Need some help with Thunderbird 8208 powder

T

Tac56

Guest
Hello Folks,
I am new to the forum and specifically joined at the direction of some other folks who directed me here due to a question I have and some assistance I am in need of. First, let me start off by stating that I am not a benchrest shooter/competetor. I am a firearms enthusiast and reloader who spends most of his time with hunting and tactical rifles and pistols.

I recently inheareted a large quantity of various gun powders from a relative that passed on and need some assistance with a couple of them, one specifically being Thunderbird Cartridge 8208. I have 2 (two) unopened 2 pound bottles and an open, but almost completely full 1 gallon jug (8 pound) container of Thunderbird 8208 gunpowder (unknown lot #). This powder was kept in a climate controlled area away from heat and moisture and appears to be in perfectly usable condition. My problem is that I can not find load data for it. I was not provided any load data with the powder and was only informed that my relative loaded it in .223 Remington for use in competition. I have no idea what type of competition or what type of firearm (bolt/auto).

I have scoured the internet and all the sources that I can think of looking for load data for this powder and have not had a whole lot of luck. I do load for .223 as well as .243 and .308 and would like to find some load data for this powder in order to be able to use it.

Is there anyone out there who can help me with this?

Any assistance would be appreciated.
-Tac
 
Tac56 said:
My problem is that I can not find load data for it.

I have scoured the internet and all the sources that I can think of looking for load data for this powder and have not had a whole lot of luck. I do load for .223 as well as .243 and .308 and would like to find some load data for this powder in order to be able to use it.
Click to expand...

The 6ppc shooters like this powder very much. I suggest you sell/trade it for powder about which loading information is readily available. There is a strong market for Thunderbird 8208. I know -- I just sold some. :D
 
If you don't want to sell it and you still want to use it, it has about the same load criteria as H322 or Vit 133. These are listed in most load books. Good luck. This is a really fine powder.
 
Load Data

My problem is that I can not find load data for it.
I have scoured the internet and all the sources that I can think of looking for load data for this powder and have not had a whole lot of luck.
Is there anyone out there who can help me with this?

Any assistance would be appreciated.
-Tac[/QUOTE]

I dont think you will find any published load data. This powder was intended for military use originally, not civilian, hence no load data for the public.

Bill from Ohio gave some good advice.
You can trade or sell this powder to any 6ppc shooter and get top price.

Just my 2 cents worth

CLP
 
It's what the military used to load 5.56x45, and could still be used for that. As others have pointed out though you could likely sell it to a BR shooter for use in the 6 PPC. Depending on how badly they want it, and how good a horse trader you are there's a good profit to be made from it.
 
Thanks for the info guys.... I am not looking to make a profit off of it, but I would be interested in selling it, if someone was looking for it. I have no idea what a fair price would be and I have no idea how I would go about shipping it to someone (I am sure there are special considerations/fees on the part of the shipping company).

Does anyone out there have a good load worked up for it in .223 with a 55 grain ballistic tip/V-max bullet, that they would be willing to share? (if I can't sell it, I would be more than happy to put it to good use sending Prairie dogs to see their maker... :) )

-Tac
 
8208 Powder Price

Tac56 said:
Thanks for the info guys.... I am not looking to make a profit off of it, but I would be interested in selling it, if someone was looking for it. I have no idea what a fair price would be and I have no idea how I would go about shipping it to someone (I am sure there are special considerations/fees on the part of the shipping company.

-Tac
Click to expand...

It should sell for $18-$22.00 per pound
There is a new 8208 XBR powder out that might affect its price??

Its not worth the cost/effort to ship that small amount of powder.

Take it to a benchrest match and you will make a sale I'm sure.

You could also take to Bruno's shooters supply in Phoenix and they will help you to sell it or trade for a powder of your choice, since you live in Arizona.

If you want to shoot it use the load data for Hodgen 322 powder or VitaVori 133 as previous recommended.

8208 powder had many lots with some fast and some slower. If your going to use this powder start low and work your way up slowly watching for pressure signs.

CLP
 
Thank you for the information gentelmen, I appreciate it.

-Tac
 
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