Hogdgon CFE Pistol

[Willyboy]

I just bought a pound of CFE Pistol to try out but haven't used yet; I currently load 38spcl, 357, and 45acp with HP38. Does anyone have experience with CFE Pistol in relationship to HP38? I am loading mid-range target loads for all 3 cartridges and am not near the maximum loads. CFE Pistol is a little slower than HP38 and the loads are 1-2 grains higher than HP38 for most bullet weights.

Thanks, Willyboy

[Nevada Ed]

In my 686 6" with the smaller 38 spl. case I got higher fps with a
125 gr JHP with CFE pistol than the w231powder.

A full load of each in the 357 with the 125gr was very close to the same fps.

In the shorter case 9mm, CFE generally gave higher fps, per the loading data.

One manual makes CFE look better than it is and one does not give
you the full load possible using w231 powder........
so you really need to see which your weapons like.

[robertrwalsh]

I have shot a fair amount of CFE recently and been very happy with it. I have not, however, specifically compared it to HP38.

[SLT223]

CFE Pistol works best toward the warm end of its load spectrum. It's actually slower than Unique if you look at Hodgdon burn rate chart. It meters like water and works very well not loaded weakly.

[muddocktor]

My experience with CFE-P pretty much mirrors SLT223 as to performance also. Good powder for mid-range loads in 357 and also good for 9MM too.

[75Vette]

I've been using CFE-P for shooting IHMSA for about a year now and have found that 8.5gr pushing a 240 gr swc at appx 950 fps is my sweetheart 44 mag load. I just ran across a 1 lb "can" of Winchester 530 (now HS6) and began experimenting with it just this last week. I loaded 9.3 gr using the same bullet at about 925 fps with good results so far. Both powders felt very similar, about the only difference I found was that the CFE-P leaves an oily film behind. Probably the copper fouling "eraser" at work.

[Collo Rosso]

I liked HS-6 also but the supply seemed to away a while ago. I tried CFE-P and when I came across a 8lb. jug I bought it. So far I've had good results loading it towards its upper end in 44mag, 357mag, 38spl+P, 45acp and 9mm.

[daverich4]

In my 357's I use HP38 for light lead loads and CFE for medium jacketed loads. AA9 or 2400 if I want jacketed loads with a little more grunt. I like CFE a lot.

[Willyboy]

Thanks for all your comments and information. I will start using it for my
hotter 357 and 45acp loads. Willyboy

[sw282]

l have used CFE in 44 Magnum. No complaints except l don't care for

the oily smear.. l have recently returned to Power Pistol for a change.

[JBnTx]

Originally Posted by sw282

l have used CFE in 44 Magnum. No complaints except l don't care for

the oily smear.. l have recently returned to Power Pistol for a change.

Oily smear?

[NJM15]

I have used both CFE pistol and CFE rifle powder and have not had any problems. don't go into any tests or research just load them and shoot.

[H Richard]

I've been so happy with Winchester 231 (the same as HP38) for every pistol caliber (except magnums). I have tried CFE, as I liked it in the rifles, but don't find any advantage in pistols.

[Bugkiller99]

I use it in warmer (not hot) .357 loads. It has worked better for me than HS6. Not used HP 38 in 357, so I can't help you with a direct comparison.

[catadjuster]

I have used both HP38 and CFE-P in 38 special and 45 ACP. When loaded to the same velocity, I find the CFE recoil to be sharper (though not unpleasant at all). It also seems to leave the gun dirtier than HP38.

[cahotshoe]

I use CFE in .38 special, and .45 ACP. Target shooting only with either lead of plated bullets. At minimum charges, there is actually soot that comes out of the barrel. I find these little soot flakes the size of a match head on my rug on the shooting bench. like a acetylene torch with no oxygen. Maybe that's what keeps copper from fouling? Not a mess, but strange for sure, No unburned powder, just soot. One hole 20 shot groups at 30 ft. though off a rest.

[78bagger]

I've been using CFE for .38, .357 and 45 ACP range loads. Got started on it due to it's availability. Had very good results and beats running around trying to find unique or blue dot. Also picked up two pounds of power pistol last week. Supposed to be good for all your auto needs including the 10.