Hammer CFE223 vs TAC for 137HH in 308 win

med358-boise said:

Berger list a load of 42.4 to 47.1 for their 135, 2780 to 3042 fps. While the bullets are constructed differently, you can compensate for this by loading some "safety check rounds" at 39, 40, 41, & 42. If those rounds exhibit no pressure signs, then start your load development. If you have a chrono, velocity should be in the 2750 range for the 42 grain load.

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bonie said:

I have use Tac in my 308 with Hammer 151 Absolutes, accurate. I pushed the load to 46 grains well over any published loads I found for a 150 solid. around 2940 fps but the accuracy fell off as the speed increased. I use Tac in my 6PPC bench rifle is very consistent and meters well. and I compete with all the guys using LT-32 the standard for ever in bench rest. I have loaded a lot of my different calibers with Tac. its a good choice. easy to find and relatively cheap compared to other powders.

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TucsonFX4 said:

I have read a lot of good things about cfe223 for 308 loads. I don't have much experience with it except to say it is more challenging to clean up the powder station after using it. Tac is supposed to be more temp sensitive, though I don't have any firsthand experience with that.

I have been working up a load with the 138HHT and Benchmark and have been very pleased with velocity (right at 3k from 18" barrel) and moderately pleased with accuracy (just under one moa from a cheap Ruger American). It's a powder worth trying for that cartridge and bullet weight.

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Shane Lindsey said:

Not Tac, but I used the 135gr Power Hammer in a 308 with CFE 223.
49.5gr CFE 223
3123 FPS

20" barrel.

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std7mag said:

If you're set on using CFE223, do your load development when it's hot out.
CFE223 is known for its instability over temperature differences.
Doing load development when it's cold will lead to over pressure when it's hot.

I experimented with it in my 7mm-08AI. I couldn't get below 32fps ES.
Then with over pressure in the summer, and low speeds in the winter, it became lawn fertilizer.

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Shane Lindsey said:

I think it is liek any powder, it either likes it or it don't. If getting crazy ES, I drop down in charge weight. Usually helps.

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