H335 vs CFE223
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Load Master
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I have used both and like them both. They are close to each other in texture and grain size. Where they differ by a fair amount is their burn rates. H335 is faster burn that CFE223. For this reason H335 might be a better choice for 55gr and lighter bullets. CFE223 is a good choice for just about any weight including the heavier bullets. It is close in burn rate to Win748 and Varget. Both H335 and CFE223 measure nicely.
witchhunter
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H335 is my go to load for 50 vmax. It is great performer. Like already stated, CFE223 is a little slower, better for heavier bullets.
DivideByZero
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I have never used H335 but CFE 223 has been a goof performing powder for me.
Kp321
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As its name is implies, CFE223 was designed for the 223 cartridge. It works with all bullet weights but really shines with the heavier ones.
I use them and like them both for 55 and 60 grain bullets. I was fortunate enough to find an 8 lb jug of 335 in Richmond last year so for now it is my favorite. The CFE powder has a Copper Fouling Eraser in the powder which is supposed to allow longer use between cleanings.
RecoilRob
Member
Found this: http://m14forum.com/ammunition/113643-first-test-hodgdon-cfe-223-beware.html
Those guys have some experienced loaders and shooters so I'd take heed of their cautions. The CFE223 is probably just fine to use but be sure to work up the load and watch for pressures. Getting more velocity out of the same bullet almost always comes with something else happening. If max pressures are the only thing being measured, and the advertised loads don't exceed listed max...then it's likely the pressure curve will be longer to get that additional velocity so it might cause issues with gas guns at the very top of the chart. Loaded moderately it should work OK.
But...you can't go wrong with H335 which has been used with excellent results for many a year. Just watch the top end loads when it's hot out as they tend to get a wee bit hotter with extreme temperatures. This tendency is what the AR Comp, which is a comparable burn rate, is supposed to eliminate so there are other choices out there now. If the powders they can make become available...it would be a great time to be a reloader! But when they are scarce we make do with what we can find sometimes.
Those guys have some experienced loaders and shooters so I'd take heed of their cautions. The CFE223 is probably just fine to use but be sure to work up the load and watch for pressures. Getting more velocity out of the same bullet almost always comes with something else happening. If max pressures are the only thing being measured, and the advertised loads don't exceed listed max...then it's likely the pressure curve will be longer to get that additional velocity so it might cause issues with gas guns at the very top of the chart. Loaded moderately it should work OK.
But...you can't go wrong with H335 which has been used with excellent results for many a year. Just watch the top end loads when it's hot out as they tend to get a wee bit hotter with extreme temperatures. This tendency is what the AR Comp, which is a comparable burn rate, is supposed to eliminate so there are other choices out there now. If the powders they can make become available...it would be a great time to be a reloader! But when they are scarce we make do with what we can find sometimes.
I have reloads with CFE 223, H335, & BL-C(2). Using 55-77 gr. bullets, I have only had the chance to shoot up to upper mid-range loads. Those were to recheck POI with the scope.
That said, I'm really looking forward to putting some over the chrony. If I see good results from CFE 223, I will buy an 8 lb. jug. Otherwise I'll go with the tried and true H335.
That said, I'm really looking forward to putting some over the chrony. If I see good results from CFE 223, I will buy an 8 lb. jug. Otherwise I'll go with the tried and true H335.
I'd start with H335, but either will work fine. I just started playing with CFE223 and I already got a surprise in my work up. I can usually load my ladders up to max but I watch very carefully as I approach the upper end, especially now that my chrono is acting up. I didn't observe any signs on the cases, but my AR started ejecting the brass forward; a typical clue for excessive bolt velocity. So pressures were climbing fast once they came on, even before the listed max. I need to get that chrono sorted so I can do proper workups.
Just ran a brief ladder test today using 55 gr blitzking and CFE223. I shot 7 groups of 5 shots per charge from 26.0 gr to 27.8 gr (published max). All of them were sub MOA, with the best being .75 MOA (26.3 gr). This is with a 16" 1:8 twist 5.56 NATO chamber, mid-length gas system. They all ejected to about the 2:00 position. Spikes T2 buffer in the lower, I am not sure of the spring. This upper assembly only had 50-60 rounds fired through it before today.
I loaded the magazines with one cartridge at each charge level in order with lowest charge first in order of fire. I set up a target with 7 8"x8" grids with a 1" bullseye. I shot the targets in the order the shells were in the magazine. I had one flier that I definitely flinched on.
I loaded the magazines with one cartridge at each charge level in order with lowest charge first in order of fire. I set up a target with 7 8"x8" grids with a 1" bullseye. I shot the targets in the order the shells were in the magazine. I had one flier that I definitely flinched on.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I have used a lot of H335 with 55gr and 62gr bullets with great success in an AR style rifle. I have not tried CFE-223 because I still have a lot of H335 but I've been told H335 is more accurate. I can't personally verify that. Too bad H335 doesn't have the copper reduction additive.
Fella's;
I tried CFE332 & I didn't like it. It may indeed be effective in Copper Fouling Elimination, but it sure burned dirty enough in my gun that any advantage in CFE was more than made up for in powder fouling. The load I finally came up with uses Vihta N133.
900F
I tried CFE332 & I didn't like it. It may indeed be effective in Copper Fouling Elimination, but it sure burned dirty enough in my gun that any advantage in CFE was more than made up for in powder fouling. The load I finally came up with uses Vihta N133.
900F
Blue68f100
Member
I have tried both and CFE-223 has worked better for me. The published data by Hornady is low compared to Sierra and others. I was getting a shotgun pattern using their data. My velocities where low by ~400 ft/sec too. I use using LC brass and V-Max bullets. Now have also seen over pressure signs early using LC brass and CFE-223. So work up your loads and look for pressure signs as you go. The H335 should be better for the lighter pills where CFE-223 will work for heavier ones.
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