Is 8208 XBR now a unicorn?

[Weldor]

Powder valley just sent out a email IMR 8208 in stock.

 

[sdupontjr]

It did, went quick. And also $110 shipped. If stores are starting to get some in, I'll bet the local shop will be getting some soon. Has all sorts of items. I just can't see paying that much for powder.

 

[sierracharlie338]

It did, went quick. And also $110 shipped. If stores are starting to get some in, I'll bet the local shop will be getting some soon. Has all sorts of items. I just can't see paying that much for powder.

You would be better off buying 5-8 pounds at a time to bring down the cost per pound since you are factoring in the shipping that way. I generally don’t buy powder online in less than 5lb per order or adding primers to the order. Also watch for those free hazmat shipping emails.

ETA - powder valley has free hazmat today only. Just got the email.

 

[Weldor]

They do that pretty regular, makes it worth it.

 

[sdupontjr]

You would be better off buying 5-8 pounds at a time to bring down the cost per pound since you are factoring in the shipping that way. I generally don’t buy powder online in less than 5lb per order or adding primers to the order. Also watch for those free hazmat shipping emails.

ETA - powder valley has free hazmat today only. Just got the email.

Right and may do that. I just received the same email.

 

[colby12]

Scheels in KC has it in stock, in store. Picked up 3 lbs yesterday.

 

[sdupontjr]

Nice. Now that the hurricane has passed, the local range will open back up Tuesday. I have some loaded to check for pressure. Book max is 45.3, have one loaded just pass max at 45.6. Best of all, no crunch like varget. Well soon see. I have 1lb, but if it shoots well I'll pick up a few lbs because it is tuff to find.

 

[204_ruger]

Several post on the Ar15.com forum. People has some for sale too.

 

[kkp005]

Found 2lbs of it locally today … paid $68 a pound

 

[sdupontjr]

Ok, check me out guys. Finally got to try these out.
44, 44.5, 45, 45.3 (book max) & 45.6, CCI-200, seated to 2.216" CBTO or about 2.835". No heavy bolt lift, all cycled perfectly fine. Rifle is 20" CTR. I have found that this CTR doesn't show pressure like mt T3 lite. My Varget load for this CTR is pass book max but heavily compressed, thus me looking into the 8208xbr. The only thing that I noticed was a very ever so slight ejector mark at the top left corner of 3 on the 45.6 load. Unless my unexperienced eye is missing something. The only problem I had was the Garmin battery went dead while testing the 7 SAUM loads, so i have no velo data on the 308. But charged overnight and will get those.

 

[Taudisio]

Ok, check me out guys. Finally got to try these out.
44, 44.5, 45, 45.3 (book max) & 45.6, CCI-200, seated to 2.216" CBTO or about 2.835". No heavy bolt lift, all cycled perfectly fine. Rifle is 20" CTR. I have found that this CTR doesn't show pressure like mt T3 lite. My Varget load for this CTR is pass book max but heavily compressed, thus me looking into the 8208xbr. The only thing that I noticed was a very ever so slight ejector mark at the top left corner of 3 on the 45.6 load. Unless my unexperienced eye is missing something. The only problem I had was the Garmin battery went dead while testing the 7 SAUM loads, so i have no velo data on the 308. But charged overnight and will get those.
View attachment 766287

Your primers are slightly cratering. I personally would keep going without thinking twice.

How did you take these photos? Mine always look like garbage when I try to photo the headstamp.

 

[sdupontjr]

I use a magnifier app on my phone. Had this app because if I forget my glasses, I could read menu's at a restaurant. The app also has a camera built in. So when I zoom in, it get it real clear, then take the pic through the app.

 

[sdupontjr]

Another set. Got velo numbers also. This 8208 gives some ridiculous ES/SD and velo from a short barrel. Bolt lift was as if it is factory walmart ammo. Was checking pressure again but decided to load a few to get some more velocity numbers. 1 case from each appear to have an ejector circle. But WTH do I know, thus me asking.



That's hauling arse in a 20" barrel.

 

[Taudisio]

Another set. Got velo numbers also. This 8208 gives some ridiculous ES/SD and velo from a short barrel. Bolt lift was as if it is factory walmart ammo. Was checking pressure again but decided to load a few to get some more velocity numbers. 1 case from each appear to have an ejector circle. But WTH do I know, thus me asking.

View attachment 766492View attachment 766493

That's hauling arse in a 20" barrel.

You have some swipe and ejector marks on a few of those along with a flatter primer/slight cratering. I wouldn’t go much farther, if at all.

The only true way to know your pressure is too much is to be able to measure your b-line consistently. Which is difficult/impossible without special tools. Some brands of brass are softer and show pressure earlier than others. At any rate, it’s a good first indicator you are close and to be careful.

 

[sdupontjr]

Yeah and it's 90+ * here., hot as hell. I plan on rechecking when things cool off in the 60's and 50's and see.