11-07-2018, 01:29 AM
Jtod Wrote:I had a lofty goal of 1000fpe@400 yards.
Quick question Klem, I have 8208xbr and cfe223. So far I’ve only loaded up cfe. In a 16” barrel, which one is more likely to produce highest velocity with safe pressures? My barrel has the Grendel II chamber. Thank you,
Unless I'm missing something here 1,000fps at 400yds is perfectly doable with a 16" barrel. In fact you might find it will be above 1,500 and above 1,000fps for a lot further. Someone else with a 16" barrel can chime in here.
The difference between 8208 and CFE is 8208 is a single-based extruded powder and CFE is a double-based ball powder. Double-based powders are more energetic so you will get a little more velocity for the same peak pressure. Double-based are however a bit more temperature unstable so if you are into precision competition with a match bolt gun this would be a concern but with your platform and intended use you might not even notice it. I would be cautious however if you load on the raggedy edge settling on a hot load in winter and then in summer blazing away with the same load. The other way round is of course, fine or just adjust it for the heat.
I only use 8208 in loads below 120gns. 120 and above I use H4895 (I don't use CFE but others here do). Slower powders than 8208 are more efficient with heavier bullets.
As for a powder that removes copper fouling - 'Copper Fouling Eraser'. I prefer copper left in the micro pores of the barrel as it makes my shooting more accurate. I also don't clean my guns as much as I used to and find it's more useful to retain the previous zero with a fouled barrel. Modern primers don't corrode barrels like they used to and anti-corrosion tabs and desiccant in my gun safes ensure there's no damage being done by leaving the gun dirty (it also lessens the damage caused by scrubbing). The rest of the gun gets cleaned, just not the barrel every time. Bottom line, I have no use for a powder that removes copper.