Published: 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Hodgdon CFE BLK is a fast-burning, double-base spherical powder manufactured in the United States and distributed by Hodgdon. It was developed specifically for the 300 Blackout cartridge – both subsonic and supersonic applications – and carries Hodgdon’s Copper Fouling Eraser (CFE) additive, originally developed for military propellant, which chemically reduces copper jacket adhesion to bore steel during the firing event.
The powder sits at burn rate position #74 on the Hodgdon relative scale – slightly slower than Accurate 1680 (#72) and Accurate LT-30 (#73), and slightly faster than Norma 200 (#75). This precise position makes it efficient in the 300 Blackout case for both heavy subsonic projectiles (200-220 grain) and standard supersonic bullets (110-125 grain), and extends its utility to 7.62x39mm, 6.8 SPC, and small-bore varmint cartridges.
A note on base type: the original article on this site listed CFE BLK as “single-base.” This is incorrect. CFE BLK is a double-base spherical powder – all US-manufactured ball powders are double-base by manufacturing process, and Hodgdon’s own product group confirms this. The double-base designation matters for understanding the powder’s temperature sensitivity profile and energy characteristics.
This article is based on published manufacturer specifications, established load data, and documented field reports. Specifications and performance figures can vary between lots, rifles, and conditions. If you have loaded Hodgdon CFE BLK in practice – leave a comment below: real-world experience from the reloading bench is what separates verified data from manufacturer claims.
Powder Description and Technical Profile
Hodgdon CFE BLK is a double-base, spherical powder with a graphite surface coating, a deterrent chemical package to regulate the burn rate, and the proprietary CFE (Copper Fouling Eraser) additive embedded throughout the grain structure.
The double-base chemistry – nitrocellulose plus nitroglycerin – provides the energy density that allows CFE BLK to develop adequate chamber pressure in both the small 300 Blackout case with light 110-125 grain supersonic bullets and in the same case significantly reduced in effective volume by deep-seated 200-220 grain subsonic projectiles. The nitroglycerin content also provides reliable cold-weather ignition – a meaningful property for suppressed subsonic 300 Blackout operation in sub-freezing conditions.
The spherical geometry produces metering consistency that is the primary practical advantage of CFE BLK over extruded alternatives in the same burn rate class. Uniform spheres pack into a measure drum consistently at any cycling speed. On progressive press equipment, charge-to-charge variance under 0.05-0.08 grains is achievable – essential for the high-volume 300 Blackout production that AR-15 platform shooters typically require.
The “sustained gas volume” pressure profile is the internal ballistics characteristic most important for semi-automatic applications. The burn rate is calibrated so that adequate chamber pressure – and therefore adequate gas port pressure – is maintained through the bullet’s passage past the gas port in 300 Blackout carbine-length gas systems. Faster powders in this case may complete combustion before the bullet reaches the gas port in some configurations, producing under-gassing. Slower powders may generate gas port pressure that peaks too late for reliable bolt carrier group travel. CFE BLK’s position at #74 on the Hodgdon chart is specifically calibrated to hit the reliable cycling window in standard 300 Blackout gas systems.
The CFE additive is chemically integrated into the grain structure, not applied as a surface coating. During combustion, the additive’s byproducts react with copper deposited by the bullet jacket, preventing full bonding to the bore surface. Copper that has not bonded is removed by subsequent projectile passage. The practical result: copper accumulation rate is reduced, extending the interval before copper solvent treatment is required. It does not eliminate copper fouling entirely – regular bore maintenance still applies.
Bulk density is 0.976 g/cc (60.9 lbs/ft³) – very high for a powder in this burn rate class. The high density produces two consequences: excellent case fill in small-capacity cases like 17 Hornet and 221 Fireball at working charge weights, and the same visual case fill caution that applies to all high-density ball powders – visual inspection is a less reliable double-charge indicator in small handgun or rifle cases.
Strengths:
- Ball powder metering (0.05-0.08 grain variance) on progressive press equipment – ideal for high-volume 300 Blackout and 7.62x39mm production
- Calibrated gas port pressure for reliable cycling in 300 Blackout carbine-length semi-automatic systems across both subsonic and supersonic loads
- CFE additive extends copper cleaning intervals – less frequent copper solvent treatment between accuracy-maintaining cleanings
- Covers both 300 Blackout application types (subsonic 200-220 gr and supersonic 110-125 gr) from a single powder
- High bulk density (0.976 g/cc) produces reliable case fill in small-capacity varmint cases
- Made in USA – domestic supply chain
Limitations:
- Temperature sensitivity of 0.8-1.2 fps/°F – standard double-base ball powder sensitivity; substantially more than Hodgdon H4198 (Extreme series) and notably more sensitive than Vihtavuori N110 (~0.5 fps/°F). For subsonic 300 Blackout where staying below 1,050 fps is critical, loads developed in summer may drop below cycle threshold in deep winter
- High density reduces visual double-charge detection reliability in small cases – visual case inspection before bullet seating is mandatory
- Muzzle flash in very short barrels without suppressors – double-base chemistry at this burn rate in 7-9 inch unsuppressed barrels produces a visible flash signature
- Not the highest velocity option for supersonic 300 Blackout – Hodgdon H110 and Winchester 296 may produce slightly higher supersonic velocities in some loads
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hodgdon Powder Company |
| Type | Double-Base Spherical (Ball) |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | 0.976 (60.9 lbs/ft³) |
| Grain Shape | Small Spherical |
| Additive | CFE (Copper Fouling Eraser) |
| Burn Rate Category | Fast Rifle |
| Hodgdon Chart Position | #74 |
| Temperature Sensitivity | ~0.8-1.2 fps / °F |
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
Burn Rate Context – Where #74 Fits
Understanding exactly where position #74 sits among adjacent powders is critical for correct application selection:
| Position | Powder | Type | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| #72 | Accurate 1680 | Double-Base Ball | 7.62x39mm, 300 BLK subsonic specialist |
| #73 | Accurate LT-30 | Single-Base Extruded | 30 BR benchrest, 222 Rem |
| #74 | Hodgdon CFE BLK | Double-Base Ball | 300 BLK both applications, 7.62x39mm |
| #75 | Norma 200 | Double-Base Extruded | 222 Rem, 7.62x39mm |
| #76 | Accurate 2200 | Double-Base Ball | 6.8 SPC, 224 Valkyrie |
The two-position gap between Accurate 1680 (#72) and CFE BLK (#74) is meaningful in 300 Blackout applications. 1680 is calibrated specifically for the subsonic cycling requirement with heavy bullets; CFE BLK is slightly slower and efficiently covers both subsonic and supersonic from the same powder supply. This dual-application versatility is CFE BLK’s primary practical advantage over 1680 for a 300 Blackout shooter.
Temperature Stability – Subsonic Threshold Management
0.8-1.2 fps per degree Fahrenheit is the primary operational limitation of CFE BLK for subsonic 300 Blackout applications. The concern is specific: a subsonic load must stay below approximately 1,050 fps (the speed of sound threshold) regardless of ambient temperature. A load developed to produce 1,000 fps at 75°F will produce approximately:
- At 30°F (45°F colder): 1,000 – (45 x 1.0) = approximately 955-978 fps – still subsonic, still cycling if the load is above the minimum gas port pressure threshold
- At 100°F (25°F warmer): 1,000 + (25 x 1.0) = approximately 1,025-1,030 fps – still subsonic, approaching the margin
The primary concern is cold-weather cycling, not supersonic transition. If a load is developed just above the gas port cycling threshold in summer, a cold winter day can push it below that threshold, producing a bolt that partially cycles or fails to extract. For suppressed subsonic 300 Blackout operation, verify cycling at the coldest temperature the rifle will be used at – not just at a comfortable loading bench temperature.
| Powder | Stability | 55°F Swing | Cold cycling risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4198 | 0.3-0.5 fps/°F | ~17-28 fps | Minimal |
| Vihtavuori N110 | ~0.5 fps/°F | ~28 fps | Low |
| Hodgdon CFE BLK | 0.8-1.2 fps/°F | ~44-66 fps | Moderate – verify at field temps |
| Accurate 1680 | ~1.0-1.5 fps/°F | ~55-83 fps | Moderate-High |
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Key Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accurate 1680 | Double-Base Ball | 0.960 | Slightly Faster – 7.62×39 specialist, subsonic cycling |
| Accurate LT-30 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.895 | Slightly Faster – benchrest, single-base |
| Hodgdon CFE BLK | Double-Base Ball | 0.976 | Reference – 300 BLK dual application |
| Norma 200 | Double-Base Extruded | 0.910 | Slightly Slower – 222 Rem, 7.62x39mm |
| IMR 4227 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.920 | Similar – single-base, suppressor clean |
| Vihtavuori N110 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.800 | Similar – temperature stable, suppressor clean |
| Hodgdon H110 | Double-Base Ball | 0.930 | Faster – max pressure only, supersonic specialist |
| Accurate 2200 | Double-Base Ball | 0.960 | Slightly Slower – 6.8 SPC specialist |
vs. Accurate 1680: The closest direct comparison for 300 Blackout subsonic. 1680 burns slightly faster, has a longer documented subsonic cycling record in AR-15 platforms, and is specifically calibrated for the heavy subsonic bullet application. CFE BLK burns slightly slower, covers supersonic as well, and adds the CFE fouling reduction. For a 300 Blackout shooter who loads only subsonic, 1680 is the more specifically documented choice. For a shooter who needs both subsonic and supersonic from one powder with fouling reduction, CFE BLK is the more versatile option.
vs. Vihtavuori N110: N110 is a single-base extruded powder at a comparable burn rate with approximately 0.5 fps/°F temperature stability – substantially better than CFE BLK’s 0.8-1.2 fps/°F. Single-base chemistry produces less carbon accumulation in suppressors. CFE BLK meters better from ball geometry and adds the CFE copper reduction. For suppressed shooting where temperature consistency and suppressor cleanliness are priorities, N110 is more appropriate. For high-volume progressive press production with copper fouling management, CFE BLK is more practical.
vs. IMR 4227: IMR 4227 is a single-base extruded powder at a comparable burn rate with 1.1-1.3 fps/°F sensitivity – similar to CFE BLK. Single-base chemistry produces less suppressor residue. CFE BLK meters better from ball geometry. For a precision subsonic 300 Blackout shooter concerned about suppressor maintenance, IMR 4227 is the cleaner-burning alternative. For high-volume production, CFE BLK is more metering-efficient.
vs. Hodgdon H110: H110 burns faster, must be loaded at near-maximum pressure (never reduce more than 3%), and requires magnum primers at all times. It is specifically for maximum-pressure supersonic loads only – it cannot be used for subsonic 300 Blackout because the minimum pressure requirement makes safe reduced-charge loading impossible. CFE BLK covers both pressure ranges and does not carry H110’s minimum-charge constraint.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Hodgdon CFE BLK is specifically designed for small-to-intermediate capacity rifle cases where its burn rate, density, and cycling-calibrated pressure profile are most efficient.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 300 Blackout | 200-220 gr | Subsonic suppressed – primary application |
| 300 Blackout | 110-125 gr | Supersonic semi-auto |
| 7.62x39mm | 123-125 gr | Semi-auto carbine loading |
| 6.8 SPC | 90-115 gr | Light-weight semi-auto loads |
| 17 Hornet | 20-25 gr | Maximum velocity small-bore |
| 221 Fireball | 40-55 gr | Varmint maximum velocity |
| 17 Ackley Hornet | 20-25 gr | Maximum velocity improved case |
| 218 Bee | 40-55 gr | Vintage small-bore varmint |
| 204 Ruger | 24-32 gr | Varmint applications |
The 300 Blackout dual-application coverage is the primary justification for CFE BLK in most loading cabinets. With a single powder, a shooter can load:
- Subsonic: 200-220 grain heavyweight bullets at 850-980 fps with reliable AR-15 cycling in suppressed configurations
- Supersonic: 110-125 grain standard projectiles at 2,100-2,350 fps with clean semi-auto function
This eliminates the need to maintain two separate powder supplies for the same firearm – a practical convenience that 1680 (optimized for subsonic) and H110 (optimized for supersonic) cannot match individually.
The “slight compression” guidance in the original article for subsonic loads is broadly correct but needs nuance: if a 200-220 grain bullet seated to SAAMI specification COL leaves the powder compressed against the bullet base, check that seating force is not shattering the spherical grains. Light compression (under 5%) with CFE BLK’s dense spheres is generally acceptable; heavy compression that requires significant seating force indicates the load needs charge weight reduction.
Bullets
Hodgdon CFE BLK works across the full bullet weight range for its primary applications – from the lightest varmint bullets in the small-bore cartridges to the heaviest subsonic projectiles in 300 Blackout.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra | MatchKing | 220 gr | 300 Blackout | Subsonic Precision |
| Hornady | A-MAX / ELD-M | 208-220 gr | 300 Blackout | Subsonic Match |
| Hornady | V-MAX | 110-125 gr | 300 Blackout | Supersonic Varmint |
| Barnes | TAC-TX | 110 gr | 300 Blackout | Lead-Free Supersonic |
| Nosler | Ballistic Tip | 125 gr | 300 Blackout | Supersonic Hunting |
| Lapua | Scenar | 155-220 gr | 300 Blackout | Long-Range Subsonic |
| Hornady | FMJ | 123-125 gr | 7.62x39mm | General Production |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 90-110 gr | 6.8 SPC | Precision Semi-Auto |
| Hornady | V-MAX | 20-25 gr | 17 Hornet | Varmint |
| Berger | Target | 185-200 gr | 300 Blackout | Subsonic Match |
Have you loaded Hodgdon CFE BLK? Your practical data on subsonic cycling temperatures, charge weights, copper fouling reduction results, or comparison with Accurate 1680 helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
Hodgdon CFE BLK as a double-base ball powder requires primers appropriate to the application. For AR-15 semi-automatic platforms, the mil-spec primer cup is mandatory to prevent slam-fire. For bolt-action precision work, standard small rifle match primers provide best consistency.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| CCI No. 41 | Small Rifle Magnum (Mil-Spec) | Required for AR-15 semi-auto |
| CCI 450 | Small Rifle Magnum | Cold weather sub-zero applications |
| Federal GM205M | Small Rifle Match | Bolt-action precision subsonic |
| CCI BR-4 | Small Rifle Benchrest | Bolt-action competition loads |
| CCI 400 | Small Rifle Standard | General development and practice |
| Winchester WSR | Small Rifle Standard | 7.62x39mm, 17 Hornet general |
| Remington 7-1/2 | Small Rifle Bench Rest | Small varmint cases – hot ignition |
| RWS 4033 | Small Rifle | Premium European option |
| Fiocchi Small Rifle | Small Rifle Standard | Volume production |
| Murom KVB-223 | Small Rifle | Intermediate cartridge general use |
CCI No. 41 in semi-automatic AR-15 platforms is not optional – the harder mil-spec cup resists free-floating firing pin impact. A standard primer cup can detonate from inertia alone when the bolt carrier group slams home on a loaded round. This applies to any dense ball powder charge in a semi-automatic platform, not just CFE BLK.
For subsonic loads in cold weather, the CCI 450 small rifle magnum primer provides additional ignition assurance at the near-maximum case fill levels and cool temperatures where standard primers can show increased extreme spread.
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Hodgdon CFE BLK’s small spherical geometry delivers the ball powder metering advantage at progressive press cycling speeds. On a Dillon XL 750, Dillon RL 1100, or Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, charge-to-charge variance under 0.05-0.08 grains is achievable at normal cycling speeds – better than any extruded alternative in the same burn rate class.
The high bulk density (0.976 g/cc) and small grain size produce one caution: static electricity accumulation in dry conditions. In low-humidity winter loading sessions, grains cling to hopper walls and bridge the drop tube, producing inconsistent throws. Ground the measure’s drop tube or treat the hopper interior with an anti-static dryer sheet at the start of the session.
For single-stage precision subsonic loading, an auto-dispenser like the RCBS ChargeMaster Link or manual trickle to an RCBS MatchMaster scale achieves ±0.02 grain charge precision for minimum-spread subsonic development.
Reloading Safety Notes
All charge weights must come from current published Hodgdon load data for CFE BLK specifically. Hodgdon publishes free data online. Do not substitute Accurate 1680, Vihtavuori N110, or IMR 4227 charge weights without independent verification.
Subsonic load development protocol: develop and verify cycling at the coldest temperature you will operate the firearm. A load cycling reliably at 70°F in an AR-15 may fail to fully cycle at 15°F with 0.8-1.2 fps/°F sensitivity across a 55°F swing.
Visual double-charge inspection is mandatory in small cases. At 0.976 g/cc density, a double charge in a 300 Blackout case may not overflow before a 200-grain bullet can be seated. Inspect every charged case before seating bullets in handgun and small rifle applications.
Start 10% below the listed maximum and work up in 0.2-grain increments for 300 Blackout and similar small-capacity applications. Pressure signs in these small cases: flattened primers, stiff bolt lift, ejector marks on case heads.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification.
FAQ
Is CFE BLK better than Accurate 1680 for 300 Blackout subsonic?
They serve the same application with different trade-offs. Accurate 1680 has a longer documented subsonic AR-15 cycling record and burns slightly faster – more specifically calibrated for the heavy subsonic bullet application. CFE BLK covers both subsonic and supersonic from a single powder and adds CFE copper reduction chemistry. For a shooter loading exclusively subsonic, 1680 is the more specifically documented choice. For one who loads both applications and values fouling reduction, CFE BLK is the more versatile tool.
Does the CFE additive replace regular bore cleaning?
No. The CFE additive reduces the rate at which copper accumulates – it does not prevent accumulation entirely. Regular bore maintenance still applies. The practical benefit: the interval between cleanings that require copper solvent treatment is extended. A barrel that previously needed copper removal after 30 rounds may go 50 rounds before the same level of accumulation with CFE BLK.
Can CFE BLK be used for 300 Blackout supersonic with 110-125 grain bullets?
Yes – CFE BLK is documented for both subsonic and supersonic 300 Blackout loads in current Hodgdon data. For maximum supersonic velocity specifically, Hodgdon H110 may produce slightly higher velocities at the cost of the 3% minimum pressure rule and magnum primer requirement. CFE BLK is the more versatile dual-application choice.
Conclusion
Hodgdon CFE BLK occupies a well-justified position as the 300 Blackout specialist powder that covers both subsonic and supersonic applications from a single canister. The ball powder metering consistency, the CFE copper fouling reduction, and the cycling-calibrated pressure profile address the three primary practical concerns of high-volume 300 Blackout AR-15 shooters.
The temperature sensitivity (0.8-1.2 fps/°F) is the honest limitation – manageable through cold-weather cycling verification and temperature-aware subsonic load development, not a disqualifying constraint.
Choose Hodgdon CFE BLK if you load 300 Blackout for both subsonic suppressed use and supersonic training and want ball powder progressive press metering with copper fouling reduction from a single powder supply. Choose Accurate 1680 if subsonic cycling reliability is the sole priority and the longer documented track record matters. Choose Vihtavuori N110 if single-base suppressor cleanliness and better temperature stability are the priorities and extruded powder metering is acceptable. Choose Hodgdon H110 if maximum supersonic velocity in 300 Blackout with jacketed bullets at all-maximum loading is the exclusive requirement.
Editor’s note: Published load data and manufacturer specifications are the starting point – not the final word. Field experience from reloaders who have actually worked with this powder is the most reliable guide to what it does in practice. If you have used Hodgdon CFE BLK, share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised May 2026. The revision corrected the source article’s incorrect “single-base” classification – CFE BLK is a double-base spherical powder as all US-manufactured ball powders are double-base by manufacturing process. The single-base designation was an error in the original source material. Additional changes: added the burn rate context table showing adjacent powders at positions 72-76, added the subsonic threshold temperature management section with cold-weather cycling protocol, corrected the “slight compression” guidance with the caveat about grain shattering, added the slam-fire primer cup explanation for AR-15 semi-automatic applications, extended the bullet and primer tables with full internal links, and added three community data disclaimer blocks in the correct blockquote format.
