Hodgdon CFE pistol powder

[chasmatic]

My LGS has been running low on all reloading components and specifically powder. I usually use W231 for 45acp, 38sp and 357 mag. He got some of the Hodgdon CFE and I bought a can to load some range ammo. I haven't started yet, figured I'd ask you guys if anyone has used it. How does it compare to W231? I am told it burns clean, meters smoothly and can produce loads in the performance range of the W231. Any info is appreciated.

One way or another I will load some rounds, vary from recommended start load to about 3/4 max load and find out for myself. I'll come back with my observations.

 

[gaijin]

CFE is slower than HS-6 and is at it's best in moderate to full power loads.
It is substantially slower than 231.
In reduced loads CFE will have substantial extreme spreads.
It should work well with .357 loads at the "warm" to "hot" end of the scale.

I have used it in 9mm and .38 Super.

 

[chasmatic]

@gaijin - I suspected it would perform differently than W231, the powder of choice for most of my reloading. My standard range loads are 5.7gr W231 with a 45acp 230 plated RN and 4.2gr W231 with a 38 158gr plated RN or HP. Not for accuracy so much as for uniform performance. I'll have to work up some samples and find out.

 

[Bkreutz]

I've been using CFE Pistol for a few months, I actually like it and find that it's almost (maybe identical) to Autocomp. My preferred powder is W231 (and has been for decades but I haven't seen any for sale for a year or so). I shoot a lot and use 2/3 of a pound of powder per week so in this shortage I've had to become flexible. My current powder palette is Autocomp/CFE(P)/W231/HP38/SR7625/Titegroup. I find that CFE(P) works better in the mid to upper part of the loading data. I find it is a bit inconsistent when you get close to the minimum charge.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I have used it in 38 special and 9mm and have posted information and target pictures a while back.

It is better than w231 for fps in my tests.

 

[bwxmas]

I l have loaded 5.5 under a 230, and6.5 under a 200swc. I was going to sell most of it, because I don't like the flash. The only problem is every pistol I shoot it out of, the cfe is the most accurate. I need to rethink

 

[buckshotshorty]

The newly revised hodgedon website includes loads for CFE. Take a look at it.

 

[Nevada Ed]

PS;

I did notice that it was at least a two powder size, maybe even three..........
I wish it filled up the case more.............

however it has been fair in accuracy and FPS so far...........
just that it tops out too early....... psi wise vs fps, in my
9mm and 38 special test.

Still early and I have yet to hit the 38 special cases with a "HEAVY Crimp" or shoving the 9mm farther into the case !!

later.