I Need Opinions on CFE 223

Jim243 · March 22, 2014, 06:40 PM

Looking for opinions and results from those that have used CFE 223 for their 5.56 & 223's.

Jim

Marco Califo · March 22, 2014, 08:31 PM

I can report that it is out of stock everywhere I have checked.
Midway
Midsouthshooters
Natchez
Wideners
My LGS's

mjes92 · March 22, 2014, 08:48 PM

What would you like to know?
Its a very easy to work with powder. The most consistent metering powder I have worked with. Excellent performance with 50-55 gr bullets. Haven't tried others. I found it performs best with longer barrels, my 24" loves it. Adequate performance with a 16" carbine barrel, but nothing to brag about. Clean burning but maybe overstated. I have loaded several pounds and been happiest with midrange loads. I recommend giving it a try.

Good luck

Mike38 · March 22, 2014, 09:22 PM

I’ve shot my best groups using CFE223 and 52 grain A-Max bullets. And yes, at mid range on the suggested load range. As for clean burning, well, maybe just a bit better than my previous favorite powder which was IMR3031.

Jim243 · March 23, 2014, 01:14 AM

I bought a pound just to try out. My normal powders are H-335 for 50, 52 & 55 grain bullets, IMR 8208 XBR for 60 grain & H-4895 for 62 & 75 grain bullets.

I know what my AR likes, but I just purchased a Mossberg MVP Flex (Bolt Action AR style rifle) in 5.56 & has me stumped as to what to load for it. Powder is not a problem since I have 2 lbs or more of each of the above mentioned.

I was thinking of loading 60's or 75's for the MVP, it is a 16.5 inch medium bull barrel with a 2 inch linear muzzle brake on it. OAL will be limited (2.250) since it takes AR mags.

If it does not like the shorter barrels, then I will just save it for my 243 and use the 8208 instead.

Let me know what you think.
Thanks
Jim

Jimro · March 23, 2014, 07:34 PM

I can't prove it, but I think it is a canister grade propellent developed for the military when the Army transitioned to the M855A1 to deal with the solid gilding metal bullet base. The original M855 had an exposed lead base, which provided some decoppering effect as hot gas would melt and vaporize some elemental lead to provide the decoppering effect.

So assuming it is what is used in M855A1, which I've shot some, I'd have no issues using it to handload ammo for 223.

Jimro

iraiam · March 24, 2014, 01:19 AM

I like CFE 223 powder in 5.56 with Hornady 75 grain BTHP bullets. I use these in a match grade 20" AR 15.

I initially bought this powder just to try for the max velocity from the Hornady recipe for their 75 grain match bullets.

Jim243 · March 24, 2014, 02:30 AM

Quote:

I like CFE 223 powder in 5.56 with Hornady 75 grain BTHP bullets.

Thanks, I'll try this with the Hornady 75 grain A-max's. Will let you know the results. (will be about two weeks before I can get out to the range.)

Jim

MtnCreek · March 24, 2014, 08:06 AM

I was unable to find a good load with 75/77 gr match bullets in 2 18" barrels(Douglas 1:7 & WOA 1:7). 8208 is my choice for both of these barrels. YMMV.

MEATSAW · March 24, 2014, 08:30 AM

In my experience using it with .223 it has done okay but I am always able to shoot better with something else. TAC and Varget consistently out-shoot CFE223 in my AR in bullets from 55-70gr.

homesick · March 24, 2014, 10:37 AM

I use CFE223 in my 204 Ruger and my 700 Remington 223 it works very good in both. It is easy to work with meters very easy and seems to have less residue then other powders I work with.
It has been hard to find in past but have seen some available recently at gun shows. I have seen prices from $26 to $35 a pound ( just bought a couple lbs for $26)

NHSHOOTER · March 24, 2014, 10:39 AM

I did buy a pound to try in my 223 and found that I got better groups with other powders, it did ok and I would load it for plinking just to use it but I doubt I would buy another pound. I used it for 55 gr fmj and 63gr sp sierras.

Jim243 · March 24, 2014, 12:50 PM

Great, now what do I do. I too had concern about trying a new powder without a lot of reviews. It would seem that Hornady lists most of the loads for this powder with the lighter bullets and has pretty much nothing on the heavier ones.

I have enough 335, 8208, 3031 & 4895 for what I want to do (test the MVP). As well as 2,000 rounds loaded for the AR sitting in mags.

There is conflicted information as to the powder's performance, sooooo, this is with I think I will do.

A. Sight in the scope with already made 55 grain A-Max's.
B. Load up the 75's with 8208 (20 for test and re-sighting in).
C. Use the CFE 223 for light weight 243 bullets (have to get). I have always used the heavier ones 105 grain & 95 grain for that rifle, but think I need to get some 55 & 60 grain 243 bullets to tryout in the 243 (22 inch barrel) for some fast barn burners (3700 fps).

Normally I do not mind trying new powder, but for a new rifle, I would like to find out how well or bad it does before experimenting.

Thanks to all for your help
Jim

This is the rifle I am loading for:

schmellba99 · March 24, 2014, 12:56 PM

Isn't it essentially H335 with some additional detergents/additives aimed at reducing copper fouling?

Jimro · March 24, 2014, 01:20 PM

Tin Dioxide. It formes brittle alloys with copper that get mechanically scraped off the bore by the next shot.

Jimro

March 22, 2014, 06:40 PM	#1
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	I Need Opinions on CFE 223 Looking for opinions and results from those that have used CFE 223 for their 5.56 & 223's. Jim __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum

March 22, 2014, 08:31 PM	#2
Marco Califo Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2011 Location: LA (Greater Los Angeles Area) Posts: 2,598	I can report that it is out of stock everywhere I have checked. Midway Midsouthshooters Natchez Wideners My LGS's __________________ ............

March 22, 2014, 08:48 PM	#3
mjes92 Senior Member Join Date: January 28, 2013 Location: Land of 10,000 taxes Posts: 211	What would you like to know? Its a very easy to work with powder. The most consistent metering powder I have worked with. Excellent performance with 50-55 gr bullets. Haven't tried others. I found it performs best with longer barrels, my 24" loves it. Adequate performance with a 16" carbine barrel, but nothing to brag about. Clean burning but maybe overstated. I have loaded several pounds and been happiest with midrange loads. I recommend giving it a try. Good luck __________________ Dad !!! "It's only going to be perfect if you do it yourself." - my teenage daughter Dad !!! "I'm not scared" My Cancer fighting daughter." Cancer Sucks NRA - Life Member

March 23, 2014, 01:14 AM	#5
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	I bought a pound just to try out. My normal powders are H-335 for 50, 52 & 55 grain bullets, IMR 8208 XBR for 60 grain & H-4895 for 62 & 75 grain bullets. I know what my AR likes, but I just purchased a Mossberg MVP Flex (Bolt Action AR style rifle) in 5.56 & has me stumped as to what to load for it. Powder is not a problem since I have 2 lbs or more of each of the above mentioned. I was thinking of loading 60's or 75's for the MVP, it is a 16.5 inch medium bull barrel with a 2 inch linear muzzle brake on it. OAL will be limited (2.250) since it takes AR mags. If it does not like the shorter barrels, then I will just save it for my 243 and use the 8208 instead. Let me know what you think. Thanks Jim __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum Last edited by Jim243; March 23, 2014 at 03:08 AM.

March 23, 2014, 07:34 PM	#6
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	I can't prove it, but I think it is a canister grade propellent developed for the military when the Army transitioned to the M855A1 to deal with the solid gilding metal bullet base. The original M855 had an exposed lead base, which provided some decoppering effect as hot gas would melt and vaporize some elemental lead to provide the decoppering effect. So assuming it is what is used in M855A1, which I've shot some, I'd have no issues using it to handload ammo for 223. Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

March 22, 2014, 09:22 PM	#4
Mike38 Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2009 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 2,710	I’ve shot my best groups using CFE223 and 52 grain A-Max bullets. And yes, at mid range on the suggested load range. As for clean burning, well, maybe just a bit better than my previous favorite powder which was IMR3031.

March 24, 2014, 01:19 AM	#7
iraiam Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2012 Location: Lakewood, CO Posts: 1,057	I like CFE 223 powder in 5.56 with Hornady 75 grain BTHP bullets. I use these in a match grade 20" AR 15. I initially bought this powder just to try for the max velocity from the Hornady recipe for their 75 grain match bullets. __________________ NRA Lifetime Member Since 1999 "I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people except for a few public officials." George Mason

March 24, 2014, 08:06 AM	#9
MtnCreek Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2010 Posts: 176	I was unable to find a good load with 75/77 gr match bullets in 2 18" barrels(Douglas 1:7 & WOA 1:7). 8208 is my choice for both of these barrels. YMMV.

March 24, 2014, 08:30 AM	#10
MEATSAW Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2009 Location: Burnet, TX Posts: 727	In my experience using it with .223 it has done okay but I am always able to shoot better with something else. TAC and Varget consistently out-shoot CFE223 in my AR in bullets from 55-70gr. __________________ Veteran OEF (2002) and OIF1 (2003) - US Army Member of the Burnet Gun Fighters, Inc. and of course the NRA Oregon State University alum -- Go Beavs!

March 24, 2014, 10:37 AM	#11
homesick Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: Central Florida Posts: 378	I use CFE223 in my 204 Ruger and my 700 Remington 223 it works very good in both. It is easy to work with meters very easy and seems to have less residue then other powders I work with. It has been hard to find in past but have seen some available recently at gun shows. I have seen prices from $26 to $35 a pound ( just bought a couple lbs for $26)

March 24, 2014, 10:39 AM	#12
NHSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: Concord NH Posts: 1,002	I did buy a pound to try in my 223 and found that I got better groups with other powders, it did ok and I would load it for plinking just to use it but I doubt I would buy another pound. I used it for 55 gr fmj and 63gr sp sierras.

March 24, 2014, 12:50 PM	#13
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	Great, now what do I do. I too had concern about trying a new powder without a lot of reviews. It would seem that Hornady lists most of the loads for this powder with the lighter bullets and has pretty much nothing on the heavier ones. I have enough 335, 8208, 3031 & 4895 for what I want to do (test the MVP). As well as 2,000 rounds loaded for the AR sitting in mags. There is conflicted information as to the powder's performance, sooooo, this is with I think I will do. A. Sight in the scope with already made 55 grain A-Max's. B. Load up the 75's with 8208 (20 for test and re-sighting in). C. Use the CFE 223 for light weight 243 bullets (have to get). I have always used the heavier ones 105 grain & 95 grain for that rifle, but think I need to get some 55 & 60 grain 243 bullets to tryout in the 243 (22 inch barrel) for some fast barn burners (3700 fps). Normally I do not mind trying new powder, but for a new rifle, I would like to find out how well or bad it does before experimenting. Thanks to all for your help Jim This is the rifle I am loading for: __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum Last edited by Jim243; March 24, 2014 at 01:00 PM.

March 24, 2014, 12:56 PM	#14
schmellba99 Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2008 Posts: 803	Isn't it essentially H335 with some additional detergents/additives aimed at reducing copper fouling?

March 24, 2014, 01:20 PM	#15
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	Tin Dioxide. It formes brittle alloys with copper that get mechanically scraped off the bore by the next shot. Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.