CFE in .38 special troubles.

[nick22]

I went to the reloading room today and loaded 100 rounds of .38 special with 6.3 grains of CFE pistol. The bullets I used were 110 grain Sierra HP. I had 6 squibs out of 10 rounds. I pulled bullets and had between 6.1 and 6.4 grains of powder. I have used the same powder in 9mm and .357 with good success. I believe I have plenty of crimp on them as I have also loaded the same bullet with N320 and had zero issues. What do you think for the moment I just won't use it in a .38 special. When I have used it in .357 I was using magnum primers.

 

[Skgreen]

XTP data at Hodgons lists a starting charge that's a touch heavier than your charges:



I'd try experimenting (within Hodgon's recommendations) and utilize a slightly heavier charge.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I had the same issue with cfe pistol in 38. I moved on to a more appropriate powder.

 

[243winxb]

Make sure its CFE "pistol" A magnum primer is required for ball powder. Work up to and use 38 +P data. The powder would work better with a heavier bullet & high neck tension/bullet hold.

 

[Jonesy814]

CFE Pistol is on the slow end of the medium burn rate powders. It does better with heavier bullets and midrange or above charge weight

 

[kcofohio]

Interesting. I've shot a lot of CFE-P in 380, 9mm, 40, and 45 Auto. But I have never tried it in 38 Spl. It gives sooty cases in lower charges. But, I haven't had any squibs. I wonder, does case volume matter here? More so than with most other powders in this burn rate zone?

 

[Bfh_auto]

Interesting. I've shot a lot of CFE-P in 380, 9mm, 40, and 45 Auto. But I have never tried it in 38 Spl. It gives sooty cases in lower charges. But, I haven't had any squibs. I wonder, does case volume matter here? More so than with most other powders in this burn rate zone?

I think it does. I've had good luck in 45 and 40.
The 40 makes sense because it's higher pressure.
The 45 acp is similar pressure to 38 spl. But I didn't get squibs with the 45 while I did with the 38. Fire reference I used Hornady data with 200xtp and 158 xtp respectively.

 

[kcofohio]

I think it does. I've had good luck in 45 and 40.
The 40 makes sense because it's higher pressure.
The 45 acp is similar pressure to 38 spl. But I didn't get squibs with the 45 while I did with the 38. Fire reference I used Hornady data with 200xtp and 158 xtp respectively.

I'll probably avoid CFE-P in 38 then. Silhouette has been a good powder for more oomph loads.