CFE-BLK Temperature Sensitivity Testing

elbatto

New member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I have recently been looking into reloading for the 7.62x39 and after researching for quite awhile I couldn't find any data on the temperature sensitivity of CFE-BLK. It is advertised as a suitable powder for the cartridge so I did some of my own testing and wanted to share the results in case anyone else is wanting to use this power for any cartridge subjected to temperature differences. I loaded 10 rounds total with 123 Lapua FMJ in Lapua cases, and had 5 at room temperature and 5 in the deep freeze at -18*C.

At -18*C the FPS results are:

Max -2272
Min -2248
Avg -2258
S.D -12.2

21*C Room Temperature:

Max -2372
Min -2359
Avg -2364
S.D -6.7

Difference Between The Two

Max - 100
Min - 110
Avg - 106
S.D - 5.5

So in conclusion I am actually impressed with the stability of this ball style powder. For a 39*C temperature difference and an average of 106 fps difference is acceptable in my books. It is not as stable as Hodgons Extreme Extruded line, but until I can get my hands on some H4198 for testing this will be a good start. As always this is my collection of data and use at your own risk, happy shooting.
 
So wait til summer to work up max loads? ;)

Thanks for the test and the info!

What was that shot through?
 
What primer? Nice data, I have been using BLK for a while since it's so available. Guys don't know how versatile it is I guess. Very similar to H110 in my testing. H110 itself is very understimated and underused outside straight-wall magnum pistol cartridges.
 
What primer? Nice data, I have been using BLK for a while since it's so available. Guys don't know how versatile it is I guess. Very similar to H110 in my testing. H110 itself is very understimated and underused outside straight-wall magnum pistol cartridges.

Using H110 for a bud's 300 BLK right now and digging it, too...interesting to read about it in the 7.62x39mm case as well.

I just wish it didn't jam up Lee powder measures so bad hahaha. Hoping its better now that I lapped the inside of the drum for a tighter fit. Smoother with BLK anyway.
 
Back
Top Bottom