Cfe 38

[SlowFuse]

Does anyone load 38 special with CFE pistol?

New to the caliber completely but would like to use this powder. I have HP-38 and Blue Dot (not sure if that would even work) as alternatives. Will be using a variety of lead projectiles, from tumble lube to powder coated.

 

[berettaprofessor]

Hodgdon lists 38 special with CFE pistol data for almost every bullet weight so I would suggest consulting the 2016 manual on newsstands now.

 

[SlowFuse]

I see the data and understand your concern, but was really looking for good or bad experiences with this combination. The copper eliminating "feature", does this have any impact on using lead only projectiles?

 

[Toprudder]

The "feature" you mention will give no benefit or impact with lead bullets.

I've only tried a few loads with CFE using 125gn plated bullets. I seemed to have some inconsistent velocities, I believe from "powder forward" effect.

I've had the best results in 38spl with Titegroup and BE86. Be careful with TG, though, it would be easy to double charge a case and not notice it.

 

[Hondo 60]

I'll 2nd using Titegroup.
Been using it for years.

3.7gr under a 125 gr LRNFP gives about 800 ft/sec.
Nice soft recoil & very accurate.

 

[RPegram]

I like CFE Pistol in 38 special. I like 5.6 gr under a coated 125 gr RNFP. I've not put them over a chrono, so I can't comment on inconsistency in velocity, but I detected no issues with being position sensitive like some other powders in that big ole case. I found it to be very accurate.

Blue dot will work in 38 special, but it would be a last resort option. A few years ago I tried I believe 6 gr under a 158 LSWC. It was accurate, but extremely dirty and not much umph. This powder does very well in magnum rounds like 357 and 44. I've also had success in 9mm, but again at heavy charges to keep the pressure up to get a fairly clean burn.

 

[stu1ritter]

Perfect timing. I'm working up loads for my Model 37 Airweight which resides in my front pocket. Over the weekend I loaded and test shot (10 yards) 15 different powders. The two most accurate in my gun were IMR SR4756 and CFE-Pistol. The IMR I knew would be right up there but that is my first use of CFE and that group was a 1/16th larger than the one hole fromthe 4756. These were loads right in the middle of start and max. I pretest everything with 5 rounds through my 586 "just to be sure". I think, down the road, the CFE will yield some quite accurate ammo.
Stu

 

[GooseGestapo]

With your bullets, you'll get better results from HP38.
BlueDot actually works well in the .38 spl. with heavier loads.
I'd save the cfe pistol for 9mm or such with jacketed bullets.

 

[stu1ritter]

GooseGestapo, who were you referring to?
Stu

 

[SlowFuse]

The issue with the HP38 is that I have less than 1 lb left. I have a good supply of the CFE, plenty for workups.

 

[stu1ritter]

In my snubby test, for my model 37, the CFE shot much tighter groups than the HP-38 I tested.
Stu

 

[ky8]

I you would rather use CFE-P sounds good to me. Easier to find and works well for me in 38sp and many others. Maybe not the best but it works well. On my cell or could give you the fps as tested.
JMO but I say use it.