CFE 223 in AR

[james]

I have a Rock River X Series AR in 223 and thinking about trying some CFE 223 in it. It has an 18 inch barrel with 1x8 twist and really likes Varget with 75/77 grain bullets. My problem is I’m running low on Varget and just found some CFE223 that I can lay my hands on. I’ve searched this site and read many posts on this powder with very mixed results. I know the only way to see if my RR likes it is to try some which I plan on doing. Would appreciate personal experience with this powder in 223’s.

Thanks much!

 

[DukeDuke]

I've had good results with it. Higher velocity and great accuracy! Powder charge will depend on brass maker, in my experience.

 

[RegionRat]

Use primers that you know are good at ball powders especially if you are going to use the ammo in very cold weather.
CFE223 is not the equal of extruded powders, but it is a great ball powder and meters very well so it helps with building bulk ammo using thrown charges. I have used lots of it in bulk varmint rounds for bullets in the 40 to 55 grain weight class.
It was very easy to work with so you will have no troubles.

 

[TAJ45]

You just gonna have to pay your $$ and take your chances -

 

[Larryh128]

Read what Region Rat said, use a mag primer. If you do you'll
like it, if not a lot of blow back in an AR.

 

[Bill K]

It works well in the AR, use the mag primers, prep your brass well and work up a load that is accurate in YOUR AR. You will be pleased. Follow a good load manual and start with a start load and work up for the bullet weight you are going too use.

 

[Oso]

Works great... meters nicely... and greater velocity than Varget. It is temperature sensitive so keep that in mind during your load development so plan accordingly for the temperature range where you plan to shoot.

 

[james]

Thanks for the comments!

 

[David Milisock]

Works great... meters nicely... and greater velocity than Varget. It is temperature sensitive so keep that in mind during your load development so plan accordingly for the temperature range where you plan to shoot.

How is it in terms of residue? I find some ball powders can leave a gummy residue. In my 30 Carbine they produce a nice increase in velocity, by 30 Carbine standards but in cold weather they gummed up the lubricants so much after 200 rounds reliability was an issue. Solved it by using dry lubricants.

 

[Bocephus]

I have a Rock River X Series AR in 223 and thinking about trying some CFE 223 in it. It has an 18 inch barrel with 1x8 twist and really likes Varget with 75/77 grain bullets. My problem is I’m running low on Varget and just found some CFE223 that I can lay my hands on. I’ve searched this site and read many posts on this powder with very mixed results. I know the only way to see if my RR likes it is to try some which I plan on doing. Would appreciate personal experience with this powder in 223’s.

Thanks much!

As mentioned, it tends to be a bit more temp sensitive than some, but unless you’re using an adj gas block you’ll want to keep loads on the “sane” side anyway. In my stuff the ES is quite a bit higher than Varget but not enough to be of concern unless I start stretching things.

 

[JMayo]

I was told that it was basically the same as AR comp. I have shot it in 6bra.

A Very fine powder. I spray with one shot & CFE223 sticks to the necks too much.

 

[Oso]

I was told that it was basically the same as AR comp. I have shot it in 6bra.

A Very fine powder. I spray with one shot & CFE223 sticks to the necks too much.

Nope, not the same. CFE223 is a faster velocity powder and it is not temp stable. AR Comp is fairly temp stable and just a touch slower. Both are very nice powders.

AR Comp is more similar to H4895 in that they have almost identical velocities for the same charge weights and both are fairly temp stable for being ball powder / mini-extruded powder. However, these are two different powders.

 

[Oso]

How is it in terms of residue? I find some ball powders can leave a gummy residue. In my 30 Carbine they produce a nice increase in velocity, by 30 Carbine standards but in cold weather they gummed up the lubricants so much after 200 rounds reliability was an issue. Solved it by using dry lubricants.

In my experience CFE223 performs best when cases are loaded full (higher load weights). These higher charge weights result in cleaner burning.

 

[Pawnee Bill]

I believe CFE223 was designed specifically for AR's in 223.

 

[RegionRat]

I believe CFE223 was designed specifically for AR's in 223.

https://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/ball-powder-st-marks-powder/462658
Bill, you may find the article interesting regarding ball powders.
I also added it as a post since I think many of the young can use a little background on where their stuff really comes from.

 

[Oso]

I believe CFE223 was designed specifically for AR's in 223.

Like all things... give it to a reloader and it grows legs. CFE 223 and LeverEvolution are the 2 preferred powders for loading heavy bullets (120gr-130gr) in 6.5 Grendel. Both of these powders provide max velocity for Grendel while avoiding pressure spikes that most other powders demonstrate as bullet weight starts approaching 120gr. bullets. All other popular .223/5.56 powders work well in 6.5 Grendel for bullets in 85gr - 110gr.

 

[GuitarmanNick]

I use it with excellent results in my ARs. Works well with 55 to 69 grain projectiles in 1:8/1:7 barrels, does not burn completely, but is very accurate with the right charge.

 

[White Eagle]

CFE 223 Is my go to powder in the 224 Valkyrie, I also use it in my 222 Remington if I owned a 223 I would use it in that as well

 

[David Milisock]

Like all things... give it to a reloader and it grows legs. CFE 223 and LeverEvolution are the 2 preferred powders for loading heavy bullets (120gr-130gr) in 6.5 Grendel. Both of these powders provide max velocity for Grendel while avoiding pressure spikes that most other powders demonstrate as bullet weight starts approaching 120gr. bullets. All other popular .223/5.56 powders work well in 6.5 Grendel for bullets in 85gr - 110gr.

It looks like LeverEvolution is a go to for heavies in 6MM ARC too.

 

[Oso]

LeverEvolution edges out CFE223 by a little bit.

H4895 and ARComp are next in line with velocity plus added benefit of being fairly temp stable. I am sure there are some others like ProVarmint that are right in there.