Re: IMR 8208
Yeah chances are it is not the same as the original 8208 as I know the original plant that blew up in 70s (I think it was)in Delaware was not rebuilt and production was going to be shifted to (I think it was) Canada and ultimately it was sold by Dupont.
The original 8208 created problems with M16 and the reliability went down when long strings were fired in adverse conditions. (unlubricated, water spray, -65F, and attitude phases in 10,000 rounds tests severely affecting weapon performance due to carbon fouling in the long runs (1000 rounds) between cleaning gave problems at low temp.
Logically such a long run between cleanings is not likely to be encountered in the firings of the average civilian shooter and the propellent did perform acceptably in ambient temp thusly for our purposes it should be fine. As well we now know there are superior lubricants (such as Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil) that are more likely to retard the carbon build ups.
Last I heard this is the lubricant of choice of the Army Marksmanship Unit on their match weapons. I discovered it's superior performance and put it on another forum several years ago and about six months later I learned the MTU was then using it as well.
I now use it in all my gas systems and as a general lube in all weapons. I see no reason why Amsoil would not exhibit the same level of performance enhancement in weapons. I have not tried it as I haven't found a source for it locally.
