.204 and CFE

[Skunce]

Have any of you tried CFE in the .204 using 39 grain Blitzkings? If so how was the accuracy, fouling, and velocity?

[darkker]

Yes, I love CFE in my 204, 243, and from limited testing, 308.
Accuracy is gun specific deal, but I am VERY pleased.
Fouling. Is very similar to the rest of General Dynamics powders that have Tin in them (748, 760). If you run lower pressures the soot level seems high compared to extruded stuff. The differences are that the soot is very loose and easily removed. Unlike ADI's crap, you will never find a hard carbon issue.
I have done some side X side tests, 300 rounds each(CFE Vs 748) in the 204, CFE Vs 760 in the 243, and CFE Vs. 4895 in the 308. The 308 had noticeably less copper when using CFE, but more Soot. In the 204 without a borescope, there is no difference in copper. The soot is much darker than 748. That part really isn't a surprise to me as 748 has had the same "copper erasing" tin, for at least 20 years according to the MSDS; albeit perhaps different levels.

In terms of velocity, the 204 runs the same as 748. The difference in speed becomes apparent in the 243, and is much faster in the 308.

[Skunce]

Thanks for the detailed response darkker. I loaded up some rounds with powder charges from 28.0 to 29.2 grains of CFE topped with 39 grain Blitzkings and checked them for grouping at 100 yards. Firing three shot groups, 29.0 and 29.2 grains both grouped at .300". I haven't tried different seating depth settings yet, but I'm happy with the initial results. Also need to run a few through the chronograph to see what kind of speed I'm getting. The barrel is a 26" McGowan 1-11" twist.