03-07-2020, 12:08 AM
Get you some IMR 8208 and 120 Speer Gold Dots. I found that I could go considerable higher with the powder charge than the Speer data says. They are WAY conservative with their load data with all powders listed except Power Pro Varmint which looks like they are pushing that powder in their load data. This is what I am shooting in MY rifle. My rifle has a 20" Bear Creek Arsenal barrel. Hornady case, CCI 450 primer, 28.0 grs IMR 8208 with a COAL 2.275 which is too long to work through Elander mags but does fine from ACS/ArStoner mags. I average 2550 fps and sub MOA accuracy. I also use a medium Lee Factory Crimp. You MUST drop back at least 10% and work up SLOWLY. .2 grs at a time is my suggestion. The above load is a MAX load for me. The Gold Dot bullet did awesomely on the one deer I have been able to shot with it. Out of my 18" rifle it does an average 2500 fps. I have not tried any other powder with this bullet because I found what I was look for with IMR 8208.