CFE 223 for 55gr 223 Rem

[Dr.Zubrato]

It's a relatively new powder, so it isn't in my Lee reloading manual and started looking up info from hodgdon's website.
States:
55gr Barnes TSX FB 2.180" (Min)24.7gr 3,065 44,600 PSI (Max)27.4gr 3,317 54,000 PSI
55gr SPR SP 2.200" (Min)26.0gr 3,133 43,300 PSI (Max)27.8gr 3,329 51,300 PSI

Which starting charge should I choose for a 55gr FMJ-BT?
I've heard people with good results from 25gr to 27.8gr
I'll be working mine up at .3 increments probably starting at 25.7 but just wondering if anyone has any favorite pet loads for CFE 223, would I miss any accuracy nodes by starting near 26?
I'll be shooting these from a 16" 1-7 twist barrel with CCI 400 SRP

Thanks!

 

[silverbullet86]

06/23/14 223 Rem Target Practice
55 gr Xtreme FMJ BT w/C
27.5 gr CFE 223
CCI #41
2.222 OAL
LC Brass
ES 93 SD 35
GOOD HOTTER LOAD FOR LC BRASS & 55 GR
Chrono AVG (16" bbl) = 2962 fps
Hi 3023 / Lo 2930 fps

06/23/14 223 Rem Target Practice
55 gr Xtreme FMJ BT w/C
27.0 gr CFE 223
CCI #41
2.222 OAL
2x fired LC brass -
ES 94 SD 27 - THIS IS THE LOAD FOR LC BRASS W/ CFE & 55 GR
Chrono AVG 2898
Hi 2936 / Lo 2842

06/23/14 223 Rem Target Practice
55 gr Xtreme FMJ BT w/C
26.5 gr CFE 223
CCI #41
2.222 OAL
2x fired LC brass - DECENT LOAD
Chrono AVG = 2842 fps
Hi 2892 / Lo 2801

 

[silverbullet86]

I settled on the middle recipe from above with 27.0 gr CFE 223 as my favorite.

Keep in mind, this was with Lake City 13 & 14 brass, which seems to have slightly more case capacity than the Federal or PMC I also tried. 27.0 might be too hot for those.

Note: At 26.3 gr & LC brass, the spent cases were dropping at the shooters feet and appeared to be barely cycling the gun. That was a S&W M&P15. They functioned 100% with no failures to cycle, but I felt they were too weak.

Hope this helps!

 

[steve4102]

It's a relatively new powder, so it isn't in my Lee reloading manual and started looking up info from hodgdon's website.
States:
55gr Barnes TSX FB 2.180" (Min)24.7gr 3,065 44,600 PSI (Max)27.4gr 3,317 54,000 PSI
55gr SPR SP 2.200" (Min)26.0gr 3,133 43,300 PSI (Max)27.8gr 3,329 51,300 PSI

Which starting charge should I choose for a 55gr FMJ-BT?

The Lee Manual is nothing more than an old copy of the powder manufacture/distributor's data. When they do print a new manual, it will just be another copy, only newer.

It is perfectly acceptable to use data for different bullets of same weight and similar construction.
The TSX data is for a Barnes all copper solid bullet. The SPR SP is for a Speer cup-n-core bullet.
Your FMJ bullet is also a Cup-n-Core bullet, in other words "similar construction" to the Speer SP. Use this data.

 

[Dr.Zubrato]

thank you guys!
silverbullet, you rock for the workup info and notes from your range trips, especially the chrono info!
Thanks for taking the time to dig those up!
I'll be looking out for around 27, and keep an eye on my federal cases, since i run mixed brass for my reloads.