I just can't get CFE223 to shoot in my gun!

[Fotheringill]

Might be the bullet weight. I have a .223 in a Savage F/TR with a 7 twist and shoot 73 grain Bergers.. I used Varget but got tired of the throws both electronic and manual and beam scale. I changed to CFE 223 and am very happy with it at 100-200 yards.

 

[chop house]

well, op has had 7 years to work it out or give up on it..... lol

 

[Herzo]

I tried my standard 77 grain SMK Varget load that runs well in my 20 inch AR in my 16 inch carbine with no success. Switched to CFE223 behind the 69 grain TMK with good results.

 

[Webster]

So....I've been tinkering with my .223 for the last month...shooting every bullet and most powder combinations I can afford to try....and the only one that keeps bugging me, because i can't get it to shoot, is CFE223! The BEST i can get at 100yds is a little over 0.5" (measuring CTC or the extreme holes)....but the groups just open up from there! I've tried:
50gr vmax
52gr amax
53gr HP-M
55gr FBHP

The best shooting combination, so far, has been 27.1gr with 52gr A-max @ 1.897", followed fairly close by 27.4gr with a 52gr A-max @ 1.900" (ogive). I've shot on the lands (1.900); 0.003, 0.002, 0.005 off the lands, and 0.001 into the lands. I've shot powder combinations from 26.8 to 27.7 on the A-max...

So, is this the point at which you just give up on a powder and give it to a buddy, or do you keep going and just try smaller and smaller increments...hoping something finally gives?

I mean, i've got my WC844 and Benchmark loads that keep me happy out to 400yds....and I've got some RL15 and Varget stuff i'm working on that's showing promise....so I know it's not my reloading or shooting skills......

Check load maps at https://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/223rem/

They don't even list CFE223.

 

[Lone Hunter]

Check load maps at https://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/223rem/

They don't even list CFE223.

Check post #22 and op date

 

[Laurie]

if you havent already tried a magnum primer I would give them a try before you give up, that stuff seems to need a hot spark

Gary Eliseo

Yes, CFE-223 is the only powder I've tried in Lapua 308 'Palma' SR brass that wouldn't ignite properly. (Other St. Marks ball powders, even Hodgdon H414, no problems, just CFE.)

The Russian primer manufacturer Murom (which makes Wolf/Tula branded primers for the US market) introduced a new 'hotter' SR model about three years ago citing a demand for more robust ignition from 223 Rem XTC competitors who had moved to a recently introduced American ball type. I've never seen the powder named, but at the risk of adding two and two to get five, I suspect the unnamed 'culprit' is CFE.

This is the modified more energetic Russian grade in its European packaging / branding:

 

[Medic505]

well, op has had 7 years to work it out or give up on it..... lol

The OP was last seen May, 2018. I wonder if he's still alive?

 

[hogpatrol]

 

[T-shooter]

I once tried IMR4166 and could not get an acceptable grouping going from light to heavy loads in small steps. After a while I gave up, gave the powder to a friend. Varget and IMR4064 shot fine.

 

[david12601]

Imr8208xbr

 

[JEFFPPC]

gun is a rem sps tactical, 20" 1:9

GSR..,I have the same rifle you have. Shooting 50 thru 69 gr bullets they all shoot under .4 most .3 and repeat. Sometimew smaller. I shoot them all with Varget , give it a try . For a factory gun with no bedding I am happy, have enough .2s I am shooting it as is.

 

[Alaska Bush Man]

With CFE 223 I have best luck in 308 Win with 168/175.
In 308 Win with 150/155 the IMR 8208 works very well and 77MK in 5.56.

 

[Alaska Bush Man]

Yes, CFE-223 is the only powder I've tried in Lapua 308 'Palma' SR brass that wouldn't ignite properly. (Other St. Marks ball powders, even Hodgdon H414, no problems, just CFE.)

The Russian primer manufacturer Murom (which makes Wolf/Tula branded primers for the US market) introduced a new 'hotter' SR model about three years ago citing a demand for more robust ignition from 223 Rem XTC competitors who had moved to a recently introduced American ball type. I've never seen the powder named, but at the risk of adding two and two to get five, I suspect the unnamed 'culprit' is CFE.

This is the modified more energetic Russian grade in its European packaging / branding:

View attachment 1152149

CFE 223 is slower burning than Varget
Needs a big spark
Reserve Small rifle primer to IMR 8208 and H322 with 150/155/130 in 308 Win

 

[gemihur]

Bush man & David got it right, IMR 8208 XBR ... 'nuff said.

 

[garandman]

Me either.... 224 Valkyie bolt gun with 80.5 and 85.5 Bergers.

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

Did you try mixing Viagra with the CFE 223.................. to stiffen up the barrel?

I dumped my Viagra on the flower bed , you should see my peonies !

 

[Steve Ladino]

Have seen cfe 223 shoot 80's very well in a Valkyrie AR.

 

[Webster]

The OP was last seen May, 2018. I wonder if he's still alive?

The original post was 2012. He probably doesn't have the rifle anymore.