CFE 223 barrel life

BurnOut

DDOJSIOC
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 24, 2013
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Dallas
I'm starting to develop some loads for my .204 Ruger, and one of the recommended powders is CFE 223. However, I recall sometime back reading something (on the Internet, so you know it's true) about CFE powders shortening barrel life. However, as I consult the Oracle (Google), I can't seem to find anything... does anyone know what I'm talking about, or am I babbling to myself?

At this point I have some loads built to try using BL-C(2) and IMR 8208, using both Sierra 39 gr and Hornady 40 gr projectiles... but I'm also thinking of putting together some rounds using CFE 223.
 
Its the powder burn temp intensity or something like that from quickload I think youre talking about, a powder that burns at a lower temp will erode the barrel more slowly than a powder with a high temp. This chart from quickload is a little dated but its the only copy I can find that demonstrates it, H1000 is a burn temp of 3630 while varget has a burn temp of 4050, and thus vargets reputation for being tough on barrels. Ive heard that cfe223 burns hot like varget but like you I cant find out where I read that.


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Hmm, that's a good point that I hadn't previously considered. I recall thinking (jumping to the conclusion, I think) that it was the built-in anti-copper agent that was being blamed... though again, I could easily be full of shit.

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