SDW Wrote:First off, I'm not here to argue, just to discuss. I'm curious about your data. Hogden's data for XBR and 123gr bullets lists a max of 28.5gr (compressed). I kinda had that in mind as I was figuring my workups. I was half a grain shy of that. They don't say if their data is for bolt gun or AR, I'll admit, but it is repeated in may places, including the "6.5 Grendel Reloading Handbook". And as I was seating bullets I was feeling for compression. I'm sure the bullets did displace some powder up and around, but there was no feel or sound of 'crunch'. Further, this site is full of anecdotal info on people going up to and a slightly beyond 28 gr of XBR under 123gr bullets of various makes. Is there something unusual about the ELDs that require more conservative loadings?
And I'm not saying I think your info is wrong Clem. I guess I'm saying that based on most available data I've seen, I think I had a foundation to at least try the powder weights I did.
In any case, I've already observed that this powder is not the best choice for this rifle. I was getting better results from TAC and AA2520.
SDW,
I don't think anyone is arguing. That data comes from Quickload. I do not know your case capacity in water so used the default. You may have slightly more or less volume in your cases and this affects pressure slightly.
I use a combination of Quickload, manufacturer tables and this forum to get an idea of where SAAMI max is. I tend to believe QL, I find the loads discussed here are on the hot side. Given the calibre is slow to start with and everyone seems to want to load on the raggedy edge enjoying a few extra fps before something breaks. AR's would have to be the most fragile guns I know so raggedy edge and AR's are a combination asking for trouble. I don't have an issue with keeping spare parts close and treating them like consumables. So, if a part breaks after 500rds the replacement is just the cost of running the gun hot. It's all fairly safe with the weakest link being bolt lugs. Unlikely the thing is going to blow up and frag you.
As for 8208, I find it is a great powder for bullet weights up to 120gn. For 120 and above I prefer the slightly slower H4895.
You won't feel crunching until it is at least 103+% full. By then it is already compressed.