IMR8208 XBR in loading 204 Ruger ammo.

[threadloom]

Has anyone used IMR8208 XBR in loading 204 Ruger ammo. I have a CZ rifle that I need to get ready for a fall Prairie Dog hunt. I have Hornady 32 grain Vmax bullets and once fired Hornady brass. I have IMR 8208XBR powder but dont know anyone who has used it for an accurate PD load. Any help you can give me would be appreciated.

 

[22Kreedmire]

8208 is the only thing I've used in 204 for a long time. I run 27.3 with 39 Sierra and 40 Bergers at 3800-3900 depending on the barrel. I run 28-28.5 with 35 Bergers at 3950ish. Start around 28 and work up with 32's. Haven't seen a 204 shoot bad with 8208 yet

 

[skookum]

Yep. Works great. I just shot the barrel out of my. 204 and decided to go with something else on the next barrel but I ran 26.7 gr of 8208 at 3900 fps with an ES of 18. The gun printed groups in the .1s with 40gr V-maxs in its prime.

 

[1PD hunter]

Thanks for your help. Did you ever try BL-C(2) for the 204?

 

[22Kreedmire]

First ever 204 I used 30.0 blc-2 (I believe ) with a 32vmax at 4016 in a 22" savage predator

 

[1PD hunter]

What was the accuracy like. thanks

 

[Hugnot]

My powder of choice for .204 R, good at 20* to 98*, bullet of choice 40 VMax but 32 VMax's also. Lots of ammo loaded per pound, meters well - fine extruded grains. Fine accuracy with many rodent kills over 400. Dependable .5 MOA accuracy. CFE223 will beat IMR8208 for velocity but is somewhat temp sensitive. Work up to max load using Hodgdon data.

 

[22Kreedmire]

.

What was the accuracy like. thanks

.3-.4"

 

[1PD hunter]

Thanks to all who replied to my question. I think both powder will work for the 204. I will work up some loads in 1/2 grain increments and find a load my gun likes.

 

[jrock]

Works great in my guns for the 40 grain projectiles. Good velocity and superb accuracy. I've also used CFE 223 but don't like it is very sensitive to temperatures, especially over 90 degrees.

 

[1PD hunter]

I have 32 grainers but I am going to look for some 40's. Since I am starting from scratch with this caliber I need to test both weight bullets. Thanks

 

[flyguy1]

Have used it with both 32 gr Vmax 32 and 31 gr Hammer hunters. 27.5-28 gr. All accurate <0.5. Might be even better if I could see the target better through the smoke. Haven't chronographed yet.

 

[1PD hunter]

I realize that all rifles are different but with the 32 grainers did you find your rifle liked loads closer to the max with IMR 8208?

 

[jrock]

I looked back at my data and I shot 32s with 8208. They did very well. In my bolt guns, I load them out longer and that seems to help.