The introduction of Hodgdon CFE BLK marked a significant milestone for enthusiasts of the AR-15 platform and small-capacity rifle cartridges. Specifically engineered to address the unique internal ballistic requirements of the 300 Blackout, Hodgdon CFE BLK is a spherical propellant that incorporates the proprietary Copper Fouling Eraser (CFE) technology. This specialized additive, originally developed for military applications, chemically prevents the buildup of copper residue within the bore, allowing for extended strings of fire without a degradation in precision or the need for intensive cleaning intervals.
Executive Summary
- Main Application: Optimized for 300 Blackout (subsonic and supersonic), 7.62x39mm, and small-bore varmint cartridges.
- Key Advantage: Exceptional metering consistency and advanced copper-fouling reduction.
- Burn Rate: Mid-range rifle speed, positioned between Accurate 1680 and Norma 200.
- What This Guide Covers: Comprehensive technical specifications, comparative analysis against industry benchmarks, and optimized cartridge/bullet combinations for 2026 performance standards.
Best For: High-volume modern sporting rifle shooters and precision subsonic reloaders requiring maximum gas system reliability.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Hodgdon CFE BLK is a single-base, spherical propellant characterized by its small, uniform grain geometry. Its physical structure is designed for high-flow volumetric metering, ensuring that even in progressive reloading presses, charge weight deviations remain negligible. The internal ballistics of Hodgdon CFE BLK are often described by ballisticians as providing a “sustained gas volume” profile. Unlike faster pistol-speed powders that may peak too early to reliably cycle carbine-length gas systems, Hodgdon CFE BLK generates a generous volume of gas to ensure full bolt carrier group travel, particularly in suppressed 300 Blackout configurations.
From a professional handling perspective, the powder has a high bulk density, which facilitates excellent case fill in cartridges like the 221 Fireball or 17 Hornet. In the 300 Blackout specifically, it provides the necessary displacement to support heavy subsonic projectiles (200-240 grains) while maintaining enough remaining case volume to avoid excessive compression. The “feel” of the pressure curve is linear rather than spikey, which provides a wider safety margin when working toward maximum supersonic velocities.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Virtually eliminates copper fouling, significantly extending barrel life and accuracy.
- Meters with extreme precision in all standard powder drops and automated systems.
- Optimized gas port pressure for reliable cycling of semi-automatic actions.
- Ideal for subsonic applications where high case fill is required for ignition consistency.
- Cons:
- Exhibits greater temperature sensitivity than the Hodgdon Extreme series (e.g., H4198).
- Lower energy density compared to double-base powders, which may result in lower top-end velocities in specific supersonic loads.
- Can produce a distinct muzzle flash in very short barrels without a suppressor.
Technical Characteristics
The following table details the physical and chemical properties of Hodgdon CFE BLK. All data is sourced from verified manufacturer specifications as of 2026.
| Property | Specification |
| Grain Type | Spherical (Ball) |
| Base Type | Single-Base |
| Density (Bulk) | 0.976 g/cc (60.9 lbs/ft3) |
| Relative Burn Rate | 74 (Hodgdon Scale) |
| Coating | Deterrent and CFE Anti-Fouling Agent |
| Ideal Barrel Length | 7-16 inches |
Burn Rate and Temperature Stability
In the global hierarchy of smokeless propellants, Hodgdon CFE BLK occupies a specialized niche. On the relative burn rate chart, it is slower than the traditional 300 Blackout favorite, Hodgdon H110, but faster than common small-rifle powders like Hodgdon H322. This positioning allows it to generate the necessary gas volume to cycle gas-operated firearms where faster powders might fail to provide sufficient “dwell time” at the gas port.
Regarding temperature stability, Hodgdon CFE BLK is a standard-technology propellant rather than a temperature-insensitive “Extreme” powder. Shooters should expect velocity fluctuations of approximately 0.8-1.2 FPS per degree Fahrenheit of temperature change. For precision subsonic work, where staying below the 1125 FPS threshold is critical, load development should be performed in the environmental conditions most likely to be encountered during the field application.
Stability Comparison Table
| Powder | Sensitivity Type | Estimated FPS Variation (-20 to 120°F) |
| Hodgdon H4198 | Very Low (Extreme Series) | 0.3-0.5 FPS/°F |
| Hodgdon CFE BLK | Moderate (Standard) | 0.8-1.2 FPS/°F |
| Accurate 1680 | Moderate/High | 1.1-1.4 FPS/°F |
Powder Comparison
When selecting a propellant for 300 Blackout or similar intermediate cartridges, Hodgdon CFE BLK is frequently compared against four primary competitors. These powders offer varying pressure profiles and gas volumes.
- Accurate 1680: Slightly faster than Hodgdon CFE BLK, this has long been the gold standard for subsonic cycling. However, Hodgdon CFE BLK generally burns cleaner and provides the CFE benefit.
- Accurate LT-30: Positioned just faster than Hodgdon CFE BLK, LT-30 is an extruded powder that offers better temperature stability but does not meter as smoothly as the spherical Hodgdon CFE BLK.
- Norma 200: A slightly slower option that excels in 7.62x39mm and 222 Remington. It provides excellent accuracy but lacks the fouling reduction of Hodgdon CFE BLK.
- Accurate 2200: Slower than Hodgdon CFE BLK, this is a top choice for 6.8 SPC supersonic loads where maximum velocity is the primary goal.
Comparison Table
| Powder | Burn Rate Position | Density (g/cc) | Primary Cartridges |
| Accurate 1680 | 72 | 0.935 | 300 Blackout, 7.62x39mm |
| Accurate LT-30 | 73 | 0.895 | 300 Blackout, 6.5 Grendel |
| Hodgdon CFE BLK | 74 | 0.976 | 300 Blackout, 17 Hornet |
| Norma 200 | 75 | 0.910 | 222 Remington, 7.62x39mm |
| Accurate 2200 | 76 | 0.960 | 6.8 SPC, 224 Valkyrie |
Applications and Performance
Hodgdon CFE BLK excels in modern sporting rifles (MSRs) because of its unique pressure-to-gas-volume ratio. In the 300 Blackout, it is arguably the most versatile powder for subsonic loads, as it reliably cycles the action of unsuppressed rifles that might struggle with faster powders. For supersonic applications, it provides competitive velocities with 110-125 grain projectiles, though powders like Winchester 296 may offer slightly higher top speeds in shorter barrels.
The cleanliness of Hodgdon CFE BLK is its standout performance metric. In semi-automatic actions, carbon and copper fouling can accumulate quickly at the gas port and on the bolt carrier. By incorporating the Copper Fouling Eraser ingredient, Hodgdon CFE BLK ensures that the copper jacket residue is chemically softened and removed with each subsequent shot, maintaining the rifle’s internal health over high-round-count sessions.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
While designed for the 300 Blackout, the burn rate of Hodgdon CFE BLK makes it an excellent choice for several small-capacity rifle rounds.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 300 Blackout | High-volume subsonic and supersonic tactical training. |
| 7.62x39mm | Consistent semi-auto cycling and precision target loads. |
| 6.8 SPC | Medium-game hunting with lightweight projectiles. |
| 204 Ruger | Precision varmint control with improved bore cleanliness. |
| 221 Fireball | Maximizing velocity in small-capacity “varmint specials.” |
Bullets
Hodgdon CFE BLK works effectively across a wide spectrum of bullet weights, from lightweight varmint pills to heavy-for-caliber subsonic projectiles.
| Brand | Model | Weight Range (Grains) | Recommended Application |
| Hornady | V-MAX | 110-125 | Supersonic Varmint/Defense |
| Nosler | Ballistic Tip | 125 | Supersonic Deer/Medium Game |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 190-240 | Subsonic Precision/Competition |
| Barnes | TSX | 110 | Lead-Free Supersonic Hunting |
| Lapua | Scenar | 155-220 | Long-Range Target Precision |
Primers
Selecting the correct primer for Hodgdon CFE BLK is vital for achieving consistent ignition, particularly in subsonic loads where case fill may vary.
| Model | Type | Best Application |
| CCI #41 | Small Rifle Military | High-volume AR-15 use to prevent slam-fires. |
| Federal 205MAR | Small Rifle Match | Precision 300 Blackout subsonic loads. |
| Winchester WSR | Small Rifle | General purpose 7.62x39mm and 17 Hornet. |
| Remington 7-1/2 | Small Rifle Bench Rest | Maximum consistency in small varmint cases. |
| CCI BR-4 | Small Rifle Bench Rest | Competition-grade 300 Blackout supersonic loads. |
| CCI 450 | Small Rifle Magnum | Cold weather applications for improved ignition. |
| RWS 4033 | Small Rifle | European-standard precision and reliability. |
| Fiocchi Small Rifle | Small Rifle | Cost-effective high-volume plinking loads. |
| Murom KVB-223 | Small Rifle | Reliable ignition for intermediate cartridges. |
| CCI 400 | Small Rifle | Standard non-magnum small-capacity rifle loads. |
Conclusion and Expert Verdict
Hodgdon CFE BLK has solidified its place as a “must-have” propellant for anyone serious about the 300 Blackout platform. Its ability to solve the primary challenges of the cartridge—namely, copper fouling and reliable subsonic cycling—makes it a superior choice for the modern tactical shooter. While it may not offer the extreme temperature stability of the extruded Hodgdon powders, its smooth metering and anti-fouling properties provide a level of convenience and barrel protection that is difficult to match.
Expert Pro Tip: When loading subsonics with Hodgdon CFE BLK, aim for a slight compression of the powder charge if possible. While this powder is dense, using high-BC, heavy projectiles like the 220 grain Sierra MatchKing helps occupy more internal case volume, which significantly reduces velocity extreme spread (ES) and standard deviation (SD).
