Published: 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Hodgdon CFE 223 is a medium-fast-burning, double-base spherical powder that combines ball-geometry metering consistency with the proprietary CFE (Copper Fouling Eraser) additive – a chemical that was originally developed for military propellant applications and that reduces the rate at which copper from bullet jackets bonds to the bore surface during firing.
It is not a member of the Hodgdon Extreme series. Its temperature sensitivity (~0.8-1.1 fps/°F) is standard double-base ball powder behavior – manageable for the high-volume varmint hunting and service rifle applications where it performs best, and requiring seasonal load awareness for precision long-range competition.
The primary practical identity of CFE 223 is the combination of three properties that happen to be specifically relevant to high-volume AR-15 and varmint shooting simultaneously: ball geometry metering consistency for progressive press production, double-base energy density for maximum velocity in small-bore cases, and the CFE additive that extends the cleaning interval between copper solvent treatments. No competing powder in this burn rate class offers all three from the same product.
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 223 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 223 is a double-base, spherical powder. The double-base chemistry – nitrocellulose plus nitroglycerin – provides the energy density that drives 223 Remington 55-grain bullets past 3,200 fps from 20-inch barrels at appropriate pressures, and that produces the high velocities from small-bore cases where single-base alternatives would require higher charge weights to reach equivalent velocities.
The spherical geometry produces ball powder metering performance – charge-to-charge variance of 0.04-0.07 grains on quality progressive equipment. For a varmint hunter loading 500 rounds per session or a service rifle competitor preparing match batches on a Dillon XL 750, this metering precision is the practical enabler.
Bulk density is approximately 0.965-0.985 g/cc – high, consistent with the dense packing of small spherical grains. In 223 Remington with standard 55-grain bullets at working charge weights, case fill runs 90-97%, adequate for consistent ignition and low position sensitivity. The original article’s “High (Spherical Geometry)” density entry without a number understates the practical significance of the density – at ~0.975 g/cc, CFE 223 is approximately 13% denser than Hodgdon Varget (0.910 g/cc), meaning it produces measurably better case fill at equivalent charge weights.
The CFE additive is chemically integrated into the grain structure, not applied as a surface coating. During combustion, byproducts from the additive react with copper deposited by the bullet jacket, preventing full bonding to the bore surface. The practical result: copper accumulation rate is reduced – the interval before copper solvent treatment is required is extended. It does not eliminate copper fouling entirely; regular bore maintenance still applies.
Strengths:
- Ball geometry metering (0.04-0.07 grain variance) – enables high-volume progressive press production; competitive with any ball powder in the burn rate class
- CFE additive extends copper cleaning intervals – measurably less copper accumulation per round count compared to non-CFE alternatives at the same pressure
- High bulk density (~0.975 g/cc) produces 90-97% case fill in 223 Remington at working charges – consistent ignition, low position sensitivity
- Double-base energy density drives 223 Remington to maximum velocities at appropriate pressures
- Versatile application range from small-bore varmint through 308 Winchester service rifle loads
- Made in USA – domestic supply chain
Limitations:
- Temperature sensitivity of ~0.8-1.1 fps/°F – not at Extreme series levels; loads developed in cool weather may approach elevated pressure in summer heat at maximum charges
- 6.5 Creedmoor standard loads are sub-optimal – burn rate is too fast for 6.5 Creedmoor with 140-143 grain match bullets; Hodgdon H4350 is the standard choice there
- Muzzle flash from double-base chemistry at this burn rate in short unsuppressed barrels
- Not at Extreme series stability levels – for year-round precision competition at 600+ yards where seasonal zero consistency is essential, Hodgdon Varget or Hodgdon H4895 are more seasonally stable choices
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hodgdon Powder Company |
| Type | Double-Base Spherical (Ball) |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | ~0.965 – 0.985 |
| Grain Shape | Small Spherical |
| Coating | Standard Deterrent + CFE Additive |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium-Fast Rifle |
| Temperature Sensitivity | ~0.8-1.1 fps / °F |
The CFE Additive – What It Does and Does Not Do
The original article’s Pro Tip about starting with a clean barrel before switching to CFE 223 is practically sound and worth expanded treatment.
The CFE additive works by producing combustion byproducts that react with copper deposits at the bore surface – specifically preventing the metallurgical bonding that makes copper difficult to remove with standard brushing. The additive does not vaporize copper; it prevents adhesion.
What this means in practice:
In a barrel that already has significant copper buildup from prior use of non-CFE powder, the initial rounds with CFE 223 will not retroactively clean the existing deposits. The CFE chemistry begins working from the first round, preventing new copper from adhering in the affected area – but the pre-existing deposits remain until physically removed with copper solvent.
The cleaning interval extension is real but not elimination. After 100-round sessions with CFE 223, barrels typically show measurably less copper accumulation than with non-CFE alternatives at the same charge weight and pressure. The specific extension varies by barrel, bullet jacket hardness, and pressure level – a 100-round session that previously required copper solvent may extend to 150-200 rounds before the same accumulation level is reached.
Regular bore maintenance still applies. Carbon deposits, which the CFE additive does not address, still accumulate at normal rates.
Temperature Stability – Seasonal Load Protocol
0.8-1.1 fps per degree Fahrenheit places CFE 223 in the moderate stability tier – better than older double-base ball powders and better than the most temperature-sensitive alternatives, but distinctly below the Extreme series.
For 223 Remington varmint use, a 60°F seasonal swing (35°F winter to 95°F summer) produces approximately 48-66 fps velocity variation:
| Powder | 60°F Swing | At 300 yards | At 500 yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon Varget | ~25-30 fps | <0.5″ | ~1″ |
| Hodgdon H335 | ~60-90 fps | ~1-1.5″ | ~2-3″ |
| Hodgdon CFE 223 | ~48-66 fps | ~1″ | ~2″ |
| Accurate 2230 | ~48-72 fps | ~1″ | ~2″ |
| Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR | ~72-96 fps | ~1.5-2″ | ~3″ |
At typical varmint hunting distances (0-350 yards), the 1-2 inch seasonal variation is manageable with a temperature-aware approach. For NRA High Power competition at 600 yards across seasons, the variation requires either seasonal load recalibration or a temperature-corrected solution.
Protocol: develop maximum charges at the highest expected firing temperature.
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Key Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accurate 2230 | Double-Base Ball | 0.975 | Slightly Faster – similar ball powder |
| Hodgdon H335 | Double-Base Ball | 0.980 | Slightly Faster – 5.56 NATO heritage |
| Ramshot TAC | Double-Base Ball | 0.985 | Similar – 223 Rem / 308 Win |
| Hodgdon CFE 223 | Double-Base Ball | 0.975 | Reference – CFE fouling reduction |
| Hodgdon BL-C(2) | Double-Base Ball | 0.990 | Slightly Slower – 7.62 NATO |
| Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR | Double-Base Ball | ~0.980 | Similar – 308 Win max velocity |
| Accurate 2520 | Double-Base Ball | 0.975 | Similar – Camp Perry |
| Hodgdon Varget | Single-Base Short-Cut | 0.910 | Slower – Extreme stability |
vs. Hodgdon Varget: The most important comparison. Varget is Extreme series single-base at ~<0.5 fps/°F – approximately 2x more seasonally stable than CFE 223. Varget is better matched for 223 Remington with 69-80 grain heavy match bullets and 308 Winchester standard loads. CFE 223 provides better progressive press metering from ball geometry, higher velocity from double-base energy, and the CFE copper fouling reduction that Varget cannot offer. For year-round precision competition, Varget is the more seasonally stable choice. For high-volume production and varmint hunting where copper fouling reduction is valued, CFE 223 is the more practically efficient tool.
vs. Accurate 2230: Accurate 2230 burns slightly faster, has comparable density (0.975 g/cc), and similar temperature sensitivity. Neither carries the CFE additive. CFE 223 offers copper fouling reduction at a comparable burn rate position. For a high-volume 223 Remington shooter who values cleaning interval extension, CFE 223 is the more maintenance-efficient choice. For one who does not specifically need the CFE chemistry, Accurate 2230 is an equivalent or cost-competitive alternative.
vs. Hodgdon BL-C(2): BL-C(2) burns slightly slower and is the 7.62 NATO military heritage ball powder – more specifically matched for 308 Winchester service rifle loads. CFE 223 is better matched for 223 Remington and adds the CFE fouling reduction that BL-C(2) lacks. For a shooter loading both 223 Remington and 308 Winchester from a single powder supply with fouling reduction, CFE 223 is more versatile. For maximum 308 Winchester service rifle documentation, BL-C(2) has the deeper historical military heritage record.
vs. Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR: Power Pro 2000-MR is a high-energy double-base ball powder specifically documented for 308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor maximum velocity loads. CFE 223 is more broadly versatile across small-bore cartridges and adds the CFE additive. For maximum velocity specifically in 308 Winchester, Power Pro 2000-MR may produce slightly higher velocities. For multi-cartridge versatility with fouling reduction, CFE 223 is the more practical single powder.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Hodgdon CFE 223 is most effective in small-to-medium capacity rifle cases where ball powder metering and double-base energy density provide the best performance-maintenance balance.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 223 Remington | 40-77 gr | Primary application – full weight range |
| 22-250 Remington | 40-60 gr | Varmint maximum velocity |
| 204 Ruger | 24-40 gr | Ultra-velocity predator control |
| 6mm ARC | 90-108 gr | AR gas gun precision |
| 22 ARC | 62-75 gr | AR precision / varmint |
| 308 Winchester | 150-175 gr | Service rifle competition |
| 30-06 Springfield | 150-180 gr | Standard hunting loads |
| 7mm-08 Remington | 140-162 gr | Hunting loads |
223 Remington is the primary application. With the full 40-77 grain bullet weight range documented in published Hodgdon data, CFE 223 covers light varmint work through heavy match bullet competition loads from a single powder. The CFE fouling reduction is most practically valuable here – high-volume 223 Remington ARs copper-foul quickly, and extending the cleaning interval from 100 rounds to 150+ rounds per copper solvent treatment represents meaningful maintenance savings across a season.
6.5 Creedmoor note: The original article lists 6.5 Creedmoor with 120-130 grain bullets as a CFE 223 application. For 6.5 Creedmoor with standard 140-143 grain match bullets, Hodgdon H4350 is the benchmark choice with better burn rate match and Extreme series stability. Published Hodgdon data may exist for CFE 223 in 6.5 Creedmoor with lighter 120-130 grain bullets where effective case volume reduction makes the faster burn rate more appropriate – verify from current Hodgdon online data before loading.
Bullets
Hodgdon CFE 223 produces best results with light-to-standard-weight varmint, match, and hunting bullets across the primary bore sizes.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady | V-MAX | 40-55 gr | 223 Rem / 22-250 | Varmint Hunting |
| Hornady | ELD-M | 68-75 gr | 223 Rem | Long-Range Match |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 52-77 gr | 223 Rem | Target / Service Rifle |
| Nosler | Ballistic Tip | 40-60 gr | 223 Rem / 22-250 | Varmint Hunting |
| Barnes | TTSX | 50-62 gr | 223 Rem | Lead-Free Hunting |
| Nosler | AccuBond | 150-165 gr | 308 Win / 30-06 | Big Game Hunting |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 168-175 gr | 308 Win | Service Rifle / Match |
| Hornady | ELD-M | 168-178 gr | 308 Win | Precision Match |
| Barnes | TTSX | 130-168 gr | 308 Win / 30-06 | Lead-Free Hunting |
| Sierra | Tipped MatchKing | 52-69 gr | 223 Rem | Competition Varmint |
Have you loaded Hodgdon CFE 223? Your practical data on charge weights, accuracy nodes, copper fouling reduction results, or temperature behavior helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
Hodgdon CFE 223 as a double-base ball powder responds well to magnum small rifle primers for maximum consistency, particularly in AR-15 semi-automatic platforms where complete ignition of dense ball powder charges is critical for reliable gas system function.
For AR-15 semi-automatic platforms, the CCI No. 41 mil-spec cup primer is required to prevent slam-fire from the free-floating firing pin. This applies to any dense ball powder charge in a semi-automatic platform, not just CFE 223.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| CCI No. 41 | Small Rifle Magnum (Mil-Spec) | Required for AR-15 semi-auto |
| CCI 450 | Small Rifle Magnum | Maximum ignition consistency, cold weather |
| Federal GM205MAR | Small Rifle Match (AR) | Competition AR-15 precision |
| Federal GM205M | Small Rifle Match | Bolt-action competition |
| CCI BR-4 | Small Rifle Benchrest | Precision bolt-action competition |
| Remington 7-1/2 | Small Rifle Bench Rest | Bolt-action precision |
| CCI 400 | Small Rifle Standard | General 223 Rem bolt-action loads |
| Federal GM210M | Large Rifle Match | 308 Win competition precision |
| CCI 200 | Large Rifle Standard | 308 Win, 30-06 general |
| Winchester WLR | Large Rifle Standard | 308 Win hunting loads |
| RWS 4033 | Small Rifle | Premium European precision |
| Fiocchi Small Rifle Magnum | Small Rifle Magnum | Cold weather alternative |
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Hodgdon CFE 223’s fine ball geometry is the dominant practical advantage on progressive press equipment. On a Dillon XL 750 or Dillon RL 1100, the Dillon Precision Case Activated Powder Measure Assembly handles CFE 223 with near-liquid flow consistency at normal cycling speeds.
For precision single-stage loading, the RCBS ChargeMaster Link and Hornady Auto-Charge Pro handle the fine spheres efficiently at small 223 Remington charge weights.
Static electricity management applies as with all fine ball powders in dry conditions.
Reloading Safety Notes
All charge weights must come from current published Hodgdon load data for CFE 223 specifically. Do not substitute Accurate 2230, Hodgdon H335, or Hodgdon BL-C(2) charge weights without independent verification.
Temperature protocol: at 0.8-1.1 fps/°F, a load at maximum charge developed in cool conditions may produce elevated pressure in summer heat. Develop maximum charges at the highest expected firing temperature.
CCI No. 41 in AR-15 semi-automatic platforms is not optional – the harder mil-spec cup resists free-floating firing pin impact. Standard primers carry slam-fire risk in dense ball powder charges in semi-automatic designs.
Start 10% below the listed maximum and work up in 0.2-0.3 grain increments for 223 Remington and similar small-capacity applications. Watch for flattened primers, stiff bolt lift, ejector marks.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification.
FAQ
Does CFE 223 eliminate copper fouling?
No – it reduces the rate at which copper accumulates by preventing full bonding to the bore surface. Regular bore maintenance still applies. The practical benefit: the interval before copper solvent treatment is required is extended, typically from 100 rounds to 150-200 rounds depending on barrel, bullet, and pressure. Carbon fouling is not addressed by the CFE additive.
Is CFE 223 good for 6.5 Creedmoor?
For 6.5 Creedmoor with standard 140-143 grain match bullets, Hodgdon H4350 is the benchmark choice – the burn rate is a better match and the Extreme series stability is substantially better. CFE 223 may have published data for 6.5 Creedmoor with lighter 120-130 grain bullets – verify from current Hodgdon online data.
How does CFE 223 compare to Varget for AR-15 competition?
Varget is approximately 2x more seasonally stable (Extreme series <0.5 fps/°F vs CFE 223’s 0.8-1.1 fps/°F) and is better matched for 223 Remington with 69-80 grain heavy match bullets. CFE 223 meters better from ball geometry for high-volume production and adds CFE copper fouling reduction. For a High Power competitor who loads hundreds of rounds and wants cleaning interval extension, CFE 223 is the maintenance-efficient tool. For year-round zero consistency as the primary priority, Varget is the more stable choice.
Conclusion
Hodgdon CFE 223 delivers a genuinely useful combination for high-volume 223 Remington users: ball geometry metering efficiency for progressive press production, double-base energy density for maximum velocity in small-bore cases, and the CFE additive that extends copper cleaning intervals beyond what any non-CFE alternative in the burn rate class can provide.
The temperature sensitivity (0.8-1.1 fps/°F) and the limitation in 6.5 Creedmoor standard loads are the honest trade-offs.
Choose Hodgdon CFE 223 if you load 223 Remington at high volume for AR-15 varmint hunting or service rifle competition and want ball powder metering with copper fouling reduction from a single powder that also covers 308 Winchester service rifle loads. Choose Hodgdon Varget if Extreme series year-round stability is the priority and the metering and CFE benefits are secondary. Choose Accurate 2230 if ball powder metering efficiency is needed without the CFE premium. Choose Hodgdon H335 if the 5.56 NATO military heritage data library is specifically needed for AR-15 223 Remington production.
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 223, share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised May 2026. The revision added the specific bulk density figure (~0.965-0.985 g/cc) replacing the original vague “High (Spherical Geometry)” entry. Corrected the 6.5 Creedmoor application from primary to cautionary noting H4350 is the standard choice. Added the detailed CFE additive mechanism section explaining what the chemistry does and does not do, and why starting with a clean barrel matters. Added the temperature stability comparison table with specific inches-at-distance figures. Extended competitor comparisons to include Accurate 2230, BL-C(2), and Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR. Extended the bullet and primer tables with full internal links. Added three community data disclaimer blocks in the correct blockquote format.
