Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 8x57 and IMR 8208

Has anyone here used IMR 8208 in the 8x57mm?

I have the Hodgdon site data, but wondering if someone has first exp. with this powder and the 8x57mm.

*Crickets, crickets*

Didn't figure there would be much.

So,

Hold my beer, y'all watch this.

Haven't tried 8208 but CFE223 works pretty good.

I've run CFE with the 180 Noslers and 175 Sierras. While the velocity is impressive 2700fps and 2800fps respectively, the accuracy is not in my rifles.

Shot some test loads to get a start point with the rifles and magneto-speed off the porch.

M70 (22" bbl)
150gr Hornady, IMR 8208XBR, 2.966 OAL, WLR Primer, Nosler case
45gr 2557fps
Starting load will be 46 grains. If all things hold true, I'll find a good load in 2750fps area.


M700 (24" bbl)
175gr Sierra, IMR 8208XBR, 3.05 OAL, WLR Primer, Nosler case
44gr 2478fps
Starting load will be 45 grains. If all things hold true, I'll find a good load in 2650fps area.

Some clean burning stuff though.

Too damn hot out at the Range, but did get some good starting points for further testing.

With the 175 Sierra, promising load was the 47.0gr load @2655 ft/sec avg. Three shot cluster. I will concentrate around that load.

With the 150 Hornady, promising load were 47.0gr Load @2745 ft/sec avg.


Other work ups
Ruger #3 (30-40) loves Big Game and the 165 grain Sierra BT. The loads from 2600-2650 ft/sec showed promise.