Thread: Is my batch of 8208 really slow?

Originally Posted by Mathias

Just checked my load book. 52gr Targex, 26gr IMR8208XBR and a 10 shot string produced 3249fps average. These bullets are extremely good and produce amazing accuracy in my rifle. For hares etc, that counts as they are small targets when the meterage increases.

Interesting that you're getting an extra 300fps with the same powder charge and only 3 grains less projectile weight. What length are you loading to? I load mine reasonably long as it seems to prefer it this way maybe my pressure is down due to this.

Agree on the accuracy requirement for hares compared to deer etc. I like to go for head shots if I've got time. always worry about the whole lead thing feeding the dog and I'm too cheap to buy copper

A 223 won't leave bugger all lead in a hare unless your using varmint projectiles.not a lot of resistance.if worried just take back end for dog...there is bugger all meat in front anyway. A slow accurate load is better than fast not accurate one. Without that chronicgraph you wouldn't have an issue lol. You could go fmj and lead issue would be moot point.they kill hares etc just fine,you do of course have to consider background a bit more.

Originally Posted by Allforham

Interesting that you're getting an extra 300fps with the same powder charge and only 3 grains less projectile weight. What length are you loading to? I load mine reasonably long as it seems to prefer it this way maybe my pressure is down due to this.

Agree on the accuracy requirement for hares compared to deer etc. I like to go for head shots if I've got time. always worry about the whole lead thing feeding the dog and I'm too cheap to buy copper

56.9mm OAL

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Originally Posted by Micky Duck

A 223 won't leave bugger all lead in a hare unless your using varmint projectiles.not a lot of resistance.if worried just take back end for dog...there is bugger all meat in front anyway. A slow accurate load is better than fast not accurate one. Without that chronicgraph you wouldn't have an issue lol. You could go fmj and lead issue would be moot point.they kill hares etc just fine,you do of course have to consider background a bit more.

Thanks yeah i have started leaving the front end if it's not a head shot, probably isn't really an issue but I figure if anything was going to be affected it'd be the dog being 1/4 a humans body weight and eating it every night. You're probably right about 99% of the lead going straight through though

Originally Posted by Allforham

Thanks yeah i have started leaving the front end if it's not a head shot, probably isn't really an issue but I figure if anything was going to be affected it'd be the dog being 1/4 a humans body weight and eating it every night. You're probably right about 99% of the lead going straight through though

Unless it is a clear head shot I won't feed them to my dog, I am a bit paranoid about poisoning him though.

did a velocity and pressure test with BM 8208 and 162-ELD-M ( 7mm08 ) today. not sure if I stumbled across something glorious or fell into the deep end of the pool..

Originally Posted by Mroach

did a velocity and pressure test with BM 8208 and 162-ELD-M ( 7mm08 ) today. not sure if I stumbled across something glorious or fell into the deep end of the pool..

Please do elaborate..

How many of us have fed shotgun shot hares ,bunnies and wallabies to dogs forever with never an issue??? I know my hand goes up...

I wrote up all the loads and info on my computer, the forum hates my computer and then it just wiped it. took like half an hour.

Essentially followed ADI load data but back off slightly as was using different brass and primers.,got some really good speeds and then velocity suddenly did a 100 fps jump on a .3 grain charge. I got book max speed a grain short of book max with a 4 inch shorter barrel. no pressure signs.. no sticky bolt, tiny extractor mark on case.. primer fine.double triple checked everything.. landlocked each round individually. every round had charge written on it. Bullets Ogives measured before seating . Final COAL, final base to Ogive. . 10 mins between shots haha.. I did 2 rounds per charge weight and my the difference in Velocity was in most cases below 10 at least 2 below 5.. was getting good everything probably had enough speed to back off and still be fine..

Obviously want to understand what could have caused that, am going to back off load. I can afford too however I also want to eliminate the idea of wearing my scuba mask whilst hunting on a hot day.

@Mroach The big increase in speed is a thing with 8208, have a web search, it tends to spike quickly in pressure.
As in nothing, nothing still nothing.... whoof! over pressure.

from the web

IMR 8208 XBR is known for its temperature stability and consistent performance. However, it can also exhibit pressure spikes, especially at the high end of the load range. Users have noted that pressure can increase quickly with certain bullet weights and seating depths, so it's crucial to start low and work up, paying close attention to pressure signs.
Elaboration:
Temperature Stability:
IMR 8208 XBR has been described as "flat-line" in pressure tests, meaning it maintains relatively consistent pressure across a wide temperature range.
Pressure Spikes:
Despite its stability, some users have reported that 8208 XBR can have a non-linear pressure curve, meaning it can go from no pressure signs to definitive signs quickly.

Yep that hit the nail on the head, Thanks I did read up on it but obviously not through the correct channels, I remember one person commenting on being careful near the top as it can get a bit prickly haha.It is kinda ironic having consistent performance and pressure spikes in the same sentence.
I guess in practice I am wanting to pick a charge that puts me on a grassy knoll right in the middle of a doing nothing pressure bump.
and perhaps run 10 + shot groups knowing full well I can claim sub MOA with pressure spikes if it all goes bad?

Superprefomance is another powder known for doing silly things.great velocity spread or accuracy or both then..hello all turns to shit. Stay safe folks,the good Lord only gave you two eyeballs.

yep avoiding it