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 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 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

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?

Originally Posted by Allforham

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?

Greetings again @Allforham,
So far I have worked with 3 cartridges using BM8208. I did a comparative test in my 20 inch barrelled .308 and the Speer 125 grain TNT. My testing showed IMR8208XBR to be slightly faster than AR2206H and very close to the old AR2206. This matched the Hodgdon data pretty well. I also had data from Handloader Magazine which showed AR2206H to be a bit faster. Next was a .222 in which BM8208 fell well short of the Hodgdon data even when the 20.5 inch barrel was allowed for. Finally BM8208 was loaded with the 60 grain Hornady V-MAX. The book max of 23.6 grains only produced 2,940 fps instead of the listed 3,057 fps in spite of the 26 inch barrel. Back to Handloader Brian Pearce had tested IMR8208XBR with the 60 grain Hornady Soft point and 23.5 grains delivered 2,911 fps and his loads went up to 25.5 grains which delivered 3,148 fps. His max load for the 55 grain Nosler BT was 26 grains of IMR8208XBR for 3,251 fps in a 22 inch barrel. Out of interest 25.5 grains of the similar AR2206 produced 3,3230 fps in my 26 inch barrel.
Currently there are test loads of 25 grains of IMR8208XBR, AR2206, AR2206H and BM8208 with the 55 grain Hornady ready and I will chronograph them next range day. 2,920 does seem awfully slow, even for a 20 inch barrel so checking both your scales and chronograph against others may be a good idea.
Regards Grandpamac.

Originally Posted by Allforham

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?

So you have found an anomaly in data.... Question it. Look at other sources of data...unless the 55 was mono and 62 cup n core...something is amiss. Look at other projectiles weights...what's the PATTERN??? Eg it usually/normally works out something along lines of maximum charge for heavier projectiles is middle to low for next weight projectiles down. I suggest you look at fourty five,fifty,sixty,sixty five and a weight smack bang in middle is what you SHOULD have for fifty five.

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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