7.62 M1 Garand and 8208XBR

franzas · Apr 20, 2017

Hey y'all,

I'm about to start putting together some 168 gr BTHP loads for my M1.

I've read great things about 8208, but the pressure seems to run higher than other powders in the same burn range.

I was thinking of working up to 41 grains max with this powder in LC cases. Hodgdon's website lists 43.3 grains as max in Winchester cases.

Does anyone have experience with this powder in M1/M14 rifles? Is my charge going to be too hot? I'm not looking for top-end velocity, just accurate performance (and I don't want to damage my NM rod).

Thanks
Franz

jake1945 · Apr 21, 2017

I haven't used that powder in my garands. You must be careful of the pressure as too much can damage the op-rod. Some reloading manuals have a section on reloading M1 garands. Or, go to the Welcome to Culver's Shooting Page board as they have all kinds of reload advice.

ArchAngelCD · Apr 21, 2017

Are you asking about 30-06 ammo or .308 ammo? I'm only asking for clarity even though by your charge weight it looks like you are asking about .308 Win ammo. (and the mention of the M14)

The 30-06 and 308 are both 7.62mm, 7.62x63mm and 7.62x51mm.

As for IMR 8208 being safe to use in either ammo, it seems to be near the middle of the recommended burn rate range so I see no reason not to use it.

jimbo728 · Apr 21, 2017

IMR 4064 is tried and true in 7.62x51.
Outstanding accuracy potential and correct pressure range in moderate loading for the M1 or M1A.
IMR 4895 is good also.
Jim

ArchAngelCD · Apr 21, 2017

jimbo728 said:
IMR 4064 is tried and true in 7.62x51.
Outstanding accuracy potential and correct pressure range in moderate loading for the M1 or M1A.
IMR 4895 is good also.
Jim

I agree with Jim, IMR 4064 seems to be THE .308 Win powder even with all the new powders that are available.

growr · Apr 21, 2017

Powder

In regards to a powder choice in an M1 chambered for .308 or even 30-06 I have have VERY good results in accuracy with IMR-4895.

It was the original powder for M2 Ball ammo and continues to be MY first choice. I have used 4064 with great success as well, AA 2520, Win 748, BL-C2, are also good choices.

When there is something that has proven itself for so long, I tend to stay with it rather than re-inventing things, but that is just ME!

Randy

PS.

When I shot NRA Service rifle with an M1A, the load that replicated Lake City M-852 was a match casing, Federal primer, 42 grains of IMR 4895 and a Sierra 168 Match King. Point of Aim and Point of Impact were that same.

We always maintained that if your rifle did NOT shoot this load your rifle was NOT going to shoot well with anything else.

franzas · Apr 21, 2017

Yes it is a .308 (7.62x51 not Rifle, .30 Cal).

I also have 4895 (and Hodgdon's flavor), 4064 and 2520 to try. I'm curious about 8208 because it seems like it would be in the right burn speed range.

growr · Apr 22, 2017

The reason so many stay with the powders I mentioned above is that they are proven. Going out of that given range can result in a bent op rod which is very expensive to replace.

It is YOUR rifle however, if you want to experiment....go for it!

Randy

PS. According to the 2016 Burn Rate Comparison Chart IMR-8208 is significantly faster than the IMR-4895 and similar powders.....closer to AA 2230 and such. Were it me I would use the other powders you mentioned as having.

MichiganScott · Apr 22, 2017

You can safely load a Garand or M1A with any powder in the burn rate range between IMR-3031 and IMR-4320. IMR 8208XBR is right in the center of that burn range, just slightly faster than the 4895's.

Before I went over to the dark side, I burned a lot of pull down 4895 because I paid $6/pound. I did experiment with powders on both ends of the spectrum, but cheap always won out.

There is no reason to load max charges in a rifle that can be anywhere from 50-70 years old. Parts are still available, but getting more expensive all the time. Start low and stop when you get the accuracy you want. Muzzle velocity of M2 Ball was close to 2800 FPS. You can easily beat that but paper, or game for that matter, will never know the difference.

Nevada Ed · Apr 22, 2017

I agree with those about 4064 and 4895 working well with the 308 cartridge.

Even my old Winchester model 100 semi-auto liked those powders......
but it was so long ago the 165gr bullets were not yet in style or
the "Hot item" for hunting, as yet.

7.62 M1 Garand and 8208XBR

franzas

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jake1945

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ArchAngelCD

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jimbo728

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ArchAngelCD

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growr

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franzas

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growr

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MichiganScott

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Nevada Ed

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