CFE 223

boisblancboy

New member
Alright I looking to see if anyone has used CFE 223 for their .204? Do you get more shots before the barrel is fouled?

Currently I'm using H4895 and am having good success with it, but if I could gain almost 100 fps with the same grouping along with getting more rounds through the barrel why not? I think on my next order I will get 1# and see how it does, still want to hear from you guys if you have some experience with it.
 
There were some guys awhile back saying that they were going to try CFE223 in their 204's. But I don't think I've seen anyone report back on how it worked out.

Hopefully one of them will check in with some info.
 
I've started some very preliminary work with CFE 223 in the 204. I'm shooting a Savage model 16 1x12 twist with 22" barrel. I'm not at all pleased with the accuracy using 32 zmax or 39 sbk's. I mean they shoot okay, but haven't found a combination yet that gives me the kind of results I've come to expect out of this 204.

The 32 zmax's average group .810, and the 39 sbk's .624. I did manage one group of .289 and 2 more of .468 and .405, but just haven't really been able to get them to settle in and be consistent. 30g gives me about 3,920 with the 32's and Rem brass. 30.9g (book max)gives just over 4,000 fps.

With the 39's using 28.7g I'm getting about 3,675 fps and 29 gives about 3,765 fps. The ES and SD's aren't all that good either.

Also proving to be mediocre in .223, but so far outstanding in 22/250 with 50vmax shooting in the .3's at ave of 3,885 with just 37g.

Sorry to be so long on the post.
 
Well I hope there are more out there that have found some good results. No problem with the long post, the more information the better.
 
This winter, I did a .204 build on a Savage 11.

I installed a model 10 barrel (blued bull) and the Precision Accutrigger.

With factory 32 gr. V-max I got .268" and with a middle load of H4895 (same bullet) I am getting .210" for three shots @ 100 yds.

Before I tried H4895, I loaded IMR 4198 and had a vertical string that measured .390"

I am going to take that H4895 load "to the bank" until that "CFE" powder actually shows up locally so I can buy it without incurring a haz mat fee!!


It's slow compared to the factory load but I don't care.

BTW, this Savage rifle still wears the much derided "Tuppeware" stock

Three 44s
 
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It is very hard to compete with Hornady's "special blend" as far as velocity goes. I also shot really good groups with the factory 32 gr v-max but I don't really care for the v max bullet so I went to 35 gr bergers.
 
I have a Ruger No.1 that I had worked up a load for with XBR8208 which shot OK with the 35gr Berger and was running about 4100fps. With this gun I just want to be able to get a 2 or 3 shot group around 1/2 inch as that is about what it's capable of because as the barrel warms it has flyers. The CFE was slightly slower and not quite as consistent in my gun so I stayed with the XBR8208.
With that being said in my .223 and my 6X45mm and also the 22-250 it really shined and gave top end speed and great groups so I will be buying more.
 
Originally Posted By: venaticI have a Ruger No.1 that I had worked up a load for with XBR8208 which shot OK with the 35gr Berger and was running about 4100fps.

I'm assuming a 26" barrel?
 
Originally Posted By: boisblancboyOriginally Posted By: venaticI have a Ruger No.1 that I had worked up a load for with XBR8208 which shot OK with the 35gr Berger and was running about 4100fps.

I'm assuming a 26" barrel?

No it's a 24 inch barrel.
 
Wow not bad. I'm getting 3900 with 28.3(.1 over suggest max) of H4895 and 35gr bergers out of a 26" barrel.

Another thing that caught my eye was that the CFE 223 ran slightly less pressure than H4895.
 
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