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Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Thu Nov 12, 2020 8:01 pm

I have 4lbs of CFE223 powder, which I have never used and do not have any load data for in my Lee book.

Have any of you used this powder/bullet combo with success?

Re: Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Thu Nov 12, 2020 8:13 pm

Given my rifle, and my skill level, I've had decent results with cfe223 and hornady 55's. The full thread is here... https://www.waguns.org/viewtopic.php?f=74&t=113366

Re: Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Thu Nov 12, 2020 9:58 pm

You can use the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center for all Hodgon powders, including this one: https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/

Re: Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Mon Nov 16, 2020 6:32 pm

55 grain rounds with CFE223 work great with 1/8 barrel twist or better.
Avoid 55 grain with 1/7 twist rate common with Newer Colt AR15s. My Colt LE6920 with a 1/7 twist hates 55 gr rounds The Colt loves 62 grain rounds its very accurate.

Now, the wifes AR15, .223 Wilde, has a 1/8 twist. It loves 55 grain boolits.

Re: Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Wed Nov 18, 2020 3:29 pm

Barfly wrote:I have 4lbs of CFE223 powder, which I have never used and do not have any load data for in my Lee book.

Have any of you used this powder/bullet combo with success?


I have not used CFE223 yet, but I am also hoping it works well in my rifle. I have read many people's endorsement of the combination you mentioned... The last few weeks I have increased my powder stockpile with CFE 223 and H335. I would hate to see powder become scarce like primers, so I am erring on the side of caution.

Re: Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Wed Nov 18, 2020 9:20 pm

We might need a new new thread for members to post their best group using cfe223 and a 55gr projectile recipes.

Re: Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Wed Nov 18, 2020 10:50 pm

Nope, not a good combo at all brother, sell it to mee at a reduced rate... icon_eek icon_eek icon_eek

Seriously speaking though, I’ve been using CFE223 for a few years, it works for plinking but do not expect match bullet results with 55g FMJ’s. I’m not one who measures my plinking groups but I can hit the 6” gong 30 out of 30 rounds at Evergreen sportsman club with them. Good nuff for me I recon.

Good luck on your quest for excellence. :wink05:

Re: Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Fri Nov 20, 2020 5:31 pm

Thanks for the i fo guys. Going to get some loaded up this weekend and see jow i like it.

Re: Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Sat Nov 21, 2020 2:06 am

You will like the CFE223 just fine. I have six powders that I use for .223 with equal accuracy. For fine grained powder I use my Auto Drum for kernals I use my Lyman 55 to throw the charge and then set the charged cartride into the right spot in my Lee Loadmaster and crank the handle. The finer grains just allow me to work the press a bit faster.

Re: Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Sun Nov 22, 2020 12:35 pm

I've never used it, but it's known to be a good one. Very common.

Re: Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Fri Dec 04, 2020 2:59 pm

I've been using CFE223 (27.8gr) for a few years with Hornady 55gr FMJ on ARs with good results. Recently I tried it on my new Savage bolt action 22" 1/7 with the exact same load but seated the bullet a little further out. It can easily print 1" or under at 100yds.

Re: Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Mon Jan 04, 2021 6:35 pm

how old is your Lee manual? CFE223 is in the second edition.

I'm a pretty new reloader but wasn't CFE223 specifically designed for .223/5.56 reloading? Is there something about it that folks have found make it less than ideal for 223?

Re: Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Mon Jan 04, 2021 10:06 pm

SteelHeadTed wrote:how old is your Lee manual? CFE223 is in the second edition.

I'm a pretty new reloader but wasn't CFE223 specifically designed for .223/5.56 reloading? Is there something about it that folks have found make it less than ideal for 223?


The only down side that I'm aware of its not as temp stable when compared to varget/xbr/h4895.

Re: Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Sun Mar 21, 2021 12:18 am

All of my 55gr .224 projectiles are for my blaster plinking ammo. Therefore, my go-to load is just 26.5gr of CFE223, seated to max P-Mag length. They work great up to about 200 yds. If you really want to thread the needle, you need to go with a heavier bullet with the right twist rate in barrel. 55gr is not meant to be super accurate at distance. It is very light and gets pushed around by the wind pretty easily compared to the heavier bullets.

CFE223 can also be used for .308. The fine granuals meter fantastically.

Re: Anybody use CFE223 for 55gr FMJ .223?

Sun Apr 18, 2021 2:31 pm

I have excellent results using Accurate 2460 for my 40 grainers and 50's with match primers
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