Anyone try CFE223 in 25-06?

[osteodoc08]

I've had good success with CFE223 in the 308 family of cartridges that I load for as well as my 22-250. I've recently aquired a 25-06 and have started load development. On the hodgdon website they don't list CFE223 loadings. There are some under the 30-06. I imagine it is a suitable powder but they haven't released data yet on the 25-06.

Have any of you tried CFE223 in the 25-06? Load data? Results?

I imagine it's only a matter of time before they release data. I also plan on calling Monday about CFE223 and 8208XBR. Both should be suitable and get good results.

Also Looking for a reason to justify to the significant other a bulk 8-16# powder purchase.

 

[2ndtimer]

I think both CFE223 and IMR8208XBR are a little too fast of a burning rate to be optimal in a 25-06. For best performance, it would seem powders in the 4350 and slower burn rate would provide greater performance. Not to say you might find a decently accurate load with IMR8208XBR. I tried some in my .270 Win. and it grouped OK, just that the velocity was a good 200 fps below what I get with a below max load of Reloder 17. Both the CFE223 and 8208XBR would provide less than ideal load density in a 25-06 case as well, which could lead to wide velocity variations. Both those powders are really designed for smaller cases or lower expansion ratios than the 25-06. (the 25-06 big case, small opening. .308 smaller case with bigger opening) They both work great in .223 and similar cases. and while they work okay in the .308, they aren't the best option for the .243 with heavier bullets. If you are looking for a single powder that could be used in multiple cartridges, you might consider 4895, Varget, Reloder 15 or IMR-4064. These are all stick powders that have a slightly slower burning rate than CFE223 or IMR8208XBR and would be useable in cartridges from the .223 up through the 30-06 including the cartridges like the .243 and 25-06. Just don't expect optimal performance in all of them.

 

[GooseGestapo]

ditto above poster.
CFE223 is essentially a new and improved version of BLC2. Charge weights are similar as are velocities.
In the .25/06, it would give a very low load density (lots of airspace), and low velocities. Plus, it's a spherical powder and as such wouldn't likely give really good conisitency in the large case with small bore. It's specifically intended for .223, with other uses.

Just get enough to feed your .223. Let someone else have some too.

Also, be patient. Word I've heard is that Hodgdon has got more CFE powders in the works. There will likely be something on the order of CFE270 or CFE300Mag for the larger bore/case capacity cartridges. Too much of a potential market for them to ignore. No real need for something like CFE9MM, as copper fouling isn't as significant in the pistol cartridges as it is in the .223 or long-range target/hunting cartridges with high pressures/velocities. Hodgon has hit some "home-runs" with other powders such as LongShot (superlative in 9mm and .44mag/.45LC with cast bullets), Lil'Gun (best powder hands down in the .22Hornet w/40gr or heavier bullets) and Retumbo, (fabulous in the 'uber' magnums). And one of my favorites; LEVERevolution (LVR). It's my new go-to powder for the .30/30 and .338MX).


Look for something else coming in the CFE genre.

 

[osteodoc08]

Thanks guys. I was trying to justify it in my head I guess.

I typically use 4350 and varget. Loaded up some last night with Varget actually. I guess I'll look for some 4350 today at the fun show if price is reasonable. I'll just keep adding to my collection of powders on the shelf. That's half the fun of it for me anyhow. Trying different combinations in a methodical manner until I get the accuracy I want.

Goose, I agree with the home runs lately with Hodgdon. I've recently tried Longshot in my 10mm and it loves it. I've always been a BlueDot guy in my 10mm and 45 colt loadings and may have to try more Longshot. I LOVE Lil'Gun in my pistol carbines. More velocity than 296 or 2400 with good accuracy. Haven't played with Retumbo as the 7mmSTW has just been sitting in the back. May have to reevaluate that. Haven't tried LVR yet, but it's on my list.