Thread: Is my batch of 8208 really slow?

Hi all

Running 55gr hornady sp's out of a howa mini 20" barrel. A touch over max with 8208 and I'm only seeing 2920fps which seems really slow compared to load data(even allowing for the shorter barrel) and what others are reporting even locally. Might I have a dud batch? anyone else experienced this?

I'm guessing 223???

I too have noticed a gradual decline in newer lots of 8208, I am now getting performance close to 2206H.
Please don't take this as gospel, your results may vary.

Nothing at all wrong with 2206h performance lol.

Oops sorry yes 223

Whats the accuracy like?

Accuracy is ok maybe around moa. not great like the grendel mini it replaced. It seems to prefer heavier projectiles but I'm looking for something economic for hares and goats. Any suggestions on something else to try? Speer hp?

I run a Tika 22" 1:8 and use the cheap as Hornady 62gr SP and 25gr of BM2. Not many hares get up from it.

Originally Posted by Allforham

Hi all

Running 55gr hornady sp's out of a howa mini 20" barrel. A touch over max with 8208 and I'm only seeing 2920fps which seems really slow compared to load data(even allowing for the shorter barrel) and what others are reporting even locally. Might I have a dud batch? anyone else experienced this?

Greetings,
The powder used in the Hodgdon data in much faster than that in the Hornady data by about 2 grains. I have some paired loads yet to shoot with the early IMR8208 XBR (same powder but different can) and BM8208 which should reveal all. More detail later today.
GPM.

Originally Posted by grandpamac

Greetings,
The powder used in the Hodgdon data in much faster than that in the Hornady data by about 2 grains. I have some paired loads yet to shoot with the early IMR8208 XBR (same powder but different can) and BM8208 which should reveal all. More detail later today.
GPM.

Thanks grandpamac, hadn't actually come across the hornady data before. I'm right on 26gr which is .2 over their max for 55gr(although strangely under max for 60-62gr?) they're showing 3200fps, 300fps sounds like a lot to lose for 4" less barrel?

For bullets, try Targex 52gr HP. Will be perfect for hares & goats, plus you will pick up some speed. I'm getting over 3200fps out of a 21" with IMR8208, though it is an old batch.

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Originally Posted by inglishill

I run a Tika 22" 1:8 and use the cheap as Hornady 62gr SP and 25gr of BM2. Not many hares get up from it.

Thanks might order a bag of those and also 52gr Speer and see if it prefers either of those.

Originally Posted by Mathias

For bullets, try Targex 52gr HP. Will be perfect for hares & goats, plus you will pick up some speed. I'm getting over 3200fps out of a 21" with IMR8208, though it is an old batch.

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Thanks Mathias, the rifle came with a few of the targex 80 grainers which it seems to quite like, seems overkill to be shooting mostly hares with though. Will add the 52's to the list to try.

3200 seems what most people are reporting, maybe I've got a really slow barrel. Or a dud chrono, the expected drop at range seems about right for my velocity though

Dont think hares and goats will notice the speed. I just use the cheap bulk hornady 55gn soft points if they are accurate, the goats and hares wont notice that either

Originally Posted by Allforham

Thanks might order a bag of those and also 52gr Speer and see if it prefers either of those.

This guy sells them pretty cheap, his listings have different amounts as well

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...1?bof=cMWeNbTj