Anyone using CFE-223 in 308 loads?

[Rainman74]

Having trouble finding load information on this new power. The load information in the Hodgdon's website seems a bit hot for semiautomatic rifles . Also wondering about temperature sensitivity.

 

[MichiganScott]

Which load information on Hodgdon's website are you talking about? They list loads for 12 different bullet types and weights.

The standard safe reloading practice is that you start low and work your way up whenever using a new component. The starting loads are well within the usual velocities expected with a .308. CFE223 is next to Bl-C(2) on the burn rate charts, so it is usable in gas guns but on the slow side. I personally would prefer a powder closer to H4895 because functioning issues may well occur with a too slow powder.

CFE223 is one of the newer powders that is not particularly temperature sensitive and one of the newer high energy powders, so the velocities achieved appear to be out of the norm compared other powders used in the .308.

 

[Rainman74]

Looking for load information members are using in gas guns.

Read on another forum that a member was blowing primers in 90° weather with rounds he developed in cold weather, so temperature sensitivity might be an issue. Hodgdon's website does not address this.

 

[LlindeX]

My experience with CFE223 & my M&P10

In answer to your question:
Yes, I am currently in the process of attempting to use CFE223 to work-up a load for my Big Ten. However, I'm not having much luck so far. Have dropped all the way down to 46.2gr with Win. Brass, WLR Primers, and 165gr Hornady BTSP bullets. Also dropped down to 49.2gr using same brass, primers and Hornady 150gr BTSP. Both these loads are way down the chart of the Hodgdon data, but I'm getting significant case head swipes and visible signs of ejector marks. I plan to go back down to the starting levels of 45.4gr with 165gr and 48.4gr with the 150gr bullets and see what happens. I'm convinced that my bolt is trying to open up too soon and creating the situation. I've read a lot on this and it seems that many many people are finding that they are getting similar results with the CFE223. At this time, I couldn't recommend it for use in an M&P10. However, I may be able to change a few things and get it to work. If you try it, let us know how it goes for you. I foolishly bought a couple of kegs of the stuff based upon availability & the recommendation of a buddy of mine.

 

[MichiganScott]

In answer to your question:
Both these loads are way down the chart of the Hodgdon data, but I'm getting significant case head swipes and visible signs of ejector marks.

The case head swipes and ejector marks are indicative of the bolt opening early and too high a port pressure. Pretty much confirms that CFE223 is too slow for AR10 type rifles. You can delay the opening of the bolt by installing a heavier buffer and stronger spring, but I dislike second guessing the engineers that design these things.

I've been experimenting extensively with CFE223 in 5.56 NATO rifles. My barrels have been treated with Dynatek Bore Coat, so I can't evaluate the copper fouling eraser properties. I am getting superior accuracy and velocity with some bullets over loads that I've used for 20 years, so I very well may switch. There are no pressure signs with top end loads in my rifles.

 

[Rainman74]

Thanks for the replys.
I have read that it works well in bolt guns. I think I will not be using it in the gas guns.

 

[LlindeX]

Rainman,
As I said, I'm not having good luck with CFE223 in my M&P10. However, I've read of others having superior performance in both their Big Ten and an AR-15. Maybe S&W has been playing around with different sized gas ports??? It might work great in your gun, I just wouldn't recommend you make the mistake I made and buy sixteen pounds of it without a good test first.