I finally got around to trying CFE223 today and I'm glad I did. I've been running 8208 for a while now with great results behind 100 and 120-123 gr class bullets. When I got my suppressor last year (TBAC 30BA), I noticed that with 28 gr. of 8208 and the 123 SST, I was getting heaver ejector marks and swpies on my case heads than I would like to see...even with the adjustable gas dialed down and a Tubb CWS installed. Turning down the gas and the CWS both helped but the backpressure in the bore upon bolt unlocking was still evident from the markings on the caseheads.
Fast forward to this month, and I picked up a pound of CFE223. I was wondering if the slower burn rate, and possibly lower chamber pressure would make for a kinder, gentler load for suppressed use.
Results:
16" barrel, Chrono 12' from muzzle, 75 F
New Hornady brass, Rem 7.5 primers, 123 SST, 2.24" OCL
31.2 gr - 2456 fps
31.5 gr - 2472 fps
31.8 gr - 2491 fps
All loads grouped 5 shots in about 0.75 MOA at 100 and 200 yds, and the POI was almost identical for all charges and very close to my 28 gr of 8208 load (2435 fps).
Case heads looked nice on all loads. Velocity increased about 20 FPS with each 0.3 gr increase. At 31.8 gr I started to see some slight ejector markings and I could feel a noticeable increase in the bolt carrier velocity.
I think I am going to stick with the CFE 31.2 gr charge for now. Great accuracy, smooth shooting, higher velocity than my 8208 load, seemingly lower pressure, and suppressor friendly.
Best,
PA
Fast forward to this month, and I picked up a pound of CFE223. I was wondering if the slower burn rate, and possibly lower chamber pressure would make for a kinder, gentler load for suppressed use.
Results:
16" barrel, Chrono 12' from muzzle, 75 F
New Hornady brass, Rem 7.5 primers, 123 SST, 2.24" OCL
31.2 gr - 2456 fps
31.5 gr - 2472 fps
31.8 gr - 2491 fps
All loads grouped 5 shots in about 0.75 MOA at 100 and 200 yds, and the POI was almost identical for all charges and very close to my 28 gr of 8208 load (2435 fps).
Case heads looked nice on all loads. Velocity increased about 20 FPS with each 0.3 gr increase. At 31.8 gr I started to see some slight ejector markings and I could feel a noticeable increase in the bolt carrier velocity.
I think I am going to stick with the CFE 31.2 gr charge for now. Great accuracy, smooth shooting, higher velocity than my 8208 load, seemingly lower pressure, and suppressor friendly.
Best,
PA
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