SHOT Show Report: Chris Hodgdon Sets the Record Straight Regarding IMR 8208 XBR
We know many of our readers are interested in the new IMR 8208 XBR powder distributed by Hodgdon Powder Company. Early test lots of this new propellant have already won important benchrest matches, and field testing has shown that it is extremely stable across a wide temperature range. At SHOT Show 2010, we interviewed Chris Hodgdon, who gave us the “inside story” on this new powder. Before we started taping, Chris shared with us lab test results showing how pressure of a fixed load varied with ambient temperature. The data was stunning. Basically 8208 XBR showed almost constant pressures from below freezing to well over 100° F. This editor has personally never seen a powder test that revealed “flat-line” results like 8208 XBR, with recorded pressures remaining virtually unchanged over a huge temperature range. If the test results are to be believed, this is indeed a very exceptional powder.
On some internet Forums, skeptics have suggested that IMR 8208 XBR is just an “odd lot of H322″, and that, accordingly, 8208 XBR may not be available for long. Chris told us that the skeptics are misinformed — those who have suggested that 8208 XBR is re-labeled H322 are completely wrong. IMR 8208 XBR IS something new and it IS here to stay. IMR 8208 XBR is NOT merely a “tweaked” blend of H322. Though 8208 XBR has small kernels like H322, allowing it to meter well, 8208 XBR is a completely new formulation. Moreover, IMR 8208 XBR is not going to be a “one-production-run” wonder. Chris explained that Hodgdon is fully committed to long-term production of this new powder. So if you acquire some now, and develop a great load, rest assured that you will be able to obtain more IMR 8208 XBR in the future. As Chris explains in the interview, Hodgdon is strongly committed to IMR 8208 XBR and Hodgdon plans to keep it in production for a long time.
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Tags: Benchrest, H322, Hodgdon, IMR, Powder, PPC, Propellant
That rumor is so odd that it makes you wonder about how it came into circulation.
Considering there’s no mention of this new product on their website, rumors inevitably will fill the information void despite having little or no basis in facts.
(Hybrid 100V is the only “new” rifle propellant product & that dates to early in 2008.)
If they want to dispel rumors, hard information needs to be made available.
Nevermind… forgot they’re marketing it as an IMR product. THAT’S where the info is.
Be curious to learn how it works for 155’s in 308WIN for Palma shooting.
Yah, but getting any to test with is gonna be the big hurdle for the time being. I checked five different well-established vendors, none have any to ship (not that I expect to be doing any testing until maybe early April).
Steve:
That is the exact question I have. We need something with less lot to lot variation than Varget in the Palma game. 8208 XRB “might” just be the ticket with the 155 class bullet.
Jim
I like 8208 in my 223 ar15, but I do wish it I could get a little better accuracy out of it.
Thank You,
Jim Kellogg
kelloggj@cableone.net