View Full Version : SOS - Cannot find IMR 8208 XBR Anywhere for the "Onyx/Markm special"
Eurodriver
03-18-19, 18:41
It's OOS everywhere, albeit I am not too familiar on where to look (LGS, Brownells, Midway)
I have a PRS Match in May and need more. Any tips?
Coal Dragger
03-18-19, 19:09
Probably going to have to find it locally if you can. Been in short supply online for awhile now.
You may have to consider an alternative powder to work up loads.
What caliber are you loading for?
Eurodriver
03-18-19, 20:13
It’s .223 loaded hot, way over SAAMI spec, with 77gr TMKs.
Wonder if anyone has a similar low fuss load.
Someone cornered the Mark-et and is to blame for OOS everywhere.
It also happens to be my favorite 77 gr BTHP load and I just bought a lone pound of XBR at local Sportsman’s Warehouse two weeks ago. Not too hot in my rifle shoots fine.
A little less gas but very accurate for me is 23.0 gr Varget.
Coal Dragger
03-18-19, 20:46
It’s .223 loaded hot, way over SAAMI spec, with 77gr TMKs.
Wonder if anyone has a similar low fuss load.
I have a 77gr SMK load running CFE223 that has been pretty consistent in 1:7” barrels using CCI primers. Basically just the max listed load works well within +\- .2gr as far as the accuracy node in my heavier barrels.
If you’re in a pinch try out some Hornady Superformance 5.56mm NATO 75gr BTHP Match ammo. Some barrels really like it, and it is definitely loaded hot if you’re trying to push the envelope of what your .223 will do at distance.
I’ve had good luck with it in my SR-15, but every barrel is a law unto itself. Good luck.
I ran 22.4 gr of H322 up into the 2700s with a 20 inch barrel. We've never re-visited over max H322, but it showed real promise.
You can check out. Bruno’s shooting supply in Phx.
PB
glockshooter
03-18-19, 22:13
AR-Comp at 22.3. My load is with 75 Hornady. Shoots sub moa in my 18” and 16” Noveske barrels and 14.5 Seekins barrel shoots just a little over with a 1-6.
I've had good loads with the 8208 and H4895. The H4895 and 75 Hornady BTHP is a good combo. I also use it with the 24" Tikka bolt, different charge though. I don't have my book at the moment, but 22.8 +/- on the semi with 75's. Should be 23.2 with 77/8208
Sportsmans warehouse had it the other day. In Mesa AZ. But might have online too?
I've had good loads with the 8208 and H4895. The H4895 and 75 Hornady BTHP is a good combo. I also use it with the 24" Tikka bolt, different charge though. I don't have my book at the moment, but 22.8 +/- on the semi with 75's. Should be 23.2 with 77/8208
I love H4895 and the 75/77 grain bullets. Tried 8208 XBR and I actually came back to H4895. I run between 22.6-22.8 gr, loaded to 2.260 OAL.
If you haven't tried this combo before, you may find it shoots just as well as your 8208 XBR loads as well as being more forgiving and not prone to peaky over-pressure issues. The charge weight node is wide and it seems to shoot well in every AR I have tried it in.
It's OOS everywhere, albeit I am not too familiar on where to look (LGS, Brownells, Midway)
I have a PRS Match in May and need more. Any tips?
Also I am not sure where are located but I am in central OH and have 6 lbs of 8208 XBR available to help a fellow shooter out.
Reloading Unlimited shows it In Stock as of right now:
https://reloadingunlimited.com/product/imr-8208-xbr/
I've ordered from them a couple times and haven't had any issues...
If you haven't tried this combo before, you may find it shoots just as well as your 8208 XBR loads as well as being more forgiving and not prone to peaky over-pressure issues.
That's XBR's main flaw. It'll turn on you like a snake.
I'd run LT-32, H322, or like you, H4895 and probably still be just as happy. You really can't make 77s shoot bad unless you really screw up.
Here you go https://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-components/powder/rifle-powder/imr-8208-xbr-powders-prod45586.aspx?avs%7cManufacturer_1=imr+powders
I love H4895 and the 75/77 grain bullets. Tried 8208 XBR and I actually came back to H4895. I run between 22.6-22.8 gr, loaded to 2.260 OAL.
22.7 gr is also my best load for H4895 and 77 Noslers . Not quite as good as my Varget and XBR loads but decent. I got it mainly for Garand loads but works in .223 at least on the heavier side.
I love H4895 and the 75/77 grain bullets. Tried 8208 XBR and I actually came back to H4895. I run between 22.6-22.8 gr, loaded to 2.260 OAL.
If you haven't tried this combo before, you may find it shoots just as well as your 8208 XBR loads as well as being more forgiving and not prone to peaky over-pressure issues. The charge weight node is wide and it seems to shoot well in every AR I have tried it in.
Interesting...I'd like to try this load next time I have time to get to the range. Do you use Mil cases and some kind of SR-M primer?
Interesting...I'd like to try this load next time I have time to get to the range. Do you use Mil cases and some kind of SR-M primer?
In my 23.5gr H4895 under 77gr Noslers I use LC cases and CCI450s and it works great.
I haven't tried standard primers but I bet CCI400s wouldn't work too well.
Recob’s Target Shop in WI has 8 lb jugs OOS, but they have 1 lb containers in stock. Might help you in a pinch.
This is my favorite powder for 7mm-08 162 gr ELD loads. I mainly use TAC in .223/5.56 because it meters like water in my XL650. I’ll have to try 8208 and 75/77 loads sometime soon!
In my 23.5gr H4895 under 77gr Noslers I use LC cases and CCI450s and it works great.
I haven't tried standard primers but I bet CCI400s wouldn't work too well.
The milder the primer the better with extruded powders... at least for low SDs. If you're wanting to maximize velocities, Federal primers are the answer. Those Fed AR Match primers goosed our loads like 40-60 fps all else equal if I remember correctly.
The milder the primer the better with extruded powders... at least for low SDs. If you're wanting to maximize velocities, Federal primers are the answer. Those Fed AR Match primers goosed our loads like 40-60 fps all else equal if I remember correctly.
How do CCI #41 primers do?
Interesting...I'd like to try this load next time I have time to get to the range. Do you use Mil cases and some kind of SR-M primer?
Yep just standard LC/FC cases. No fancy case prep. The nice thing about this load is that it seems to work well in temp extremes. No flattened primers during long shot strings in the summer, runs well with suppressor, and also is hot enough to run in subzero temps.
I mostly run CCI-450 primers, but I have shot CCI-400's as well with no ill effects. They are available and reliable.
Eurodriver
03-20-19, 21:56
Thanks to all the help and posts and offers of assistance.
I found a remote LGS that had exactly one pound in stock which is enough to get me through the next match (I only need 200 rounds) I will snag up an 8lb jug shortly.
It's the only load I've ever ran in my SPR, and I'm very happy with it. It shoots about 1/3 the size groups that factory Black Hills TMK loads run through the same gun on the same day with the same shooter at 600 yards. It really emphasizes why handloading is so beneficial.
https://www.natchezss.com/imr-powder-8208-xbr-rifle-powder-8-lbs.html shows 28 in stock currently.
Yep just standard LC/FC cases. No fancy case prep. The nice thing about this load is that it seems to work well in temp extremes. No flattened primers during long shot strings in the summer, runs well with suppressor, and also is hot enough to run in subzero temps.
I mostly run CCI-450 primers, but I have shot CCI-400's as well with no ill effects. They are available and reliable.
Thanks!
How do CCI #41 primers do?
I've not tried them. I run CCI 400s for 62 gr HPBT which seem decent.
I found a remote LGS that had exactly one pound in stock which is enough to get me through the next match (I only need 200 rounds) I will snag up an 8lb jug shortly.
Do you load a test batch with a new lot? I used to think that was pretentious B.S. But I've learned first hand with three different powders that lot swings can be huge.
I also used to scoff at the thought of testing each powder lot... But now I think it is a good idea too, had some similar issues with Varget and H4895.
I also used to scoff at the thought of testing each powder lot... But now I think it is a good idea too, had some similar issues with Varget and H4895.
On a hot load, it's critical. We were blowing primers out with XBR after a lot change.
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