CFE 223 in 308 Win

[alaska]

Anyone used a CFE 223 in a 308 Win with 150gr to 165gr?

 

[HammerB1]

Yes, excellent results. 3050 fps with our 152 grain Hammer Hunter and ES's in the single digits.

 

[alaska]

Yes, excellent results. 3050 fps with our 152 grain Hammer Hunter and ES's in the single digits.

Would you like to share any load data.......I just bought a pound of it ?

 

[300 Driver]

I loaded exactly to Hodgdon load data max with 150 SSTs for a old 80s vintage Savage 110 and a new Sako and both guns shot sub MOA. They were my brother and stepfather's guns and are completely factory guns.

I recommend it based on their results.

 

[MudRunner2005]

Hornady 9th and 10th edition should have it. Nosler 8th might...Don't know, haven't looked. Berger does not list it in the 1st Edition...I'm hoping they'll have it and 7977 listed when they release the 2nd Edition manual (whenever that will be).

It is definitely slower than Varget. Varget is 101, CFE-223 is 105. I use it in my 6.5 Grendel, but thinking I might try some in my .308 Win if I can squeeze some extra velocity out of my Berger 210/215 load.

Hodgdon's online reloading center might be able to help...

Take Aim at Rifle Reloading Data | Hodgdon Reloading

 

[Trm82]

I used it in my sako 7-08 with a 20.5"bbl and with the 120ttsx and using the hodgdon max load I get 3190 fps.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

Would you like to share any load data.......I just bought a pound of it ?

I know that Brian has not got back yet but I will say this. The Hammer load may be a bit hot for a conventional bullet as the Hammers usually have a bit lower pressure.

I don't remember the load but I was the one pulling the trigger during development. The load was right at full density without compressing which is what we try for.

Steve

 

[JeffVN]

CFE223 has been my go to powder for .308 since it was first released. My 27" & 1:10" tube runs 2.8" magazine feeding pre-green tip 155 SMK @ 3000+ and 175 SMKs @ 2,800+ out of Lapua brass (LR not Palma).

The rifle has a 95 Palma chamber, so if its safe in mine, its likely safe in virtually every other .308 out there. Start at 44.5 to 45.0 and work up.

JeffVN

 

[alaska]

Thanks for the info
Kinda surprised it's slower than Varget........
I am really going have to be careful with this powder......I can see pressure rises quickly near max.
I have seen the Hodgon Web data, but I like real world users with CFE223

 

[alaska]

My load work

168 TSX 2.810"
92' Palma Match Brass
RWS 5341 primer

44.0 to 45.0 in .02 increments CFE223

I expect my best performance close to 45.0. Just concerned about the length of the 168 TSX.......my formula tells me it's too long for my 1/12 twist.

Rem 700 SPS
20" 1-12 twist
308 Win
HS M24 Stock
HS detachable Mag
Timney Trigger
Leupold 3.5 x10 in Warne bases and QR Rings

 

[alaska]

I am not getting the accuracy with 168 TSX in the 1/12 twist........I am thinking of going back to my 165gr SBT.

 

[HammerB1]

Would you like to share any load data.......I just bought a pound of it ?

Sorry for losing track of thread. Load data is as follows for the 308 Winchester:
CFE - 223 - 53.0 grains
Winchester Large Rifle Magnum primer
2.83" COL
Nosler brass
Average velocity is 3081 with SD of 4.8.

We are running a top end load so START low and work up!!!
Also are running our 152 grain Hammer Hunter which will probably show less pressure than conventional lead core bullets.
Brian

 

[alaska]

that load data is for a 152gr is smoking and a great SD.
I will be using.........and the Berger 175 OTM Tactical and as a hunting bullet the 168 Berger Classic ..........over the years I have had great results with IMR 4064.........but I am intrigued by CFE 223.

 

[alaska]

Update
CFE 223 and 46.0
168gr Berger Classic Hunter
FC Nickle with RWS primer
Bugeye groups at 100 yards

Rem 700 SPS tactical 20"
I have replaced my beloved Varget and IMR 4064