CFE pistol for .38 and .357?

[Timothy2700]

I couldn't find an old thread thus this new one…..i have a bunch of CFE pistol powder I use for 9 mm and 45 ACP. I find a just few loads for Hodgden CFE for the revolver rounds. What are your thoughts on using CFE for .38 Spl and .357?
Or should i just order some more 231?

Context: target shooting at paper, steel. Not for carry, hunting.
Thanks

 

[alwslate]

Autocomp is said to be CFE without the cleaner, is probably cheaper if you can find it and basically loads with the same data. Slower burning than 231, more suited for loads a bit heavier but if you have a bunch of CFE use it. As always a chronograph is your friend.

 

[BrBa]

Plenty of load data for .38, .38+P and .357 Mag on the Hodgdon website.

 

[hoytx10]

I've had excellent results with CFE pistol in revolver rounds from 32 magnum up to 45 colt. It's my favorite all around powder for moderate velocity revolver rounds and has excellent accuracy for me.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I haven't used it in 38 spec but like it for moderate loads in 357 mag and 38 super. It also works well in 45 LC and imagine it would work equally as well in 44 special and light to medium magnums.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Although I am well stocked up on 231 I now use CFE Pistol (and Longshot) for a plethora of loads from 9mm, 38 Super through 44 Special & 10mm...

IMHO it is a great, very versatile handgun powder!

Cheers!

 

[robertrwalsh]

I have used CFE-Pistol in low to medium velocity revolver loads very happily. If you got it, use it.

 

[Nevada Ed]

It worked in my 2 & 6" 38 specials with lead and copper bullets and
it was super accurate in my 357 with the 125 gr JHP, in my tests.

Start loading.

 

[Timothy2700]

Thanks folks for the input. Based on comments I'll load rounds in various charge weights and give them a shot

 

[stanmerrell]

I'm using CFE for 9mm, and 244 for revolver.

 

[Yendor357]

This may help.

 

[glenwolde]

I haven't gotten around to trying it in. 38/357 but so far it works well in 9mm and for less than full power loads in .41 magnum.

 

[rwsmith]

CFE is knocking on the door....

...to being a magnum pistol powder.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Autocomp is said to be CFE without the cleaner...

Another noteworthy difference between the two is that CFE-P is flash suppressed, which is a plus in a SD load or for those shooters who are flash averse.

.

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

It works pretty good. I've used it.

 

[Cotis]

I use CFE pistol a lot, it is my favorite for 38s up to 44 specials.

 

[SLT223]

It's an excellent modern propellant. It is truly versatile, low flash, apparently has copper fouling reduction capabilities AND it meters like water. Excellent stuff. You can make pretty stout loads with it too, jut not H110 territory.