Pet loads for .223 using CFE 223

[Argonnakid]

Jst picked up a 1lb. jg of CFE223 at a gun show for $23. I would be loading Nosler 50gr. ballistic tip in LC brass with CCI primers. They for the most part are going to be used in a 16" barrel with 1 in 8 twist. I have had good grouping with the same brass, bullets, and primers filled with 25.5gr. Benchmark. I am looking for a cleaner burning powder and have heard good things about the CFE223. Anyone loading anything close to what I'm looking for?

 

[Argonnakid]

No one using CFE223?

 

[Maximumbob54]

Not yet. I plan to though. I'm guessing several people are thinking the same thing I'm saying.

For now I load .223 range fodder ammo with Win 748 and I have a bunch of it.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

If you already have a good load, why mess with it? Are you having copper fouling problems in a cromed barrel- then something else is wrong. Benchmark, 335, 322, & 748 are all great powders for 223 Rem, CFE223 is about Jacket fouling in bolt guns and won't effect powder fouling or carbon build up. One of my sons was in USMC, and was really upset at my lack of cleaning ability on my AR. So maybe you may need someone to help with your methods. I have nothing against the new powder but it won't do away with detail cleaning.

 

[Argonnakid]

I have a melonite barrel. And as far as a good load, who says something can't be better. That's kind of the point of reloading, isn't it.

 

[BlueOvalBandit]

This thread inspired me to look back into cfe since I had forgotten about it while waiting for others to test and post data. I couldn't find a whole lot on one of my usual boards (accurate shooter) but ar15.com had some data although the poster has a 1-7" twist barrel which seems a bit much for 52-55gr bullets but he says it wont shoot 69gr. You should have good results with your 1-8". CFE 223 with hornady 55gn sp and 52smk - AR15.COM

From what I've attained on various boards some guns like it some guns wont shoot. You'll have to experiment with OAL and jump to the lands to see if you gain anything.

 

[Argonnakid]

glad I could inspire someone.

 

[11e40]

i know most won't believe this,but i loaded some for a mini 14 . 55 gr. pills. best group ever from the many mini 14's i've had. it was a midrange load. i got off hodgen's website. shot right with my ar's. until the barrel got really hot. hth.

 

[Hobie1]

I've got a lb. sitting on my load bench. I hope to load some test loads soon.

As far as "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" that's part of the fun of re-loading to me. I like to see if I can squeeze out the max. performance(not how hot, but how accurate) from my little friends.

To each their own. That's the beautiful thing about this sport. I might enjoy aspects that the next guy over could give a care less about and vice versa. As long as we're having fun and being safe, it's all good.

Be safe my friends!

Hobie

 

[Argonnakid]

Just got an email from Nosler about using CFE with their 50gr. varmint. Here is the data they sent me.

.223 rem OAL 2.260 1/12 twist 24" Lilja barrel
case used nosler 27.5gr water
MAX 29gr. v. 3379 107% compressed
28gr v. 3233 103% compressed
27gr v. 3088 99% case fill most accurate

 

[Capt. Bob]

Just started loading with CFE

I picked up a pound of CFE at a gun show a while back and started loading it for my M&P sport. I ended up loading 26 grs. under 55gr FMJBT Winchester bulk bullets. I got the best groups I have ever got with this bullet. I shot one hole 5 shot groups at 25 meters and when I streched it out to 100 meters I found that the groups opened up to 2 inches and they shot about 2 inches higher than my previous loading for this bullet. I have been loading these bullets for many years in several 223 cal. rifles and have never got the best groups from them but this is good enough for my purpose. I have used it all up now and am looking for some more. I am going to try it under my fav varmit bullet in my heavy barrel gun next.

 

[oneyeopn]

I picked up a pound of CFE at a gun show a while back and started loading it for my M&P sport. I ended up loading 26 grs. under 55gr FMJBT Winchester bulk bullets. I got the best groups I have ever got with this bullet. I shot one hole 5 shot groups at 25 meters and when I streched it out to 100 meters I found that the groups opened up to 2 inches and they shot about 2 inches higher than my previous loading for this bullet. I have been loading these bullets for many years in several 223 cal. rifles and have never got the best groups from them but this is good enough for my purpose. I have used it all up now and am looking for some more. I am going to try it under my fav varmit bullet in my heavy barrel gun next.

What range did you sight in at? According to the ballistics and my testing if I sight in dead on at 50 yards, I am almost 2" high at 100 but I come back to zero at 200. I am loading exclusively with CFE223 for my .223's, 30-30's and .308's. I am having pretty good luck with it but I have decided to work a little harder on my loads. I can definitely believe 27gr with a 55gr bullet. I have loaded at 27.4, 27.6 and 27.8 and out of my 16" barrel seeing velocities between 2800 and 2900. In the thread in the M&P15 forum called "to reload or not" you can see pics of my last test with different bullets loaded to the same COL, all with 27.8gr CFE223 shot at 300 yards. So I am going to get serious about shooting loads in .1gr increments until I find the right one for my Sport.

 

[AABEN]

Jst picked up a 1lb. jg of CFE223 at a gun show for $23. I would be loading Nosler 50gr. ballistic tip in LC brass with CCI primers. They for the most part are going to be used in a 16" barrel with 1 in 8 twist. I have had good grouping with the same brass, bullets, and primers filled with 25.5gr. Benchmark. I am looking for a cleaner burning powder and have heard good things about the CFE223. Anyone loading anything close to what I'm looking for?

Who makes the CFE223 ?

 

[427mach1]

Who makes the CFE223 ?

It's a fairly new Hodgdon powder.

 

[GMC man]

I use CFE223 and have had great groups at 50 yards. there is a lot of discussion on reloading for the 5.56 in this thread you may want to look at http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p15-rifle/249706-re-load-not.html

my current loads are winchester 55 grain FMJ BT from midway with 25 grains of CFE223, CCI #41 primers.

I will say it is so much easier to clean my girl after using CFE223. I would recommend it.