Load data for 69gr SMK's and 8208

[Stugotz]

Can anyone share their load data using 69gr SMKHP's and 8208 XBR powder? TIA.

[opngrnd]

I loaded up some Sierra 69gr TMKs with Tula primers and tested up to 24gr XBR 8208 for pressure signs. I backed the load to 23.7gr and it shot well for me.

[markm]

I found out first hand that XBR, like many powders, is lot sensitive. We had a hot load that a buddy worked up. And it was working nicely until I bought a different lot of XBR. I got a lot of blown primers after the lot change.

[opngrnd]

I found out first hand that XBR, like many powders, is lot sensitive. We had a hot load that a buddy worked up. And it was working nicely until I bought a different lot of XBR. I got a lot of blown primers after the lot change.

Agreed. Same load from one lot to the next was 90fps different.

[markm]

Agreed. Same load from one lot to the next was 90fps different.

Wow! We saw 60 fps variance with Varget, and 100 fps with IMR 4064. I used to think that lot change stuff was insignificant nonsense. Not any more.

[Stugotz]

Good to know. I have loaded up 10 rounds starting at 23.1grs (increasing in .3gr increments) up to 24grs max. Brass is once fired Hornady with Fed 205M primers. I hope to get out and do a little shooting next week. FWIW, the barrel is a 20" Krieger 1/7.7 twist.

[twm134]

I've gone up to 24.0 using 69s with good results but I chronograph every time I get a new keg and adjust the charge.

[Stugotz]

I've gone up to 24.0 using 69s with good results but I chronograph every time I get a new keg and adjust the charge.
I have a LabRadar and will definitely be recording the shot data. :cool:

[markm]

Pappabear grabbed an 8 of XBR. I'll have to dig into it and compare velocities on this stuff. As mentioned up above, the last two times I checked, the changes were stunning.

[shadowrider]

I found out first hand that XBR, like many powders, is lot sensitive. We had a hot load that a buddy worked up. And it was working nicely until I bought a different lot of XBR. I got a lot of blown primers after the lot change.


Agreed. Same load from one lot to the next was 90fps different.

Well crap. I have a pound I was saving for a heavy bullet load work up. 55 grain bullets shot OK but didn't get the near the velocity of other powders.

[markm]

55 grain bullets shot OK but didn't get the near the velocity of other powders.

It should get 55 gr bullets moving. Did you go over published max? I often have to do so to get full powered loads.