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Thanks Molon, you just confirmed an observation I had recently when loading some LC 5.56 and found that the velocities I was chronographing were falling behind those from my commercial brass. Attention to the details is why you excel.
Best on the web ![]()
I’d love to see how the small font PMC and PMP measured up. I mix everything else together. But those two have dramatically reduced capacity… I can spot them when I’m watching the powder station on my 550b.
Great information; thank you.
Do you find that WCC and LC are consistent from year to year?
Prior to reloading a couple hundred Nosler 64 grain bonded solid base with CFE223 I tried five different brands of brass using 27.2 grains CFE223 and Remington 7 1/2 primers, the only primer than gave me consistent results w this powder and bullet.
5 shots each.
Winchester 2908 fps, 36 ES (four into 14 ES).
Frontier 2889 fps, 106 ES.
Federal AE 2931 fps, 42 ES.
IMI 2862
PMC 2851
Similar results with 60 grain partition using IMI and PMC brass. Unfortunately I did not record ES. 60 PT went about 122 fps faster than 64 solid base at same powder charge.
Results from 20 inch 1:9 stainless barrel w NATO chamber.
CFE223 is one of best and maybe best powder for 64 NSB. It is not a tack driver, accuracy about like Molon reported for RA556 but intended use is off hand from a carbine or maybe shooting off sticks at pigs at night. It shoots a bit to either low or left of IMI green tip and/or 53 Vmax in my two rifles.
Based on this I felt that I could load a batch of AE and WW brass. I had alot of each.
I only got to mess with 1 lb of CFE before this never ending panic started. It seemed to be great with SS109s. Although I don’t shoot much ball powder, I do hope to find CFE again some day.
These stats are all fascinating and such. But I’ve found that sorting brass is a futile exercise in futility. (at least for .223) Getting a consistent neck tension is infinitely more valuable than internal case volume variances in my chrono and testing experience.
Sorry not to hijack but I got two pounds laying around that I know I wont use because I have put aside 223/556 in favor of reloading 45ACP… PM me if your interested. I know atleast you would use to to bury some lead in the AZ desert.
I use CFE223 with both the 64 Nosler and 75 moly coated Hornady BTHP. WSR works with primed WW cases and 75 grain but not with 64. Curious. 64 needs Remington 7 1/2 for consistent results. Win 748 and RL15 are very accurate with both bullets but down to about 2800 fps from a 20 inch. I can get 3050 or more with 64 and 2920 with 75 grain using CFE. It is kind of “dirty” with a suppressor and cases are frequently smudged from carbon fouling. I have mostly used WW brass just because I have alot of it and it has held up to NATO pressure loads well.