CFE223 or H335 for 223 bolt gun?

odsixer

odsixer

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I have a great varget load for my precision 223 rifle, 69gr smk bullets, but I would like to try a powder that meters better. I have some of the cfe 223 and h335.
My question before I load some of both is does anyone have feed back on which is a better choice for precision work? Thanks.
 
I have tried both powders in my S&W M&P 15 and they were both close in accuracy but I found the H335 to be just a bit more accurate for me with slightly smaller groups on target, I know the rifle I am using is a semi and yours is a bolt gun but just thought I would let you know what I found and hope that helps.
 
I have found that Varget has usually proven superior, in my bolt guns, in terms of accuracy over the other commonly available options.
I picked up a few pounds of CFE 223, given it's media hype, but found it did not equal, never mind surpass, my proven results with Varget.
I haven't found huge differences between H335 and Varget, but, as Varget also is my go to load for my 6BR, I'll just work my way through my 16 pounds of Varget on hand.
I'll use the CFE 223 as a 'banging' load' in my ARs, Tavor, and XCR, as 'minute of man' is adequate for the purpose.
The obvious answer is to pick up a pound of each contender, and let the results speak for themselves.....
 
CFE - 223 / H335 are commonly used in industrial loading operations under their OEM names. I know they use something "VERY SIMILAR" to CFE-223 in a large quantities loading the large arsenal suppliers as it has the flash suppression and de-coppering agent.

They are meant to meter "reasonably" well on high-speed tooling. I use CFE-223, because it works well enough for me, meters well enough and I can get it in 8# kegs as needed. That being said, I shoot my AR-15's with iron sights.

If I where you, I would try and work around getting varget to meter better with an auto-trickler and an extended drop tube for the powder to reduce bridging on the case mouth. I think you would get better results in lieu of chasing down accuracy in ball powders. They aren't as temperature stable as Varget either.
 
I have used the same as you but the best so far in my gun is VV N133 shooting 52 grains Sierra Match bullet.
H335 meter very well ans also give good performance.
 
Similar situation.
For my real precision bolt action 223 I use Varget.
For my cheaper plinking ammo where I care more about cranking out 'good enough' rounds, I use CFE223 and H335. My decision is usually based on availability, but have a strong preference for H335. It seems to meter better, but it also is a more accurate powder.
Also think that the whole 'anti copper fowling' thing is a bit of marketing fluff. Have to clean the firearms the same regardless of what I'm shooting with.
 
The best group I ever shot off my bench with the 223 was an 1/8" 5 shot group at 100yds using CFE 223 and 53gr Vmax. The only issue was having to use the rifle as a single shot as COAL was too long for DM. I have used varget in 69-70gr loads with very good results but I do like the metering of the CFE 223 so I start with it in load development first. I have never tried H335.
 
The decoppering agent isn't really a benefit in the civilian market. You typically don't shoot thousands of rounds between thorough cleanings.

The only place I was glad that they used it as I enjoyed the benefits of it was cleaning C9 and C6's at the end of a live fire exercise.

I found with the CFE 223 you will get to a certain level of copper fouling, and then it just won't get any worse after that. It doesn't totally prevent it.
 
Thanks for all the input guys! I have loaded up some 69gr smk over cfe 223 so we will see how it goes. Ideally I will be making as close to match grade bullets as I can on my LnL progressive.
 
I have done a lot of testing in my Tikka T3X. Charted speeds and recorded group sizes. Tried CFE223, BL-C(2), IMR3031, H335, Varget, W748. With up to 55 grain bullets, H335 was the winner. With 69 grain bullets, Varget was king. Those are the two I would continue to use if available (but where can you buy either at the moment???).
 
mb571 said:
I have done a lot of testing in my Tikka T3X. Charted speeds and recorded group sizes. Tried CFE223, BL-C(2), IMR3031, H335, Varget, W748. With up to 55 grain bullets, H335 was the winner. With 69 grain bullets, Varget was king. Those are the two I would continue to use if available (but where can you buy either at the moment???).
Click to expand...

What is the twist rate of the Tikka? I have a MVP and just getting ready to do load development.
 
Anyone running CFE223 and 62 gr Hornady FMJs?

I'm running 25.1 gr right now. Accurate enough to hit steel out to 500m but pretty slow. Going to try 25.5 and 26.0 next.
 
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