Any new info on CFE223 with 80gr bullets in an AR that folks would like to list. It works really well in my 28" bolt-gun barrel with 23.5gr and 80gr SMK or Berger, but am wondering about the same load in a 20" AR.
CFE 223 in AR
- Thread starter james
- Start date
RegionRat
Gold $$ Contributor
A 20" AR will often imply a Service Rifle. These rigs are used for a set of rules called XTC or Across the Course in the National Match games. In the XTC game, what we call the short lines are 200 yards and 300 yards, and then we go to the long line which is 600 yards.
It is important to note that the XTC 600 line is slow prone, so the ammo is often a single feed 80 grain match bullet (SMK and Berger are very common). These recipes will be too long for the magazine.
Considering the demands of the game, many serious competitors will run a magazine length 77 at the 200 and 300 yard lines, but then run the single feed 80 gr match bullets for the 600.
That means the experience base is vast compared to most other AR topics. Many of us have been playing with the 80 grain bullets in the 20" AR for a long time, so we have run everything under the sun that would at least function.
Don't get me wrong, CFE223 is a great versatile ball powder that generates great speeds where it is applicable, but the 80 grain precision AR loads are not it's best use.
The general view that the majority would share is that the 600 yard line ammo should be an extruded powder to minimize dispersion and avoid temperature instability. That is not a hard law of physics since you can get CFE223 to work, it just doesn't compete well.
I will say I love CFE223 for other things, but the 80 grain isn't one of them. It will "work" in an AR, but it will leave lots of residue and will not compete with an extruded powder for functional reliability, temperature stability, or accuracy.
The extra residues it makes are a natural consequence of the powder and is made worse by the copper fouling additive. However, that isn't the main reason it isn't recommended for the 80 grain loads.
Some of the other fine grain or ball powders would make a better showing with an 80 grain in the AR.
You can try it for yourself, but don't forget to try one of the Pet Load standards (Varget, RE15, etc.) to have a frame of reference. YMMV
It is important to note that the XTC 600 line is slow prone, so the ammo is often a single feed 80 grain match bullet (SMK and Berger are very common). These recipes will be too long for the magazine.
Considering the demands of the game, many serious competitors will run a magazine length 77 at the 200 and 300 yard lines, but then run the single feed 80 gr match bullets for the 600.
That means the experience base is vast compared to most other AR topics. Many of us have been playing with the 80 grain bullets in the 20" AR for a long time, so we have run everything under the sun that would at least function.
Don't get me wrong, CFE223 is a great versatile ball powder that generates great speeds where it is applicable, but the 80 grain precision AR loads are not it's best use.
The general view that the majority would share is that the 600 yard line ammo should be an extruded powder to minimize dispersion and avoid temperature instability. That is not a hard law of physics since you can get CFE223 to work, it just doesn't compete well.
I will say I love CFE223 for other things, but the 80 grain isn't one of them. It will "work" in an AR, but it will leave lots of residue and will not compete with an extruded powder for functional reliability, temperature stability, or accuracy.
The extra residues it makes are a natural consequence of the powder and is made worse by the copper fouling additive. However, that isn't the main reason it isn't recommended for the 80 grain loads.
Some of the other fine grain or ball powders would make a better showing with an 80 grain in the AR.
You can try it for yourself, but don't forget to try one of the Pet Load standards (Varget, RE15, etc.) to have a frame of reference. YMMV
ELR LVR
Silver $$ Contributor
Worked good in mine but is "Punchy"
W-748 has a nicer recoil impulse though (CFE is just a back up if I run low on 748)
For the heavies you suggest starting at 24.04 grns should work
I think I use 25.0-26.0 for Sierra 69's
I've been using 25.0 grns lately since I rarely shoot the AR past 100 yds anymore
When I used to shoot 600 yds with it
I would load it up slightly at 26.0 grns
the 77 TMK performed well out to 740 yds (furthest I tested it) seem to remember 12 feet of drop)
But you could punch a Rock chuck from that far away with it
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.