By now we are getting quite a bit of data on the new 8208XBR powder, so I wanted to pitch in with my experience this weekend when finally made it to the range in a brief 'heat wave'. If only the winter would let go!
Chambering = 6PPC
Bullet = 68 gr Berger
Powder = IMR 8208XBR
Barrel = Krieger, 1:14" twist
Action = Kelby, model Stolle Teddy
Conditions:
Distance = 200Y
Temp = 38F to 42F
Wind = mild, switchy at times
Almost a foot of snow on the ground.
Mirage = mild to heavy at times
Target = IBS-like (same dimensions)
First did a quick ladder test (1 shot each) of 30.9gr, 31.2gr, 31,5gr, 31.8gr, 32.1gr
Result: Very low vertical across this range. Top end load generated "the click" while opening the bolt. Primer was flattened pretty good, pressure was definetely up there.
Selected center load of 31.5gr as it seemed to be in the center of the bunch. This load was then chrono'd (Shooting Chrony, 6 shots) at 3420 fps average, with an ES of 21fps. Powder line just past half the neck.
A couple of score targets were then shot. With the first target I struggled with conditions almost getting blown over, was lucky with the the 50-2X.
For the next target I decided to use only one condition that was repeating over and over, and oh man, this thing shot a 50-4X, way over my typical, I'd say my best score target ever shot. Maybe a coincidence, but I am exited with this new powder.
The sighter bull was used to explore conditions and click the scope. Then the bottom sighter bull was used (2 center puches) to run the target. That makes 6X's out of 7 shots, I am not that good.
In disbelief, I tried to shake it off with a group, just to prove that it had been a fluke. No way, it put the next five shots in just over a quarter inch, again one of my best group that I can remember. The gun did not want to stop shooting.
My conclusion: Still too early to tell, but powder did not disappoint in my first try.
The problem: I bought only 2 pounds, I was one of the non-believers :-(
George
Chambering = 6PPC
Bullet = 68 gr Berger
Powder = IMR 8208XBR
Barrel = Krieger, 1:14" twist
Action = Kelby, model Stolle Teddy
Conditions:
Distance = 200Y
Temp = 38F to 42F
Wind = mild, switchy at times
Almost a foot of snow on the ground.
Mirage = mild to heavy at times
Target = IBS-like (same dimensions)
First did a quick ladder test (1 shot each) of 30.9gr, 31.2gr, 31,5gr, 31.8gr, 32.1gr
Result: Very low vertical across this range. Top end load generated "the click" while opening the bolt. Primer was flattened pretty good, pressure was definetely up there.
Selected center load of 31.5gr as it seemed to be in the center of the bunch. This load was then chrono'd (Shooting Chrony, 6 shots) at 3420 fps average, with an ES of 21fps. Powder line just past half the neck.
A couple of score targets were then shot. With the first target I struggled with conditions almost getting blown over, was lucky with the the 50-2X.
For the next target I decided to use only one condition that was repeating over and over, and oh man, this thing shot a 50-4X, way over my typical, I'd say my best score target ever shot. Maybe a coincidence, but I am exited with this new powder.
The sighter bull was used to explore conditions and click the scope. Then the bottom sighter bull was used (2 center puches) to run the target. That makes 6X's out of 7 shots, I am not that good.
In disbelief, I tried to shake it off with a group, just to prove that it had been a fluke. No way, it put the next five shots in just over a quarter inch, again one of my best group that I can remember. The gun did not want to stop shooting.
My conclusion: Still too early to tell, but powder did not disappoint in my first try.
The problem: I bought only 2 pounds, I was one of the non-believers :-(
George
