Hodgdon CFE223

Warnberg · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2012 1:22 pm Post subject: Hodgdon CFE223

Anyone tried this powder out yet?

Looking to test it out in my 204 but haven't had the opportunity to pick up a pound yet and wanted to get some feedback on it.

Thanks

Dave

slimjim · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2012 1:42 pm Post subject: Re: Hodgdon CFE223

I haven't tried it myself but I've heard and read positive feedback. Both in copper fouling reduction and is turning out to be the go-to powder for the 6.5 Grendel/.264.

Grumulkin · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2012 7:19 pm Post subject: Re: Hodgdon CFE223

I tried it recently in a 223. As far as accuracy is concerned, it wasn't any better than other loads with 55 gr. bullets I've tried with other powders. Since I haven't cleaned the barrel yet, I don't know about copper fouling.

I'll probably try it with one or two more bullets before I abandon efforts for a 223 load with it.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2012 9:22 pm Post subject: Re: Hodgdon CFE223

I'm currently using it in my .17 Remingtons, .223s and 22/250. So far I really like it and am getting very good accuracy combined with top velocities with two of the three cartridges (.223 velocity can be bettered by maybe 100 fps with AA Data 2200 if it really matters). Do be sure to follow Hodgdon's loading data however, and start a bit low. The maximum load for my .17 Remingtons using 20-grain Vmax bullets is listed as 27.4 grains for over 4,400 fps. Anything over 27 grains starts to very slightly flatten primers, but I'm still breaking 4,400 fps at 27.0. Using that as a reminder, my .223 and 22/250 loads also started low and I reached top pressures (and accuracy) before the listed maximums, but am still very close to the listed velocities for maximum loads. I haven't shot enough with it to really see if the fouling claims hold water, but the bores do appear a bit cleaner...or maybe it's just wishful thinking!

se3388 · Rookie Member Joined: Nov 15, 2013 Posts: 8 Location: SEMO

It was the first powder I tried in my 6.5 Grendel bolt gun and it shot so good and had top velocity so it is the only powder I have tried in it. It does seem to cut down on copper fouling in my 5.56 rifles.

Steve........

dhc4ever · Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2013 10:50 pm Post subject: Re: Hodgdon CFE223

Ok, I'm curious as to how a powder can reduce copper fouling?
I would have thought that the condition of the barrel, velocity of the projectile and hardness of the copper would be the issues?
Am I missing something? Heat purhaps from the burning powder?

SingleShotLover · Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2013 6:31 am Post subject: Re: Hodgdon CFE223

All of the things you mentioned do play a role in fouling. CFE and several military-grade powders contain an additive that, in theory, bonds with the metal in your barrel to help reduce copper fouling. Does it work? Hard to say. In my .17 Remingtons over 100 rounds between cleaning show no sign of accuracy deterioration and they clean up in a matter of minutes with little to no sign of copper. The same goes for my .223 and .22/250....but none of them really had a problem with fouling anyway. I mainly switched to CFE223 for its metering, accuracy (at least in my rifles) and (in some cartridges) significant velocity increase with reasonable pressures.

MacD · Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2013 7:38 am Post subject: Re: Hodgdon CFE223

Can't comment on fouling but it meters great and is very accurate in both my. 223 and. 308.