CFE223 in 308 help

[mattwaage1]

Just loaded up some rounds to try and seeing if anyone else is getting any results from cfe223 in a quality semi auto 308.

Sierra 2156, 155gr SMK
47-49.8grs cfe223
210m
brand new lapua brass
2.800
20" 1-10 twist.
2700-2900

results were awful. I mean 2-3" groups. I couldn't figure out why. Same rifle I just sighted in last week with 168 smks and some varget was shooting moa or under with a best of .511 and 3 shot .211,

not sure whether to blame the powder, or bullet, or both.
since 175smks are sighted about as often as bigfoot I ordered some 190s to try next. really had my heart set on cfe223, wanted 1 powder for 223 and 308.

Anyone have similar learned experiences with similar equip?

 

[JGorski]

It might be your 10 twist, try 46-47grs CFE with the 168s, Ive used 47 with 168AMAXs last year in a 600yd BR comp, shot a 4.7" group. Lapua brass, 12 twist. Never tried CFE with lighter bullets, I believe its geared more towards heavier stuff. 2000MR works even better for heavier bullets.

 

[mattwaage1]

Well it didn't work at all for me at least.
Trying to stay away from the 168s for longer range shooting.
I didn't know that you could "Over spin" a light bullet. I was thinking about loading up some lower velocity rounds to see if it settled down, but didn't want to waste the time.
I will try that CFE with the 190 SMKs when they get here too.
I was getting good velocity witht his CFE so hopefully the problems were the bullets.

 

[dustinoif3]

Was the 47-49.8 your test charges? What increments? I've had great results in 223 and 308. Of course it's with 168 and 175's though. Did you run an OCW?

 

[mattwaage1]

yes 47-49 were test charges. dont have an OCW with this combo yet first time trying 155s and cfe223.

 

[mattwaage1]

maybe I should try some lower charges. my charge weights were the same for 10 shots but for the same charge weights I must have had a 150fps deviation between faster and slowest. everything was just all over the place.

 

[BCP]

Have you tried a magnum primer? I find with dense ball powders a hotter primer is sometimes needed.

If that doesn't work I know for a fact that varget and 155s work great. Probably either 45 or 46.5(HOT) grains varget.

 

[JGorski]

I never tried CFE with 155s, but I know 47grs RE15 works very well with them. .5moa out to 300yds in my SPSS.

 

[tactserv]

46.2 of CFE223 in LC brass under a 180 SMK does ~2700. Shoots consistently less than .75" @ 100 ds. No serious pressure signs.

YMMV

 

[Tx_Flyboy]

matt,

Increase your charge weights. 47-48 is the sweet spot for 175gr bullets.

I noticed that this powder shoots better as the charge weight goes up.

I think your accuracy node will be around 49-50ish grain.