Choosing the right gunpowder is crucial for accurate and safe reloading. For those working with the popular .223 Remington cartridge, CFE 223 has emerged as a strong contender. This in-depth review will explore its performance characteristics, benefits, drawbacks, and overall suitability for various reloading applications.
What is CFE 223 Powder?
CFE 223 is a relatively new extruded powder from Hodgdon Powder Company. Its unique formulation and characteristics make it a versatile choice for a range of .223 Remington loads, from subsonic to supersonic velocities. Extruded powders, unlike ball powders, are formed into cylindrical shapes, often leading to cleaner burning and potentially less fouling.
Key Performance Characteristics of CFE 223
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Metering: CFE 223 is known for its excellent metering characteristics. This makes it ideal for progressive reloading presses, allowing for consistent powder charges and reducing the risk of variations between rounds. Consistent powder charges translate directly to improved accuracy and reduced pressure variations.
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Burn Rate: CFE 223 boasts a relatively medium burn rate, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of bullet weights and velocities. This versatility is a significant advantage, allowing reloaders to experiment with different projectile weights without major adjustments to their reloading process.
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Accuracy: Many reloaders report exceptional accuracy with CFE 223. The consistent burn rate and excellent metering contribute to the precision achievable with this powder. Of course, accuracy also depends on other factors like the rifle itself, the bullet used, and the reloader's technique, but CFE 223 certainly helps maximize potential.
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Clean Burning: As an extruded powder, CFE 223 generally exhibits cleaner burning properties than some ball powders. This means less fouling in the barrel, which translates to fewer cleaning cycles and potentially improved longevity of your firearm. Cleaner barrels also contribute to consistent accuracy over extended shooting sessions.
Benefits of Using CFE 223 Powder
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Versatility: Its suitability for a wide range of bullet weights and velocities provides flexibility for different reloading projects.
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Accuracy Potential: The consistent burn rate and excellent metering lead to improved accuracy in many applications.
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Easy Metering: The powder meters well, simplifying the reloading process, especially for high-volume production.
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Clean Burning: Less fouling means less barrel cleaning and more time shooting.
Potential Drawbacks of CFE 223 Powder
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Availability: Like many popular reloading supplies, CFE 223 can sometimes be difficult to find due to high demand. Checking with multiple suppliers is often necessary.
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Sensitivity to Temperature: While not excessively sensitive, some users report minor variations in performance based on ambient temperature. Consistent storage conditions are recommended.
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Price: CFE 223 might be slightly more expensive than some other powders on the market.
CFE 223 Powder vs. Other Powders
Direct comparisons are difficult without specific load data and testing, but CFE 223 often competes with powders like Varget and Benchmark in terms of accuracy and versatility for .223 Remington loads. Ultimately, the best powder for any given application depends on individual firearm characteristics, desired velocity, and bullet weight.
Conclusion
CFE 223 is a high-quality powder that delivers excellent performance in the .223 Remington cartridge. Its exceptional metering, versatility, and accuracy potential make it a worthwhile addition to any reloader's collection. However, potential users should be aware of potential availability issues and slightly higher price point compared to some alternative powders. Always consult your reloading manuals and follow all safety procedures when working with gunpowder. Remember, safe and responsible reloading practices are paramount.
