Cfe 223

[mseric]

I read on another forum that Hodgdon says that CFE 223 is Not recommended and should NOT be used in the Grendel. I took this to mean that there was a "safety" issue similar to Bill's warnings with 10X.

I thought it was BS so I asked Hodgdon.


Is CFE 223 an acceptable powder for the Grendel, or is it to be avoided in this cartridge?



If so, can you explain why it is not acceptable?

Their response .

The CFE rifle powder looks to be too slow burning for this cartridge that is why we do not have any data.


Mike Van Dyke
Customer Service Representative
Hodgdon Powder Company
6430 Vista Drive
Shawnee, KS 66218
913-362-9455 Ext. 109


Just thought I would share.
No issues, just Hodgdon not taking the time to test it.

[JASmith]

My experience has been that, while the powder is rather slow, it produces excellent velocities and OK accuracy.

[rasp65]

Powder companies don't like to publish compressed charges of ball powder with a few exceptions. According to my volume calculations 29 gr of CFE223 is 100% volume with a 123 A-Max bullet in a Lapua case. I have seen a lot of loads here and have used loads with more than 31 gr of CFE223.

[FW Conch]

^ With what COAL, if you would please ? ^

Thanks...Jim

[1911man]

My experience has been that, while the powder is rather slow, it produces excellent velocities and OK accuracy.

I will second that. So far I have reached my fastest velocities with this powder, but the most accurate load I found was barrely capable of sub minute 5 shot groups with most groups coming in right at 1MOA. It is also a very dirty and temp sensitive powder. I was able to work all the way up to 32.1 grains safely with the 123 amax and get an average of 2525 fps out of my 18" barrel though so if I really needed the extra velocity I would use it.

[sneaky one]

it's a Great powder. I get excellent accuracy, & speed with it. I have 9 different powders in my safe- cfe 223 is my main 1.
I made it to 34.4 with 94 grn. Gmx- shot it after baking it too hot to handle in the car trunk- no problems.


If I go below 90 gr. and less, R L 7 is my go to powder.

[rasp65]

2.26"

[mseric]

it's a Great powder. I get excellent accuracy, & speed with it. I have 9 different powders in my safe- cfe 223 is my main 1.
I made it to 34.4 with 94 grn. Gmx- shot it after baking it too hot to handle in the car trunk- no problems.


If I go below 90 gr. and less, R L 7 is my go to powder.

Thank, man

I'm going to start some load development with CFE and Barnes as 2520 is all but lost.

Get your sausage made?

[sneaky one]

Not yet. Too busy. Yeah powders are no fun to find. Try Superior Shooting Supply, they usually have a good supply. I always drop in when I visit the Rels. in Duluth.

With cfe & 94 Gmx, 20 " tube I hit 2910 fps. Loaded to 2.26 & 2.31 oal's.

[LRRPF52]

Horandy has published load data for CFE223 under 123gr and 129gr bullets for the 6.5 Grendel in the 9th Edition.

It's one of my go-to powders for those bullet weights, as well as the 120gr Barnes TSX.

We have a bunch of published data for it in the 6.5 Grendel Reloading Handbooks.

[mseric]

Ok, I'm going to work up some loads with 100gr Amax and 100gr Barnes TTSX.

Suggestions on Start and Max?

AA and Lapua Brass.

[FW Conch]

Thanks "65". Your load at 2.260" is encouraging because, with a 120grn NBT, I can load to 2.3450" TTL's in my bolt rifle. CFE 223, being a somewhat slow powder, I'm inclined to believe I can go up a good bit with the load? However, I know with cases like the Gr, we can be fine until we add one more tenth, then the pressure takes a huge spike, so I don't want to get too carried away.

Anyone know what the max load may be using Hornady brass, CFE 223, 120grn Seirra Pro Hunter (flat base), COAL 2.320"?

Thanks...Jim :-)

[rasp65]

FW You are not limited to the 50K psi ceiling we are limited to in the AR with a bolt action. So make some test loads and work your way up examining your brass looking for signs of excessive pressure. Hopefully you will stop before bolt handle lift is hard.

[sneaky one]

Ahhhhh, FW > Read more into this before you load any more rounds.

Mse-start @ 32.5 wth cfe & 100 anything. Hop by .3 for a bit, then slowdown after .6-.9..... Then review. That's kinda the max--- check QL, which can be hit or miss, as we Both found out on the 3K test from 2010. We both know the older AA & Lap brass is same as same.

Tamp or vibrate the powder down- hold it next to tumbler, Or whatever nowadays,,,- with the blunt end of a 1/4 " drill bit setting atop the powder for a few seconds- then seat bullet.

I use the 100%-103% fill upon my 94 Gmx loads--- loaded to 2.310. It's not for all. L-52 tried this last fall from my data, he made it to 2.29? over 33.9 cfe.? IIRC ?

It should have given almost same as results., as my longer coal. load.

rasp, it's okay to hit 52k once in a while for a hunting load - only. Chances are that not too many will be shot anyway. Some practice- some sight in, some for game, it's fine. I have done this routine since '08. Never an issue.

Glad both of you guys are back dudes ! Missed both inputs from you. Think positive.

Von G, is about 53 K, in his boltie Grrr Max.. It's fine. I have some of his brass - here. He culled it, I see why, yet the AR can have the pressures handled better.

[FW Conch]

Thanks "65" and "sneaky". Advise well taken. :-)