I was able to purchase CFE Pistol powder today. Hopefully I have it before I leave for the mountains on the 10th. I looking forward to testing this powder. Looks great for most pistol loads in all the calibers I load. I was able to get 8 pounds. Two distributors had the powder for about 30 minutes each before selling out. With has mat and shipping charges you really have to buy 8 pounds or more to get the cost per pound down to a reasonable level.
Hey please share some test results, I am still looking for some locally... ::)
It just started showing up the last day or so. I called Hodgdon a few weeks ago and they told me first of April.. I will make up some 45acp 40SW and a few 10mm loads. I just hope I get the powder before I leave for the mountains, thats where I do all my loading.
Aegis, If you would please post a close up picture of some of the CFE Pistol powder in a scale pan so I can study its properties until I can get my hands on some if you don't mind. You can PM me and I'll provide my e-mail it as a file or post it here on the forum.
That will be greatly appreciated! 8)
What's the burn rate on this powder? I'm seeing load data for 45ACP, 9mm, and 40SW, so it may be a little too fast for 10mm.
I don't have the Hodgdon book here. But it appeared to be good for loads from bullet weights of 135 grain and up. With light bullets it looked like it would have similar velocities as Power Pistol. I will testing CFE hopefully by next Friday and will report the results here.
I read that the burn rate is between Autocomp and Silhouette. With 180gr bullets, Hodgdon claims max is around 1200fps. It should be a good powder for mild range loads.
CFE Pistol Powder test 10mm 135 grain HST over 10.2 grains CFE Pistol seated to 1.2500"
CCI 350 primer Star*-*Line Brass (used but pass-through reconditioned)
Velocity 1672 fps from the Glock 20 factory barrel, Wolff non captive recoil rod & 22lb spring. Max case expansion is 0.4325"
I'll have to test more for consistency, but I was impressed with this loading performance, pressures were easy on the brass, powder burned cleanly. 8)
Quote from: The_Shadow on June 15 2014 08:20:05 PM MDT
CFE Pistol Powder test 10mm 135 grain HST over 10.2 grains CFE Pistol seated to 1.2500"
CCI 350 primer Star*-*Line Brass (used but pass-through reconditioned)
Velocity 1672 fps from the Glock 20 factory barrel, Wolff non captive recoil rod & 22lb spring. Max case expansion is 0.4325"
I'll have to test more for consistency, but I was impressed with this loading performance, pressures were easy on the brass, powder burned cleanly. 8)
Any more results from testing. I don't have a chrony or any other form of measuring speed but 180gr gold dot over 8gr of cfe powder seated to 1.25 feels very stout and the round is very accurate. No signs of over pressure on brass or primer. For my needs think I'm good there. Worked up slow from 6.7 gr. Kkm stock length barrel and 22lb triple spring Dpms setup. Glock 20 3rd gen
YellowTT, I haven't been able to get to the range in some time, I have more stuff to test but getting range time has been tough.
My excuse is mostly weather related either too hot or raining...then playing catch up on a few things around the house and vehicle maintenance too weather permitting.
If you are running the Hodgdon data you should be good to go!
YellowTT, your load is well over max.
Hodgdon's site lists 7.6 grains as max for CFE with a 180 grain hollow point, loaded at 1.260" col. You are almost a half grain over max, and your COAL is .100 shorter than recommended. I would guess your pressure is about 38,500, not accounting for the decreased case capacity from reducing the COAL.