recent Hodgdon CFE223 experience?

[edrod68]

Getting ready to start reloading, have a good supply of CFE 223, primers, 50, 55, and 63 grain bullets to try to make some test loads...

Got all of the reloading data from Hodgdon but was wondering how much success (or lack thereof) people on here may have had with using this powder to create loads for AR15s?

 

[Pinecone]

HORRIBLE powder.

DO NOT USE IT.

I will come pick it up immediately to save you from yourself.

I have not loaded it, but EXCELLENT reports.

 

[edrod68]

I got lucky and got a couple of pounds so I can do some comparison loads...

Will be trying loads with the following powders ( Hodgdon CFE 223, Varget and IMR 4198)

Bullets will be - Hornady 55 grain FMJBT
Nosler Ballistic tip varmint spitzer boat tail 50 grain
CTB Silvertip Varmint boat tail 55 grain

Figure I should be able to try a bunch of different combinations to see what the ARs like most..

At least I will have fun trying...

 

[Pinecone]

You should try to find some heavier bullets. 68/69 and 75/77 grain. They shoot better, especially at longer ranges.

Varget is very good, but you pretty much have to weigh every charge, as the grains get cut with a powder measure.

 

[Jaybeez]

cfe223 seems to measure really well for me.

I haven't loaded any yet, just messing around with the lee charge bar to see if I can get the max load with it, which I can if I mod the charge bar.

 

[edrod68]

You should try to find some heavier bullets. 68/69 and 75/77 grain. They shoot better, especially at longer ranges.

I definitely will at some point, since I am just starting out, I will be working these up since they are close to the factory 55 grain 5.56 that my rifles seem to like the best accuracy wise.

Will definitely try heavier bullets at some point (when I can find some that is) to see what difference they make.

The two ARs I have...one is a 20" HBAR with 1:9 twist. And the other is a 16" carbine with 1:7. So I have some experimenting to do...

 

[Pinecone]

The 1 in 9 may or may not work with the 77 or 75. Some will work with the 75, but not the 77.

Lots of work ahead.

 

[edrod68]

Yep..figured starting with the smaller ones would give me a frame of reference based on what I have been shooting so far...

Both rifles seem to really like the M193 5.56 ammo a lot...

 

[Jaybeez]

i've read that the best accuracy and the best anti copper effects occur at the higher ends of the charge range.