223CFE powder for .308 Win.

[escopeta]

Anyone have any pet loads using the new 223CFE powder for 308Win?
For my Tango 51 reloads I have been using Lapua brass, Fed.210m, 168SMK and Varget or 4064. Have tried 8208BR, but the other powders seem best in my rifle. I keep velocity to around 2650-2700 to duplicate FGMM ammo

 

[K_4c]

Re: 223CFE powder for .308 Win.

Lapua brass @2.008"/redding S type .333 bushing die
CCI 200 primer
45.5 gr cfe223
175smk
COL @2.800"
2680 fps
Temp:82
Alt:1250 ft
Rifle: 20" Larue OBR....

Bolt action load is pretty much the same except:
335" bushing die
46.0 gr cfe223
2620 fps
Temp:82
Alt:1250
Rifle:18" custom remmy .308

 

[FLIGHT762]

Re: 223CFE powder for .308 Win.

I have a 1/12 Hart 24" in 308 Win. on a M-700 that doesn't care for 175's.

My load is 46.5 CFE-223 in Hornady brass using a .331" S bushing with a Fed. 210 primer @2.780"(Palma throat).

I've only shot 4-5 shot groups which all shot between .6-.8 MOA, not a tack driver, but better than with any other powder. Haven't run it across a chrono, but judging from the recoil, a stout load. No signs of pressure shot at 60º. Don't know what it will do in the heat.

 

[TexIndian]

Re: 223CFE powder for .308 Win.

I tried some CFE223 with the exact components mentioned by the OP in my GAP Crusader. At 48.5gr I got some slight ejector marks in some but not all cases. At 48.7gr, I blew a primer. The max load listed on the Hodgdon site is 49.0 but I quit when the primer blew. Next I tried the same components except with a CCI #34 primer. I started getting soot rings around the primer at about 48.3gr so I stopped right there. Ambient temps were mid-70's.

FWIW, the velocities at 48.5 were higher than any other load I've tried - around 2890. The gun was also kicking me like a mule.

The tight chamber in the GAP may be partly responsible for the pressure signs, but I've not experienced any with Varget or 4064 even when I go a few tenths over the book max. The new powder may be fine with reduced loads but I haven't really given it a thorough test in that range.

Just based on the fact it's a ball powder, I figure it's probably temperature sensitive. I'm halfway afraid to try it now that temps here are in the 90's unless I really back off.

 

[escopeta]

Re: 223CFE powder for .308 Win.

Thanks. Temps in 100's down here, but I normally load at the range for testing. In looking at the load data i will probably start on the bottom to get the velocity I want in the 2650-2700 range out of my 20" barrel. This what I see with Federal GMM out of my gun.
Will also try in my 9 twist AR with 69SMK.
Book data with 4064/Varget track right on in my rifle for velocity I want. In loading the 175SMK to same speed i have seen no issues.
Will see how it goes when i test it out in the heat.

 

[TexIndian]

Re: 223CFE powder for .308 Win.

It's hard to rely on chrono readings when you're only firing 2-3 at each powder weight, but I was getting 2700+ at my lowest test charge of 46.9gr. It was the same for both types of primers I tried.

 

[JGorski]

Re: 223CFE powder for .308 Win.

I tried 48grs 2000MR which may or may not be the same powder and got a nice 1" group(100yds) with my 308 sporter and the 168AMAX,I do have some CFE in the basement but Im using it for my buddies load project, if he has any left after I get done with his job Ill see if I can duplicate that 48grs with the 168AMAX. Pretty sure itll shoot the same.