120 Sierra Pro Hunter and 8208

[Fredman]

I was hoping to try 120 Pro Hunter and 8208, but can't find any data. Starting load 26.0?

Thanks,

Terry

[VASCAR2]

I have shot a few Sierra 120 grain Jacketed Soft Points in my 16" 6.5 Grendel but have only used TAC and CFE223 powder. I have IMR 8208 XBR powder but haven't used any. Be careful using 8208 with this 120 grain bullet as it has a long bearing surface. IMR8208XBR has been reported to spike pressures quickly when approaching max charge weights. Work up with .2 grain increments watching for preessure signs.

I like this 120 grain bullet for a plinking and a general purpose round as I bought quite a few factory seconds cheap when I visited the Sierra factory. This bullet doesn't have as high of BC as the 123 grain SST but I think it is still a very good bullet for hunting especially if the range is less than 300 yards.

I checked the Hogdon online loading data and they show IMR 8208 XBR using a 120 grain BARNES TSX, starting load 25.0 max load 28.0 compressed. I'd probably start at 26.0 with the 120 grain Sierra soft point. I have to seat this bullet pretty short, COAL 2.120 in my 16" 6.5 Grendel, the bullet is pretty blunt.

[Fredman]

Thanks Vascar. Maybe I'll put them back on the shelf. Deer season is right around the corner and I have some factory Hornady.

[LRRPF52]

Do you mean 130gr Game King? I'm not aware of a 120gr Game King from Sierra. Just double-checked their site, and 130gr is the lightest GK they have. https://www.sierrabullets.com/produc...fm/caliberID/6

There is load data for it in Volume II. I would use CFE223 or LVR under the 130gr SGK. I would not use 8208XBR for anything larger than 123gr. It's a pretty fast burning powder. I personally think it is best suited for 100gr pills.

Factory Hornady is plenty fine for deer. A forum member's 16yr-old daughter just DRT'd a large cow elk with the 123gr SST, so it's kinda hard to find a bad bullet in 6.5mm for medium game hunting, even with the target bullets.

[VASCAR2]

What I have used is the 120 grain Prohunter bullet from Sierra, I thought the OP might have mixed up the product name for the 120 grain soft point bullet.

https://www.sierrabullets.com/store/product.cfm/sn/1720/264-dia-65mm-120-gr-SPT

[Fredman]

You are correct. Pro hunter. Sorry.

[LRRPF52]

Start load of 26.0gr of 8208 XBR sounds about right. We have found over the years that 28.5gr with most 120-123gr pills is the max load for 8208, and will spike on you sharply after that.

Use .3gr increments and no more when developing your pressure ladder. Since it has a flat base, you should get pretty tight ES with it, especially with XBR.

Make a dummy cartridge with marker on the ogive to find your COL, then set it back to be off the lands and be mag compatible.

What barrel length and chamber do you have?

[Fredman]

It's a 20" Shilen barrel. It was a tight chamber, it wouldn't chamber factory ammo. I sent it back so they could open it up.
Wade made a lead "slug?"