Home Forums Reloading Varmint Rifles 8208 XBR vs. Benchmark in the 223

Well curiosity got the best of me, got out the calipers and the targets that I posted pics of. Results didn't surprise me much, as it seems I am stuck in this area. The largest of the groups was the 25.06, measured .602 outside to outside. The smallest was target 1 using benchmark .434 outside to outside, the LT was .454, the Swift .456, and benchmark # 2 .462. Without the pulled shots 8208 & 335 were right there too. Guess I won't be able to get a cheap tube out of cooper just yet as the 3 rifles after all these rounds will still beat the 3 shot in .5 guarantee.

Man great info and pics .

Well, bumped up the LT-32 to a max load w/52 SMK yesterday and took it to a 300 yard score match at the local club. I had figured 50-100 fps gain in velo0city by adding .5 grains. Ballistics said it would be 4.5" needed at chronyed velocities for a 300 zero. Actual adjustment needed was 3 1/4" up to get a solid 300 zero. Load was 23 grains LT and a Fed. Gold medal primer, Norma cases.
With a 4.5" up adjustment, the first 3 sighters went 5" high and 2" right. Round was shot w/o wind flags, or spotting scope as I forgot my tri-pod for said scope and still managed to keep 15/20 shots around the 10 ring, with the wind pushing me out to the 7 a few times.
Seems like a good consistent powder at distance, but did seem to pick up more velocity than expected.
2 weeks from now we have another shoot, in between time I will have to get the Oehler out and revisit this load and 8208 again.