CFE223 and 208 AMAX .308 with great results !

[alpha6164]

So finally decided to load some 208 AMAX for my GAP 308 which has a 26" Bartlein barrel. I had been hopeful in the CFE223 to get me some decent velocity. I loaded the following

43.1, 43.4, 43.7, 44.0 and 44.3gr all loaded to 2.88" mag length

All groups were subMOA. The 43.1g group produced avg speed of 2501 ft/sec with sub 1/2 MOA group and the 44.0g group produced an avg of 2554 ft/sec with also sub 1/2 MOA. The 44.3g group velocity avg was 2572 but the groups were a little wider could have been me though. I may reload some more at 44.3g and try again. Temperature was 75deg and sea level.


Needless to say I am extremely impressed with this 208 AMAX and CFE223. I did not have any signs if high pressure at all not even at 44.3gr. This bullet going at ~2550 ft/sec kicks the shit out of a 175gr bullet at 2680ft/sec I was getting.



Here is the 44.0gr group picture. This was measured 0.410" center to center

 

[jdmartin]

Re: CFE223 and 208 AMAX .308 with great results !

Nice results. Made me go look into this powder as I did not realize it would be good for that heavy bullet in 308.Your measurement looks conservative as it looks close to one bullet diameter center to center to me.
I need to try this in 6BR as well as 308.

 

[alpha6164]

Re: CFE223 and 208 AMAX .308 with great results !

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jdmartin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice results. Made me go look into this powder as I did not realize it would be good for that heavy bullet in 308.Your measurement looks conservative as it looks close to one bullet diameter center to center to me.
I need to try this in 6BR as well as 308. </div></div>


The first two shots were basically same hole. Third shot was a little low. Forgot to mention this was shot using bipod and rear bag. Short of putting the rifle in a rest I think it is impossible to remove shooter error during load developement. Either way I am happy with results

anyone that thinks the CFE223 is not "accurate" or made for heavies is missing out.

 

[sentry1]

Re: CFE223 and 208 AMAX .308 with great results !

Wow, not bad! I just picked up a pound of CFE223 because the local shop was all out of Varget and most other stuff. Good to hear it's giving good results!

 

[Down South]

Re: CFE223 and 208 AMAX .308 with great results !

Whats the burn rate of this powder in relation to Varget?

 

[jdmartin]

Re: CFE223 and 208 AMAX .308 with great results !

Hodgdon lists it as slower than varget,just slower than BLC2

 

[rugerdiggs]

Re: CFE223 and 208 AMAX .308 with great results !

What twist do you have? Just picked up some 208's to try in my 300wsm with 10 twist or one of my 308's one with 10 and one with 11 or 12 twist.

 

[alpha6164]

Re: CFE223 and 208 AMAX .308 with great results !

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rugerdiggs</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What twist do you have? Just picked up some 208's to try in my 300wsm with 10 twist or one of my 308's one with 10 and one with 11 or 12 twist. </div></div>


My twist is an 11.25 and stabilized just fine.

 

[Rob01]

Re: CFE223 and 208 AMAX .308 with great results !

Interesting. Just picked up 16 pounds of CFE223 for my .223 but might have to try it with that.

 

[woodland-ghost]

Re: CFE223 and 208 AMAX .308 with great results !

Anyone tried this yet with lighter bullets, 168's? The local store I buy all my stuff has this and he reloads and loves it as well.

 

[.50 Cal Cow]

Re: CFE223 and 208 AMAX .308 with great results !

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: woodland-ghost</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone tried this yet with lighter bullets, 168's? The local store I buy all my stuff has this and he reloads and loves it as well. </div></div>

I read of an issue someone posted on another forum (can't remember) about popping primers out with the 168gr but no issues with the 175's using this powder. Believe it was out of a gas gun though.

Buddy at a local range had a group that looked just like above but was using the 175SMK out of his TRG22.

Just started to load develop for this out of a Tikka scout with the 178gr HPBT. Found the node and now tuning seating depth but initial development looks like it should be a 1/2 to 3/4 MOA load for my Scout.

 

[woodland-ghost]

Re: CFE223 and 208 AMAX .308 with great results !

Newb here but why issues with the lighter bullets compared to heavier?
And mine is semi auto of it makes a difference.

 

[.50 Cal Cow]

Re: CFE223 and 208 AMAX .308 with great results !

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: woodland-ghost</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Newb here but why issues with the lighter bullets compared to heavier?
And mine is semi auto of it makes a difference. </div></div>

Guess it was on this forum. There's an explanation in there. https://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3238901

Anyone ever see a 20 inch barrel with an 11 twist able to shoot a 208/210gr with any success? To the original OP's topic I have bunch of 210gr SMK's lying around that I would be interested if there's a possibility it could work.