8208 xbr versus Benchmark
- Thread starter fairchase
- Start date
Re: 8208 xbr versus Benchmark
I've been finding the same thing. I was surprised to see on the container that the IMR 8208 XBR is Made in Australia. They are both Australian ADI powders.
Very similar in reloading data, but not exactly the same. In the .308 Win. ,8208 looks to be just a tad slower than Benchmark.
I've been finding the same thing. I was surprised to see on the container that the IMR 8208 XBR is Made in Australia. They are both Australian ADI powders.
Very similar in reloading data, but not exactly the same. In the .308 Win. ,8208 looks to be just a tad slower than Benchmark.
Re: 8208 xbr versus Benchmark
I shoot a lot of Benchmark in my 6PPC but it falls off over about 80°f. Based on a lot of reading over at benchrest central it would seem that XBR is close to the same speed but has the ability to hold groups in hotter temps. I picked up a pound but haven't tested it yet, so it's just heresay at this point.
I shoot a lot of Benchmark in my 6PPC but it falls off over about 80°f. Based on a lot of reading over at benchrest central it would seem that XBR is close to the same speed but has the ability to hold groups in hotter temps. I picked up a pound but haven't tested it yet, so it's just heresay at this point.
Re: 8208 xbr versus Benchmark
I thought XBR could make some velocity? A max load of Benchmark with my 308 with a 180smk gave 2200fps. Exceptional accuracy, but crap velocity. For comparison, Varget gives 2550. I have an lb of XBR to try but haven't gotten to it yet.
I thought XBR could make some velocity? A max load of Benchmark with my 308 with a 180smk gave 2200fps. Exceptional accuracy, but crap velocity. For comparison, Varget gives 2550. I have an lb of XBR to try but haven't gotten to it yet.
Re: 8208 xbr versus Benchmark
Here is the results for the XBR powder I think its gonna be a winner. I will do some more tests and hope that it really is better temp sensitive then Varget. So far its lower powder charge and higher velocities. Here is the first target. The bottom was just varget powder so disregard.
The Top was 43.5gr with Fed 210m primer I was able to get reading from three shots. 2562,2592,2574.
The middle was 43.0gr with Fed 210m primer. Vel was 2550,2570,2552,2537,2577.
This Target the top was 44.0gr with Fed 210m primer. Vel. 2646,2625,2636.
The bottom was 43.0gr with CCI BR-2 primer. Vel was 2558,2540,2571,2538,2557.
This target the top is 43.5 with CCI BR-2 primer. Vel was 2538,2538,2526.
The bottom target was 44.0 with CCI BR-2. Velocity I didn't get cause my battery on the chrono died. I dont know if the 43.5 above was accurate reading.
Here is the results for the XBR powder I think its gonna be a winner. I will do some more tests and hope that it really is better temp sensitive then Varget. So far its lower powder charge and higher velocities. Here is the first target. The bottom was just varget powder so disregard.
The Top was 43.5gr with Fed 210m primer I was able to get reading from three shots. 2562,2592,2574.
The middle was 43.0gr with Fed 210m primer. Vel was 2550,2570,2552,2537,2577.
This Target the top was 44.0gr with Fed 210m primer. Vel. 2646,2625,2636.
The bottom was 43.0gr with CCI BR-2 primer. Vel was 2558,2540,2571,2538,2557.
This target the top is 43.5 with CCI BR-2 primer. Vel was 2538,2538,2526.
The bottom target was 44.0 with CCI BR-2. Velocity I didn't get cause my battery on the chrono died. I dont know if the 43.5 above was accurate reading.
Re: 8208 xbr versus Benchmark
While doing OCW tests for my 223, my Benchmark loads grouped well but XBR was all over the place (loaded to the lands). I haven't given up on it, but not doing any further load development with the 55g Sierra Blitzking in this rifle (ie playing with seating depth).
I played with seating depths on the Benchmark and got 0.4 - 0.7" groups consistently with Benchmark laoded 0.070" off the lands.
While doing OCW tests for my 223, my Benchmark loads grouped well but XBR was all over the place (loaded to the lands). I haven't given up on it, but not doing any further load development with the 55g Sierra Blitzking in this rifle (ie playing with seating depth).
I played with seating depths on the Benchmark and got 0.4 - 0.7" groups consistently with Benchmark laoded 0.070" off the lands.
Re: 8208 xbr versus Benchmark
I love 8208 XBR. It's along the same formulation as an old Mil-Surp powder I shot back in the 90's by the name of Thunderbird. I love the way it meters, and it's not temperature sensitive at all.
I've had some very good results using this powder.
Just for the information, I believe it was mentioned above, Benchmark's commercial name is BM2, and 8208 XBR's commercial name is H322 a.k.a. Mulwala AR2210.
8208 XBR has all of Benchmark's pluses, but none of it's weaknesses. Aside from the fact that they are a completely different powder, they do have some similarities.
I love 8208 XBR. It's along the same formulation as an old Mil-Surp powder I shot back in the 90's by the name of Thunderbird. I love the way it meters, and it's not temperature sensitive at all.
I've had some very good results using this powder.
Just for the information, I believe it was mentioned above, Benchmark's commercial name is BM2, and 8208 XBR's commercial name is H322 a.k.a. Mulwala AR2210.
8208 XBR has all of Benchmark's pluses, but none of it's weaknesses. Aside from the fact that they are a completely different powder, they do have some similarities.
Re: 8208 xbr versus Benchmark
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #990000">5.56 NATO chamber loads</span></span>
Colt Hbar Elite 24" 1 in 9 twist SS Tubb CWS, JP adjustable gas block, Tubb CS recoil spring, Jewell trigger. Leupold LRT 8.5 x 25.
Velocities, 2845, 2861, 2874 Cold bore was highest shot in the lefthand group. All rounds fired at 200 yards. 77 grain SMK canelured LC'06, Tula small rifle magnum primers 2.258" COL. Guess I know where to find the node for this barrel.
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #990000">5.56 NATO chamber loads</span></span>
Colt Hbar Elite 24" 1 in 9 twist SS Tubb CWS, JP adjustable gas block, Tubb CS recoil spring, Jewell trigger. Leupold LRT 8.5 x 25.
Velocities, 2845, 2861, 2874 Cold bore was highest shot in the lefthand group. All rounds fired at 200 yards. 77 grain SMK canelured LC'06, Tula small rifle magnum primers 2.258" COL. Guess I know where to find the node for this barrel.
