IMR 8208 XBR Load Data Available Online
We interviewed Chris Hodgdon of Hodgdon Powder Co. and learned some important information about the IMR’s new 8208 XBR powder. First Chris confirmed that ADI (Australian Defense Industries Ltd.) is the manufacturer. The powder is a very small extruded powder, similar to H322 in kernel size. That means it packs densely in a case and meters well in manual powder measures. As to burn rate, Chris stated that IMR 8208 XBR is “a tad slower than H4895.” Chris confirmed that the powder’s distinctive qualities are temp stability in an ultra-wide temperature range and a very broad accuracy window. Chris said: “Jim Carmichael found he could go up and down [significantly] in his charge weight and the group size didn’t vary.”
Hodgdon has already begun shipping IMR 8208 XBR to “OEM manufacturers” according to Chris, who said a major manufacturer will be loading the powder into .308 Win ammo and possibly other cartridges. Chris hopes to send AccurateShooter.com some of the new 8208 XBR powder for testing within two weeks. When will the powder be available to the general public? Chris couldn’t give a firm answer, but he stated “we hope to start shipping in January, 2010, prior to SHOT Show.”
IMR 8208 XBR Load Data Now Online
The Hodgdon Reloading Center site has been updated to include IMR 8208 XBR load data for 41 cartridges. Go to www.data.hodgdon.com and select “Cartridge Loads”. Then you’ll need to input the rifle cartridge of your choice. We quickly found IMR 8208 XBR loads for the .223 Rem, 22 PPC, 22-250, 6 PPC, 6mm BR, 6.5 Grendel, and .308 Win, and many other cartridges. NOTE: For most of these cartridges, the stated “max load” velocities were NOT particularly impressive. So, be aware, that this initial load data is pretty conservative.
So, can you buy this stuff anywhere yet?
I can’t find it in stock yet.
“NOTE: For most of these cartridges, the stated “max load” velocities were NOT particularly impressive. So, be aware, that this initial load data is pretty conservative.”
I do not expect the velocities to get any better! Looking at your load data ALL the XBR loads were COMPRESSED! Not in stock anyway, LOL
IMB 8208 XBR is currently in stock at Grafs.com, in both 8-lb and 1-lb containers — As of 12/22/09.
Individual shooters, with throats set up with ample freebore, have been able to “beat” Hodgdon’s listed loads by significant margins, using NON-compressed loads. Of course, to do that they are loading to a longer COAL.
Got an 8 lb. keg from Midsouth shooters supply. Just waiting on delivery.
Any load data out there for 6mm BRX using the new 8208 XBR?
Thanks
Looks like just another garden variety tweak of Varget/Benchmark. There’s a report in the latest “Precision Shooting” but it isn’t very helpful. Like most of the articles in that magazine the author talks more about his equpment and himself than actual testing. Hodgdon’s itself says that his is not the original 8028/Thunderbird/T32. I just bought a pound yesterday so haven’t got to try it yet but am looking forward to doing so. Keep in mind that no becnhresters use any Hodgdon’s products, at least not in the list of the nationals. VV 133 is the choice.
Trapper,
We specifically addressed your concerns in an interview with Chris Hodgdon. He explained very clearly that this is NOT just a reblend of an existing powder. It really is something new, though it does come from the Australian maker of Varget, H4350 etc. Chris shared with us pressure/velocity data acquired over a HUGE temperature range, and I can tell you that the pressure uniformity (from one temp extreme to the other) was amazing compared to ANY other powder we’ve seen data for. If you read through the archives, you’ll see that some major Aggs and Matches have been won already with 8208. It’s natural to be skeptical, but rest assured, this is not merely a rebranding of another ADI powder.
Are you working up any loading data for the Rem 6.8 SPC? This powder is awesome in my .308.
Thank you
This powder is awesome. If all you ever do is sissy benchrest shooting then maybe go with the VV powder. (just joking) But for us real men that use our rifles for hunting, prone shooting, QCB, long range hunting etc this powder is great. Its like Varget but can actually be dumped without worry of being 0.75 grains high or short like Varget. Its temp stability is just as good if not better than Varget. Its my powder of choice for 5.56×45 and 308
Really need data for 6.5 Grendel and
7.62×39!!
Really low ES for .308 Win. Supremely low with 135 smks and BR quality with 155-168s. ES suffers in my loads any heavier than 168.
This powder is top of the line.
PLEASE!!
Give me some input on reloading my rem.5r mil spec 308 22″ barrel. i have gone through 8 lbs.of imr 4064 with fair results. I have desided to go back with 8 lbs. imr 8208 xbr. I am shooting
hornady 168 gr. bthp for competition out to 600 yards. My zero is at 100 yards.
Your help will be very thankful as I shoot tomorrow am. lapur case wolf primers. ASAP
Do you have any loads for the 222 with 40 gr. bullets ? Thank you Wayne.
INTERESTED IN LOADING DATA FOR 243 ACKLEY
60 GRAIN BERGERS IMR 8208 XBR
JP
INTERESTED IN LOADING DATA IMR 8208 XBR for 30 BR with 118 grain bullets
would like some load data on 7mm if possible, or the 280 .
Is there any load data on the 6.8 130Gn using the 8202? I only see it up to the 115Gn
Would like load data for 6.5 Grendel 100gr TTSX and IMR 8208 XBR powder
I would like some reloading info for a 243 WIN with a 100 gr bullet for IMR8208
HI, I have ben using 8208 XBR in my 6mm BR Rem 40X I am new at loading for the 6mm BR but have loaded about 90 to 100 rounds using 30.0 grns. with a Rem 71/2 BR Primer ; with a 65 Grn Horn V max and a 68 Grn Berger FB Target . Some really nice three shot groups.1xx and .2xx and a couple of nice 5 shot groups. Work in progress and will continue to use this powder in load development .
do you have load data for the 308 using 110gr bullet and imr8208xbr.i am looking for a safe starting load and the safe max load .thank you
The best powder I’ve been used and 8208 XP are 4308 give me a high velocity
Use 60.2 grains I R 8208xbr for 200grain horadady bullet , haven’t miss yet 100 yd. and 200 yd.very happy!
Looking for an 8208XBR load for 325 WSM.