Hodgdon CFE® 223 Powder

Hodgdon CFE 223 Load Data : Product Overview

Hodgdon CFE 223 is a premium spherical propellant renowned among shooters and reloaders for its versatility, accuracy, and reliability. It yields superior velocities in many popular cartridges, including the .204 Ruger, .223 Remington/5.56mm NATO, .22-250 Remington, and .308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO. Moreover, this high-quality powder includes Hodgdon’s revolutionary Copper Fouling Eraser (CFE) ingredient, significantly reducing copper fouling in your firearm barrel.

Designed initially for military applications, CFE 223 helps shooters maintain top accuracy for longer periods without frequent barrel cleaning. This article provides comprehensive insights into Hodgdon CFE 223 load data, reloading data, product features, benefits, practical usage, frequently asked questions, and expert recommendations.

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Why Shooters Prefer Hodgdon CFE 223

Shooters prefer Hodgdon CFE 223 because of its consistent performance, spherical design, and unique copper-reducing formula. Unlike traditional powders, CFE 223 keeps your barrel cleaner by reducing copper fouling, thus saving time spent on maintenance. Moreover, its spherical granules ensure superior metering accuracy, enhancing consistency shot after shot.

Additionally, Hodgdon CFE 223 powder is produced in the USA, meeting rigorous quality standards, providing confidence to reloaders seeking reliable and uniform performance.

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Hodgdon CFE 223 Load Data for Popular Cartridges

Accurate load data is critical for achieving desired velocities and safe pressures. Below is reliable Hodgdon CFE 223 load data tailored to popular cartridges:

Hodgdon CFE 223 Load Data for .223 Remington (5.56mm NATO)

• Bullet Weight: 55 grains (FMJ or HPBT)

• Charge Range: 26.0–27.8 grains

• Primer: Small Rifle

• Overall Length (OAL): 2.200 inches

• Estimated Velocity: 3200–3350 fps

This load is ideal for AR-15 platforms, offering reliable cycling, reduced fouling, and consistent accuracy.

Hodgdon CFE 223 Load Data for .308 Winchester (7.62mm NATO)

• Bullet Weight: 150 grains (FMJ or SP)

• Charge Range: 48.0–51.0 grains

• Primer: Large Rifle

• Overall Length (OAL): 2.750 inches

• Estimated Velocity: 2800–2950 fps

Perfect for precision and hunting applications, Hodgdon CFE 223 provides stable performance, ensuring accurate hits at various ranges.

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Hodgdon CFE 223 Reloading Data: Key Reloading Tips

Reloading ammunition demands attention to detail, precision, and adherence to safety guidelines. Follow these practical reloading tips when working with Hodgdon CFE 223 reloading data:

• Start Low, Progress Slowly:
  Always start with lower powder charges. Gradually increase charges while monitoring pressure signs.

• Verify Charge Accuracy:
  Utilize a precise scale to measure powder charges. Hodgdon CFE 223’s spherical shape ensures consistent flow, providing enhanced metering accuracy.

• Inspect Components Carefully:
  Check brass cases and bullets for integrity before loading. Proper inspection guarantees safe, consistent reloads.

• Document Load Data:
  Record your reloading data (charge, primer, bullet type, OAL) for future reference. This practice ensures repeatable results and improved accuracy over time.

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Benefits of Reloading with Hodgdon CFE 223

Reloading ammunition using Hodgdon CFE 223 provides multiple advantages:

• Superior Velocity:
  Achieves higher velocities in numerous calibers, maximizing ballistic performance.

• Reduced Maintenance:
  Copper Fouling Eraser technology reduces copper build-up, keeping barrels cleaner for longer periods, reducing maintenance time.

• Reliable Consistency:
  Accurate powder metering contributes to highly uniform reloads, improving accuracy and shot-to-shot consistency.

• Cost Efficiency:
  Reloading with CFE 223 is cost-effective over factory ammunition, providing long-term financial benefits for avid shooters.

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Who Should Use Hodgdon CFE 223?

Hodgdon CFE 223 appeals broadly to:

• Competitive Shooters:
  Demanding consistent accuracy and velocity for precise shot placement during matches.

• Hunters:
  Seeking high-performance ammunition to ensure ethical, humane harvesting of game.

• Reloading Enthusiasts:
  Interested in achieving optimized, custom loads tailored to their firearms.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hodgdon CFE 223

Q1: What does “CFE” mean in Hodgdon CFE 223?

A: “CFE” stands for Copper Fouling Eraser, an additive that significantly reduces copper fouling in rifle barrels.

Q2: Can Hodgdon CFE 223 be used in bolt-action rifles?

A: Yes, Hodgdon CFE 223 is versatile, suitable for bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles alike.

Q3: What containers sizes are available for Hodgdon CFE 223 powder?

A: Hodgdon CFE 223 is available in convenient 1 lb. and 8 lb. containers.

Q4: Is Hodgdon CFE 223 powder temperature sensitive?

A: Hodgdon CFE 223 has moderate temperature stability. It’s advisable to test loads in varying conditions if extreme accuracy is essential.

Q5: Is Hodgdon CFE 223 suitable for beginners in reloading?

A: Yes, due to its excellent metering qualities and reliability, it’s ideal even for beginners learning the reloading process.

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Recommended Royalty-Free Images and Videos

Royalty-free image recommendations:

• Shooter carefully measuring Hodgdon CFE 223 powder.

• Close-up of spherical Hodgdon CFE 223 granules.

• Cartridge loaded with Hodgdon CFE 223 powder.

Relevant YouTube videos:

• Hodgdon CFE 223 Powder Review and Load Development

• How to Reload Ammo with Hodgdon CFE 223 Step-by-Step Tutorial

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For detailed Hodgdon CFE 223 reloading data and precise load recipes, shooters should always reference this blog Hodgdon Reloading Data Center.