I posted that I thought it was market hype a long time ago when the first announced it. Or the rifle version maybe??
Someone on another forum is stating that the Hodgdon data for the 40 SW is way to hot?? I don't know never used it.
I think the "copper eraser" is a marketing ploy, not going to get any copper fouling at handgun speeds (even my 1400 fps major loads). It's a good powder. (IMO)![]()
A lot of the Open Division shooters I know use CFE Pistol for Major PF loads, I use Autocomp for my major loads but that's because I have a lot of it. I've worked up a major load for CFE, and when I load a bunch of minor PF loads for my wife, I use 5gr of CFE pistol under a 124 RN plated bullet and get right around 1100 fps. I still have my suspicions that Autocomp and CFE Pistol is the same powder much like 231 and HP38 but nobody at Winchester or Hodgdon will admit it. I can switch powders and not change any adjustment to the powder measure and it meters exactly the same weight of powder and it chronos exactly the same velocity. Kinda one of those "If it looks like a duck, sounds like a duck............." deals. I will vouch that it likes to be loaded at the top of the range (or over in the case of Major PF) I think the "copper eraser" is a marketing ploy, not going to get any copper fouling at handgun speeds (even my 1400 fps major loads). It's a good powder. (IMO)
![]()
I use 5gr of CFE pistol under a 124 RN plated bullet and get right around 1100 fps.
I still have my suspicions that Autocomp and CFE Pistol is the same powder much like 231 and HP38 but nobody at Winchester or Hodgdon will admit it. I can switch powders and not change any adjustment to the powder measure and it meters exactly the same weight of powder and it chronos exactly the same velocity. Kinda one of those "If it looks like a duck, sounds like a duck............." deals.
Like many others I long for each of my favorite powders, but that was then and this is now. Spilled milk, big boy pants, and all the rest, I realize it's time for me to move on and to be content that there is any pistol powder to load.Thanks to everyone for the replies. I bought this powder not for the CFE on the container but because it said PISTOL. Pistol powder especially the old standbys have hard to come by. The past two years I have used 4 or 5 powders that i had not used before. My problem with some of these powders was not copper fouling but powder fouling. Now I have one more to try. Thanks again for the replies. If any one has load data for 380 using lead or plated bullets I would be grateful.
Dan
I have tried CFE Pistol in 380 AUTO, 38 Special, 9mm Luger, 45 ACP, and 45 Colt. It is a standout in 9mm.
My observations seem to indicate that CFE-P performs best in higher pressure cartridges. At lower charge levels, it has erratic velocities with low averages, but it seems to "wake up" and settle down at higher charge levels.
It does not like short barrels. It was the worst powder I have ever tried in a 38 snubbie. In a short barreled 45 Colt (Governor), it performed fairly well if a magnum primer was used.
In 380 AUTO and 45 ACP, it got the bullet out of the barrel, but there are far better choices in each of these calibers. I could not even come close to the velocities stated on the Hodgdon website for their 45 ACP recipes. Their highest charge (6.8 grains) made the equivalent of factory hardball. Nothing exciting here. All of my 380 AUTO test loads had a velocity spread of over 120 FPS, which is not acceptable by any standard.
Hope that helps.
Mike
I have been a long time user of W231 for my 380 and 9mm. I shoot a lot of IDPA however with the colder weather coming I am worried about outside performance of W231 and not having to work up a new cold temp load.
I set out to get some TG but I was persuaded to buy a pound of CFE Pistol by a guy who uses it for 45. I have been looking at load data and need to make PF for IDPA. I thought an initial starting 9mm load would like this:
Primer: Federal SP
Powder: 5.3 CFE Pistol
Bullet: 124 gr. Berry's HBRN TP
COL: 1.150
I would like to get velocities right around 1050 for a PF of 130.
I thought an initial starting 9mm load would like this:
Primer: Federal SP
Powder: 5.3 CFE Pistol
Bullet: 124 gr. Berry's HBRN TP
COL: 1.150
I would like to get velocities right around 1050 for a PF of 130.
That load will make 1,085 FPS from a 3.9" barrel. You will get slightly higher from a 4.25" barrel. 5.1 will make 1,052 from a 3.9" barrel.
Mike
Thanks. After reading he data here and from another website I am thinking of loading up 50 with 5.1 and 50 with 5.2 and running them through a chrono and going from there.