just acquired a decent amount of the hornady 55gr SP. Groups are unknown because I have not put any rounds down range yet with the new powder. The barrel has been pretty accurate for me in the 50-150yrd range and is from del-ton, I believe it was their brand though it's been a while.