Hodgdon's new CFE 223 powder

[Jimlaw83]

So there are some news releases about this powder coming out. It seems to offer great velocity across a wide range of 308 and 223 loads, albeit from a spherical powder. Here are the published velocities I saw of interest.

223 50 gr vmax, 3505 fps
223 77 gr SMK, 2811 fps
308 165 gr BTSP, 2839 fps
308 175 SMK, 2752 fps

This seems like it may be a very versatile "go to" powder for those like me whose staple is reloading 223 and 308. The advantage I see is that it offers good velocities with both light AND heavy bullets. I contacted Hodgdon and they said it will be shipped to dealers around the start of the year with their 2012 line up.

 

[ScottWatkins]

Re: Hodgdon's new CFE 223 powder

I asked this a couple of weeks ago and didn't get a response.

The velocity looks fast and I want to try it. Until then, I'll keep rolling them with the 8208 XBR. Sorry that I don't have any info.

 

[SgtMayhem]

Re: Hodgdon's new CFE 223 powder

I have gotten my hands on a pound of this powder. It seems a lot like the powder they use in the M80 and M885. Loads from military ammo are within published load data ranges, as well as velocities. It also smells a whole hell of a lot like the powder that you find in military loadings. As far as accuracy, I was not shooting for precision with it, as I was trying to determine whether or not it worked, as well as performance consistency.

Things one must keep in mind, all standard military rifles and MGs are chrome lined bores, which in itself also helps deter copper fouling, and makes it very easy to clean.

In loading brass a couple times, I noticed no immediate effect on the brass, however, I am leaving the brass sit in a box for a few months to see if it has any deleterious effects. I know expended military brass is quick to show signs of corrosion inside the case, wonder if the additive is what causes this, and if so, will it require a 'wet wash' to remove the chemical....