CFE-223 Any reason NOT to use it?

.22LRGUY

.22LRGUY

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Hey guys~wondering if those CFE-223 users among us might care to chime-in. Just bought a new .204 R (24", 1:12" barrel) and I'm about to start pouring powder on my first re-loads for this gun. I'm still pretty new to reloading, and have only used Varget in my .223 bolt gun with great accuracy in all temperatures. The .204 R will be a spring/summer varmint gun only, so, while I was waiting for it to arrive...I spent some time on the Hodgdon site, reading countless internet forum posts, trying to get a sense of what people are using for the best accuracy and speed. From all that, I decided to buy some CFE-223 but after doing so, found more opinions of this powder suggesting the powdery residue left behind has abrasive properties. Clearly, that rang the alarm bells in my head, and I promptly started looking for H4895 and H322 to try as alternatives. Only found H322, so I bought it.

SO...opions time. I'm I selling myself short by NOT trying CFE-223 (I returned it, sealed) or, have any of you experienced negative consequences BY using it? With the rate of twist, I suspect everything that'll shoot well will be in the 32-39gr. range. If you have any opinions on sensitivity to temperature, please comment on that too.

Can I get more and try it? Of course, and I might. BUT, with 3 bullet weights to try already...adding a second powder really adds to the variables to load up for on range day #1. I am perfectly OK with putting the H322 back in the wooden lock box, and doing all my initial tests with CFE-223. I'd just like a second 3rd, 4th, 5th opinion.

Thanks for taking a moment to reply!
 
I don't load 204 but I use CFE223 in my 223 rifles. I have a load with 60gr Nosler varmint bullets that will do MOA in my HK SL8. Haven't noticed any extra grime to clean out of it. I use CFE223 when I can't find Varget. H322 is another good option but I haven't had the same luck with accuracy using it (haven't done a lot of testing yet though).
You're right though, no sense adding more variables to the testing until you know one doesn't work.
 
OK, I gotta ask ........... where did you return it sealed? VERY unusual for any retailer to accept returns on ammo or reloading supplies!
OBTW ......... I use Varget & love it. Also use WC735 surplus powder from Higginsons .......... do a search for this!
 
I have been reloading 204R for a while . I have found IMR 8208xbr works well with 39gr SBK's
and Benchmark works well with 32gr Noslers . Both are extreme powders , but I have not had
a chance to try either in the summer to test their temperature stability . I also tested 40gr Vmax
and Noslers , but I couldn't match the 39gr Sierra's accuracy . Next loads to test are 35gr Berger
over H322 , but the weather has not been cooperating . I did find tough primers are needed ,
Winchester SR primers flattened and craitered ( no holes or stiff bolt lift ) , Remington 7 1/2
primers worked well . My 35gr Berger test loads have CCI BR4 primers to test . They have a thick
cup also .
 
I bought a couple pounds for 223 plinking ammo out of my AR. I've only shot about 10rnds from it so far so can't say I have much experience with it other than it shot well and didn't stink like Varget or Norc ammo and meters pretty darn good.

From what I've read on other forums, the bismuth or whatever additive that is in there is enough to help "erode" copper but not enough to damage your barrel. I also read that CFE223 (supposedly a civilian packaged military SMP-842 powder that is used in M855 ammo) works when it is exposed to high temps ie hot loads.
 
boltonscouter said:
OK, I gotta ask ........... where did you return it sealed? VERY unusual for any retailer to accept returns on ammo or reloading supplies!
Click to expand...

+1, remind me not to buy powder from them. the so called seals on any of the powders i've bought will peal off and reseal the first couple of times.
 
Spawn-Inc said:
+1, remind me not to buy powder from them. the so called seals on any of the powders i've bought will peal off and reseal the first couple of times.
Click to expand...

I don't think I've ever opened a new bottle of powder without the seal coming off at least halfway. I too would like to know who accepts returns on powder.
 
CFE223 is good powder. Especially in small cases with heavier bullets. When the weather warms up a bit, I am going to run it through some 7.62x39, with 165 grain bullets to see how well it works there. It's a strong bolt action rifle and should be able to handle just about anything I can throw at it with that bullet/powder/primer/case combo.

I have used it in my Tikka T3 with excellent results using Hornady 75 grain Amax bullets. Pressures look to be within reason and it seems to be fairly stable in cold weather. As far as being dirty goes, it doesn't seem to build up. I have put 60 rounds through my mini 14 and like many, I was concerned with how dirty is was after the first couple of shots. It never got any dirtier. I cleaned it, fired two more rounds and checked the bore. Same amount of crud as it had before I cleaned it.

Maybe the crud works like a lubricant to help eliminate fouling???? I don't know.

I do know it is a good powder when used properly and that there isn't nearly enough information on it out there for other cases. I'm hoping it will be very similar to BLC2.

I should also mention, I got my best results with this powder when CCI Bench Rest primers and Magnum primers were used. Standard primers were ok but the accuracy was less consistent.

Time and experimentation will tell all.

Ganderite, Jim, do you have any input on this powder???? Have you tried it yet???
 
I personally use H4895 in bolt and happen to have some TAC that I use for plinking AR 223.
I dont have a bolt 223 so I cant really compare tac to h4895, but I used tac in 308 and it worked fine.
 
Might give it a try when I run out of TAC.

hometownhero said:
To "erase" copper fouling.
Click to expand...

ORLY...

Introduced in January 2012, this versatile spherical rifle propellant incorporates in its formula CFE, Copper Fouling Eraser. This ingredient, originally used in military propellant, greatly deters copper fouling. It contributes to longer periods of top accuracy with less barrel cleaning time. Being a spherical powder, metering is superbly accurate. CFE 223 yields top velocities in many cartridges such as the 204 Ruger, 223 Remington/5.56mm NATO, 22-250 Remington and the 308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO, plus many, many more. Match, Varmint and AR shooters will love this one!
 
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