CFE 223 for 223

[LUCKYDAWG13]

i just picked up a pound of this CFE 223 to try out. looking for a load for
my AR 223 im using Hornady 55gr BT-FMJ w/c not looking for a hot load
just some thing to shoot paper with

 

[helotaxi]

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

thanks i was on the hogdon sight but there start load was over 3100 fps. was looking
for a milder load more like 2800 /2900 i dont wont to wear out my barrel. may have to
go back to IMR 4895

 

[rcmodel]

Starting load = 26.0 grains - 3,133 FPS - 43,300 PSI

Notice the 3,133 FPS is developed at only 43,300 PSI.

That is a mild .223 load by any measure.
More like 30-30 pressure.

Or you could get 3,106 FPS at 50,700 PSI using a Max load of IMR-4895.
That isn't a mild load.

rc

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

hey rcmodel
um no i didnt see that i just looked at the speed
thanks i will see how they fly thanks

 

[helotaxi]

Most people will be hard pressed to wear out a .223 barrel ever. Wouldn't even enter into my consideration.

You could load them down but you might get erratic ignition with the CFE223. I personally use a fairly stiff load of TAC because it's cheap and meters about perfectly.

 

[nastynatesfish]

I'm sure you don't need to worry about wearing out a barrel in a 223 if your not shooting full auto or constantly hot

 

[JerZsquid]

Plus usually load data is derived from barrels lengths exceeding 24". I'm sure your fps will be much slower.

 

[ssyoumans]

Post back your results and rifle details. I too have a lb, but haven't made use of it yet. Now it is getting closer to hunting season so tinkering with a new 223 powder might just have to wait. For now, I'm running W748 or TAC with 53gr - 68gr bullets. They work well, but hope to hear more feedback on CFE 223.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

will do it will be a few weeks till i go up to my range

 

[PCCUSNRET]

I tried this powder today for the first time in a .223 Remington 700 with a heavy barrel. I loaded up 20 Hornady V-max and 20 Nosler BT's, both were 55 grs. I loaded 5 each of 26, 26.5, 27 and 27.5 (neither bullet was listed on Hodgdon's web site so I used data for 55 gr. Speer SP) for a total of 40 rounds. The first group of 5 Hornady V-max measured approximately 1" and continued to spread to over 2 inches as I worked up to 27.5 grs. The first group of 5 Nosler BT's were under 1/2 inch and increased to only 1 and 1/4" (caused by a flyer in the 3rd group, which was a single hole until I choked). I didn't see any signs of excessive pressure in any of these loads. I was very pleased with the results of the Nosler BT's using this powder but will continue using H-322 when loading the Hornady V-max bullets. Hope this helps.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

thanks

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

well i got to the range and tried out my loads. 26gr of CFE and a 55gr
Hornady FMJ-BT W/C at 50 yards i could put a Quarter on top of 20 rounds
and at 100 yards i could cover 20 rounds with the bottom of a pop can.
i have a 4X fixed Leupold scope on top of my RRA AR 15. i can work with
this now i need to see how it works with a 68gr bullet.but i do like this powder

 

[UKWildcatFan]

Thx LUCKYDAWG, I'm actually prepping 30 cases for .223 right now to try out this powder in my M&P-15. Nice job!

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

let us know how it works out and your load

 

[UKWildcatFan]

I sure will. The guys at my LGS are also waiting for my results. I'll add you to the list.

 

[Ky Larry]

I've tried CFE 223 loads in my .223s, .22-250, .243, and 6.5X55 Swede. Accuracy in all were acceptable but not great. Probably means I need to start doing some more serious load developement. I like this powder. It really does elimanate copper fouling.

 

[quartermaster]

Is it a clean or dirty powder with a normal load? I really have been liking and using Varget in a lot of my rifles where applicable, but I find it leaves a lot of residue. Accuracy has been very good with it. I also have a pound of it, but haven't messed with it yet. QM