IMR 8208 XBR loads

[banjosam]

Any thoughts or input on IMR 8208 XBR for the 223/5.56 especially as far as accuracy is concerned?

 

[rufuswd]

New to AR's and .223 . A friend gave me a pound to try. Just started to work up a load with IMR8208. Bought processed brass and version 1 55gr bullets from Everglades ammo. After reading all the posts I could find I started at 23.5 gr and went to 25.0 by .5 gr. Tightest group was 1 1/8". Some signs of excess pressure with 24.5 and 25. Made a new batch 21.5 to 23.5 By .5 . Hodgdon site shows 21.5 to 23 so we'll see. It rained all day so I couldn't try them. If you come up with a good load please let me know. BTW I put a 3# Timney trigger on mine and I really like it.

 

[MichiganScott]

Although I've never used 8208 XBR to reload a .223, I've got plenty of experience using other powders. Because Hodgdon recommends a max of 23.0 grains with a 55gr bullet, I'd be real hesitant to load much more than a 1/2 grain over that, even in a 5.56 NATO chamber.

What signs of excess pressure were you getting?

 

[rufuswd]

Primers were flat. Nicer weather today. 38 and no wind. 23gr shot the best. 5 holes touching but strung left to right. ??? Put a bipod on it and that helped. I'll load a few more tonite and try again tomorrow.

 

[MichiganScott]

Primers are a poor predictor of high pressure. Google "case head swipes".

 

[rufuswd]

Hodgdon Load data shows max load as 25.3 gr. @ 2.200 C.O.L. W/49,300 CUP