CFE-223 for .308?

[Nick Caprinolo]

I use CFE 223 for some loads, especially for AR 15 rifles. It is dirty and leaves a residue in them. But it is easy to clean. I can always tell when someone at the range is using it, as it has a peculiar odor. Smells like it has ammonia in it, which would aid in reducing copper buildup. However, I find it difficult to meter from round to round. Getting it to repeatably measure, within .01 grain accuracy, can be difficult.

 

[918v]

40 FPS over 100 degrees with 175gr bullets doing 2770 FPS.

 

[avidflyer]

40 FPS over 100 degrees with 175gr bullets doing 2770 FPS.

?? 40 fps over a spread of 100 degrees?? and what load at 2770?

 

[SPQR70AD]

CFE 223 will give you 3050 FPS with 150 gr in a 24 inch barrel. almost 2800 fps with 175 gr. amazing velocity and no copper in the barrel

 

[Laurie]

The flash is the product of a slower powder not fully burning within the confines of the bore.

It's often a sign too of a load that could be raised a bit to achieve the higher pressures that most ball powders prefer. A really vicious muzzle flash from these powders is often erroneously assumed to be a sigh of over high loads / pressures and the user reduces charges making the problem worse. In years past, I've seen B-LC(2) frighten a lot of handloaders.

 

[918v]

?? 40 fps over a spread of 100 degrees?? and what load at 2770?

46 grains of CFE under a Berger 175 OTM in a FC case 2.810 COAL. Yes 40 FPS over 100 degrees.

 

[sbhooper]

CFE 223 will give you 3050 FPS with 150 gr in a 24 inch barrel. almost 2800 fps with 175 gr. amazing velocity and no copper in the barrel

I use just under a max load, for the Hornady 150 IL and it runs just over 2900 from a 22-inch Ruger American. It is all that I use. Smucks deer.

 

[SPQR70AD]

I use just under a max load, for the Hornady 150 IL and it runs just over 2900 from a 22-inch Ruger American. It is all that I use. Smucks deer.

I am not saying you need 3000 FPS for deer just that the CFE 223 brings the 308 up to 30-06 level. 2900 fps is even overpowered for deer unless they are 300-400 yds away lol

 

[Metal God]

I think slow powders that give you more velocity is a good way to go for hunting loads . I've often taken 100fps more over best accuracy when loading hunting loads . "Over best accuracy" for me means best is sub MOA but I'm will to except 1-moa if I get more velocity in a hunting load . I think CFE 223 fits this bill perfectly . When I said I no longer use it do to poor ES/SD it is for long range match loadings where I want/need more consistency . I'm not sure I care about a SD of 30fps out to 300yds-ish while trying to hit minute of deer . I think I'd want terminal ballistics more then external ballistics in that case .

 

[SPQR70AD]

I think slow powders that give you more velocity is a good way to go for hunting loads . I've often taken 100fps more over best accuracy when loading hunting loads . "Over best accuracy" for me means best is sub MOA but I'm will to except 1-moa if I get more velocity in a hunting load . I think CFE 223 fits this bill perfectly . When I said I no longer use it do to poor ES/SD it is for long range match loadings where I want/need more consistency . I'm not sure I care about a SD of 30fps out to 300yds-ish while trying to hit minute of deer . I think I'd want terminal ballistics more then external ballistics in that case .

1 MOA you know is only a 1/2 inch from where you are aiming at 100 yds . plenty good for big game

 

[sbhooper]

I am not saying you need 3000 FPS for deer just that the CFE 223 brings the 308 up to 30-06 level. 2900 fps is even overpowered for deer unless they are 300-400 yds away lol

2900 fps overpowered for deer? LMAO!

 

[SPQR70AD]

2900 fps overpowered for deer? LMAO!

most whitetails shot at under 100 yds. yes 2900 FPS 150 grain bullet is more then needed

 

[miningshawn]

46 grains of CFE under a Berger 175 OTM in a FC case 2.810 COAL. Yes 40 FPS over 100 degrees.

I agree. If the load is insensitive - it is insensitive. Some rifles love some powders... I have an RPR that just wants to shoot CFE223... so I let it.