CFE123 or Varget, which one is more accurate for the 7mm-08?

[Trm82]

Thanks Jim

I tried RL17 in this rifle with several bullets and it hasn't liked it. I was looking for more speed and so far no luck. I will try it with a couple more bullets and will see what happens.

Again thanks

Luis

I don't think RL17 will be the top speed performer with 120 's but it does work good with 150's. I used it with 150 eldx and it was awesome load at 2900 FPS.

 

[LVJ76]

I don't think RL17 will be the top speed performer with 120 's but it does work good with 150's. I used it with 150 eldx and it was awesome load at 2900 FPS.

One of my 7mm-08 loves RL17 and the 150gr ELD-X, good deer load out to 700 yds.

 

[BrianID]

I've shot about 15lbs of CFE223 in the last 5 years. I've shot it in multiple ARs and bolt action rifles. I haven't used it in 7-08 but have used it in 223, 22-250, 6mm CM and 6.5 CM. I don't think it is all that dirty of a powder. None of the modern powders leave enough residue to be a factor in selecting a powder for a bolt action hunting rifle. CFE223 will decrease copper build up but I also think that isn't a significant factor for a bolt action hunting rifle. If you plan on shooting 500+ yards or will be loading close to max pressure, Varget(or other temp stable powder) would be better. I wouldn't plan on using a 7-08 for more than 600 yards and would not be loading to max pressure so I wouldn't hesitate to use CFE223 in 7-08. My biggest factor in selecting a powder the last couple years is based on availability. Varget has been extremely difficult to find. I have a good stock of CFE223 and have been able to find it on the shelf. Staball 6.5 is another powder that you could consider.

 

[LVJ76]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the input.

Varget will be hard to find. So I'll give RL16 and H4350 a try first, if it don't work I'll try to get some Varget, CFE223 or H4895.

Thanks again guys and God bless

Luis

 

[Ricky C]

Hey LVJ76,

I've used CFE223 with great results with Barnes 110 TTSXs 48grs for 3127fps 3 shot group .5in, 120 TSX 48grs for 3059fps, shot this on a gusty day 1.5in 3 shots and 48 grs with a Nosler BT 120 gr at 3082fps same day for 1in 3 shots.
H414 and Varget work well in my rifle too, but CFE is faster by a little bit.
Rifle is 700 BDL W/22 inch barrel

Take Care

 

[RiverShooter]

So I have been thinking about trying out CFE223 on one of my 7mm-08's. I want to push the light 120gr, 139gr and 140gr bullets a little faster.

From what I've researched it gives about 50 to 80 more fps than Varget with the mentioned bullets. On this rifle I haven't tried Varget yet, and I am curious if I should try it, or try CFE223.

Lastly, how clean is CFE223? I think I've read it's pretty dirty, but not sure.

Please post your experience with the 7mm-08 or a similar cartridge like the 308 Win, 260 Rem, etc.

Thanks in advance

CFE 223 is spot on, also excellent in the 35 Whelen.

 

[jjmp]

Happy to see the 708 so revered ,great reading and posts,I've posted about mine in other similar posts ,Cheers everyone,

 

[coueskiller43]

I was running H414 in my 7mm08 for quite a few years. Had good accuracy and velocity but I eventually moved away from it due to the temperature instability. Last year opening weekend of blacktail season was 117 degrees. Mix that temp with H414 and a load you developed in cooler weather can lead to a bad situation. I acquired an 8lb jug of varget and abandoned the H414. If my hunting was always in cooler temperatures I'd still be shooting the H414.

 

[LVJ76]

Thanks @coueskiller43

Varget is like a unicorn right now, but I did get 2 pounds of CFE223 to try, and already have RL16, so will see what the rifle likes most.

When I find Varget I will get some regardless.

Thanks again

 

[coueskiller43]

Keep an eye out on the classified reloading section. Veteran has been posting powders in stock religiously. I've seen Varget multiple times the last couple weeks. I was able to grab 2 more #'s thanks to his posts.

 

[LVJ76]

Keep an eye out on the classified reloading section. Veteran has been posting powders in stock religiously. I've seen Varget multiple times the last couple weeks. I was able to grab 2 more #'s thanks to his posts.

Thanks, I got some RL16 because of one if his posts.

I'll get some eventually

 

[Shane Lindsey]

Thanks @coueskiller43

Varget is like a unicorn right now, but I did get 2 pounds of CFE223 to try, and already have RL16, so will see what the rifle likes most.

When I find Varget I will get some regardless.

Thanks again

I have a load for a 308 win with Rl16 and 215 Berger.

20" barrel gets me 2493 FPS. Its compressed but I am loading long. 3.050" ish.

190s were very accurate but too slow to continue. Waste of assets.

 

[LVJ76]

I have a load for a 308 win with Rl16 and 215 Berger.

20" barrel gets me 2493 FPS. Its compressed but I am loading long. 3.050" ish.

190s were very accurate but too slow to continue. Waste of assets.

Dang, a 215gr in a 308 Win, that is a nice speed, especially on a 20" tube.

My wifes 7mm-08 loves it with the 162gr Amax, shoots cloverleafs.

It's a great powder

 

[coueskiller43]

Thanks, I got some RL16 because of one if his posts.

I'll get some eventually

Third generation shooters supply has varget right now