D8208 XBR- Anyone Experimented Yet?

I use IMR8208 XBR and was considering trying this D8208 as a cost effective replacement but it sounds like maybe not. I have a couple of great loads, don't want to have to build them up again. Now if I was totally out - maybe but I still have 8 lbs of it so good for a while (depending on how much gopher shooting gets done this summer)
 
I shot my 308 today with a few different loads. I'm using IVI brass and 168 SMK's, and ran into pressure signs way before what the Hogdon website says is max loading. Slightly sticky bolt and definite ejector mark on the case head at 40.5 grains, while the Hogdon site says 43.3 grains is the maximum for the same bullet. I started at 35 grains, and seem to have found a good spot between 36 and 37, with velocities between 2450 and 2510. At 200m the elevation of the hits is within about 1/2" difference in height, on 2 separate targets. I'll have to do some more testing in that range I guess. Has anyone ordered the 8208 recently and can let us know what lot number they're currently selling? Would be nice to know if I can get more from the same batch.
Kristian
 
turbo_bird said:
I shot my 308 today with a few different loads. I'm using IVI brass and 168 SMK's, and ran into pressure signs way before what the Hogdon website says is max loading. Slightly sticky bolt and definite ejector mark on the case head at 40.5 grains, while the Hogdon site says 43.3 grains is the maximum for the same bullet. I started at 35 grains, and seem to have found a good spot between 36 and 37, with velocities between 2450 and 2510. At 200m the elevation of the hits is within about 1/2" difference in height, on 2 separate targets. I'll have to do some more testing in that range I guess. Has anyone ordered the 8208 recently and can let us know what lot number they're currently selling? Would be nice to know if I can get more from the same batch.
Kristian
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I bought some a few weeks ago and it was still lot #16
 
I had worked up a load in a 223 with this stuff that was close to max but safe in winter, tried shooting the gun yesterday in some warmer temperatures and the box of ammo had been sitting open in the sun for a bit. Looks like what I don't pull will be winter ammo only. Got some pretty heavy cratering of the primers. Temperature was only around 15C, but the box of loose ammo was sitting open and in the sun for a bit. Guess I'm going to get a workout with the hammer puller now.
Kristian
 
turbo_bird said:
I had worked up a load in a 223 with this stuff that was close to max but safe in winter, tried shooting the gun yesterday in some warmer temperatures and the box of ammo had been sitting open in the sun for a bit. Looks like what I don't pull will be winter ammo only. Got some pretty heavy cratering of the primers. Temperature was only around 15C, but the box of loose ammo was sitting open and in the sun for a bit. Guess I'm going to get a workout with the hammer puller now.
Kristian
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These results are quite interesting.

The keg I picked up is also from lot 16.

When I heard it was appx 10% faster than than cannister grade 8208, the first thing that came to mind was for the 22 K Hornet and 218 Bee with heavy bullets.

Yeah, I know that's defeating the reasoning behind the Hornet and Bee.
 
turbo_bird said:
I had worked up a load in a 223 with this stuff that was close to max but safe in winter, tried shooting the gun yesterday in some warmer temperatures and the box of ammo had been sitting open in the sun for a bit. Looks like what I don't pull will be winter ammo only. Got some pretty heavy cratering of the primers. Temperature was only around 15C, but the box of loose ammo was sitting open and in the sun for a bit. Guess I'm going to get a workout with the hammer puller now.
Kristian
Click to expand...

what was the velocity difference from cold to warm?
 
todbartell said:
what was the velocity difference from cold to warm?
Click to expand...

No idea, I didn't chronograph them as I was just checking for safe pressures and found the best accuracy was at the top end. However, I had no issues with stuff bolt lift or primers cratering in the cold, just slightly flattened primers. Shooting in warmer weather there was significant primer cratering and fairly stiff bolt lift. I didn't think to take any pictures of the primers either, and my brother has all that at his place.
Kristian
 
When you guys state that D8208 is a faster powder you are obviously talking about burn rate correct? I have some really awesome loads for my 204, 22-250 and 243 with IMR 8208. I purchased D8208 but have not had to try it yet. Will my velocities suffer? Will D8208 really be like using Benchmark because in my 204 Benchmark was 350 fps slower than IMR8208 velocity wise.
 
sharp shooter said:
When you guys state that D8208 is a faster powder you are obviously talking about burn rate correct? I have some really awesome loads for my 204, 22-250 and 243 with IMR 8208. I purchased D8208 but have not had to try it yet. Will my velocities suffer? Will D8208 really be like using Benchmark because in my 204 Benchmark was 350 fps slower than IMR8208 velocity wise.
Click to expand...

back off your IMR 8208xbr loads 10% and work up with D8208BR. The Dominion is definitely faster burn rate than IMR
 
I bought a 5lb jug from Canada Ammo and haven't tried it yet. I worked up loads for my 204 (35-40gr bullets), 222 mag (40gr bullet), 22-250 (40gr bullet) and 243 (55gr bullet) with IMR8208 that shoot ridiculously well and fast. I hope D8208 isn't too close to Benchmark, in my 204 Benchmark was 300 fps slower than IMR 8208.
 
I've been interrupted in my .223 and 6.5 grendel works , defenitly burn hotter. vey wise people follow the advice to start 10% low and ladder test from there. I'm starting to home in on the best load so im going up in .3 grain increments now after finding the zone where I can go to
 
Started on some D8208 loads today. 2.260 COL, Sierra 69 gr SMK, IVI brass, Dominion SR primers, in a Mossberg MVP Predator.

5 shot groups at 100m. 21.5 gr, 21.8 gr, and 22.1 gr, from left to right. Kinda rushed the 21.8 group so the size is probably me. Groups were 5/8", 1 1/8", and about 7/8".

Very happy with the initial results. Didn't chrony, no idea of velocity. Some slight flattening of primers on all loads, but no ejector marks or other pressure signs.

https://flic.kr/p/2n3wxaA https://www.flickr.com/photos/162118399@N03/
 
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