CFE223 or XBR 8208 for 308?

Riven

Riven

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
40   0   0
Location
Burks Falls Ontario
Im going to loading for my new 308 for the first time in the coming months and was hoping for some help picking a powder.
I was set on CFE223 but the guys at my local shop have been pushing me to go with XBR 8208.
I see the benefits both powders offer but was hoping for some personal feedback on either on to help close the deal.

Any other suggestions are welcomed! I would prefer a fine grain powder since my feeder does not like the bigger stuff like 4064 I use for my 30-30 at this time.

Thanks
 
I use Imr 8208xbr in my 6x45. Summer loads were on average 50-70fps faster then they are in the winter. Hodgdon says it is extremely temp stable. I find it to not be. Varget in my experience is a lot more stable.
 
They will both work but XBR will likely feed better through a powder dropper. If you're looking for best accuracy, for a given bullet your rifle may like one better than the other. I'd try Varget for heavier bullets (175 and greater).
 
8208 is supposed to be better with lighter bullets <150 gr. I'm getting some good results with 125/130 gr bullets. Varget is pretty good also.
 
which bullet are you using? I am using SST and GMX because these factory 165SST/GMX ammos out of box are very accurate in my gun. according to my hornady manual, they highly recommend Varget & H4895. So I am using Varget. Haven't gotten chance to try my own load though
 
Sticking to the two powders and calibre the OP asked about and assuming a 165 grain bullet this is from Hodgdon's reloading manual in a 24 ich test barrel.

CFE 223 45.4 to max 48.3 grains for 2,649 to 2,839 FPS and a avg peak pressure of 61,500 PSI at max. Muzzle energy is 2,571 to 2,953 FP It is the slower powder.
IMR 8208 38.5 to max 42.8 grains for 2,491 to 2,691 FPS and an avg peak pressure of 60,200 PSI. Muzzle energy is 2,274 to 2,654. It is the faster powder.

If you are shooting targets for accuracy your rifle will tell you which to use. Barrel length and twist rate are two variables that may favour one powder over another. My preference would by CFE223 as it gives a higher velocity range suited to my 1-12 twist rifle with a 24 inch barrel. I am likely to find a good accuracy node in this range. I would also choose this powder over IMR8208 for hunting due to its higher FPS/Energy generation subject to considerations of, bullet type, range and species hunted.

Hope this helps.
 
Riven said:
22" barrel and will be mostly for hunting and some target but nothing serious.
Click to expand...

Then I would use CFE223. It meters good, actual reduces copper fowling and gives the best performance in your bullet weight range of the two powders.
 
How about IMR 4064? I double-checked my hornady manual, my memory played trick on me. Hornady stated during their whole range of hornady bullets they tested, Varget and IMR 4064 were the most accurate two.

Riven said:
I was thinking 155 - 165gr
I dont have access to Varget without a Long drive to get it.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom