Hodgdon CFE Pistol is a relatively modern spherical propellant that has quickly become a favorite among high-volume handgun reloaders. Part of Hodgdon’s “Copper Fouling Eraser” line, Hodgdon CFE Pistol features a specialized chemical deterrent that virtually eliminates copper fouling in handgun barrels. This technology, originally developed for military applications, allows shooters to maintain peak accuracy over significantly longer firing strings between cleanings.
- Main Application – High-velocity target and defensive loads in a wide variety of handgun calibers.
- Key Advantage – Includes CFE technology to prevent copper buildup in the bore.
- Burn Rate – Mid-range for pistols, falling between fast target powders and slow magnum propellants.
- What This Guide Covers – Technical profile, metering performance, comparison with competitors, and optimized pairings for calibers like 9mm Luger and 40 S&W.
Best For: Tactical shooters and high-volume competitors who want to spend less time cleaning and more time shooting.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Hodgdon CFE Pistol is a double base, spherical propellant characterized by its small, uniform granules. This physical geometry is the gold standard for volumetric consistency, allowing the powder to flow through measures with liquid-like precision. The inclusion of the copper fouling eraser chemistry makes it unique in the handgun market, as it chemically reacts with the copper left behind by jacketed bullets, keeping the rifling clear.
The expert “feel” of Hodgdon CFE Pistol is one of progressive, smooth acceleration. Unlike very fast powders that “spike” early, Hodgdon CFE Pistol provides a broader pressure curve that is ideal for achieving higher velocities in cartridges like the 9mm Luger, 38 Super, and 45 ACP without exceeding safety limits.
Pros
- Proprietary CFE additive prevents copper fouling and eases barrel maintenance.
- Exceptional metering characteristics make it perfect for progressive reloading presses.
- Versatile burn rate suitable for a massive range of pistol calibers.
- Capable of producing high velocities with excellent accuracy.
Cons
- Slightly slower burn rate than traditional “target” powders, requiring higher charge weights for low-velocity loads.
- Not optimized for 12 gauge shotgun applications like some other pistol powders.
- Can exhibit a bright muzzle flash in very short-barreled firearms.
Technical Characteristics
The technical specifications for Hodgdon CFE Pistol reflect its modern design and efficiency:
| Property | Specification |
| Powder Type | Double Base |
| Grain Shape | Small Spherical |
| Density (g/cc) | 0.650 – 0.700 |
| Burn Rate Category | Mid-Range Pistol |
| Primary Use | Handgun (9mm to 45 ACP) |
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
Hodgdon CFE Pistol offers excellent stability across a wide range of ambient temperatures. While not part of the “Extreme” rifle powder line, its spherical nature and modern coatings ensure that velocity variations remain minimal whether shooting in the summer heat or winter cold.
In the burn rate hierarchy, Hodgdon CFE Pistol is positioned as a mid-range propellant. It is significantly slower than Hodgdon Clays and Hodgdon Titegroup , making it better suited for “duty” level velocities rather than “mouse-fart” target loads.
Stability Comparison
| Powder Name | Stability Level | Velocity Deviation (Per 50°F) |
| Hodgdon CFE Pistol | High | 15-30 FPS |
| Hodgdon HP-38 | Moderate | 25-40 FPS |
| Alliant Power Pistol | Standard | 30-50 FPS |
Powder Comparison
Comparing Hodgdon CFE Pistol to its primary competitors highlights its role as a high-performance, easy-to-meter option.
| Powder | Burn Rate | Density (g/cc) | Primary Cartridges |
| Winchester 231 | Faster +1 | 0.660 | 38 Special, 45 ACP |
| Hodgdon HP-38 | Slightly Faster | 0.615 | 9mm Luger, 38 Special |
| Hodgdon CFE Pistol | Subject | 0.685 | 9mm Luger, 40 S&W, 45 ACP |
| Alliant Power Pistol | Slightly Slower | 0.620 | 9mm Luger, 357 Sig |
| Hodgdon Longshot | Much Slower | 0.725 | 10mm Auto, 40 S&W |
Performance, Metering & Equipment
Metering is where Hodgdon CFE Pistol truly excels. Because the granules are so small and round, they roll over each other with zero resistance, resulting in charge weight variances that are often undetectable on standard scales. It flows perfectly through the Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Measure and the Dillon Precision Powder Measure 1050.
For reloaders using automated systems, the Mark 7 Reloading Universal Digital Powder Measure is an excellent match for this powder. For load development, the RCBS MatchMaster Digital Powder Scale & Dispenser will provide ultra-precise measurements, though the powder’s natural flow usually makes such precision easy to achieve with any quality measure.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
The versatility of Hodgdon CFE Pistol allows it to cover the most popular handgun cartridges in the world.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 9mm Luger | Target, Defense, and Competition |
| 40 S&W | High-velocity Duty Loads |
| 45 ACP | Standard and +P Power Levels |
| 38 Super | Competition “Major” Loads |
| 357 Magnum | Mid-range Target and Hunting |
Bullets
Hodgdon CFE Pistol is compatible with all bullet types, but its CFE technology is specifically designed to interact with jacketed projectiles.
| Brand | Model | Weight Range |
| Hornady | Hornady XTP | 90-230 Grains +1 |
| Sierra | Sierra SportsMaster | 115-240 Grains +1 |
| Nosler | Nosler Sporting Revolver | 115-240 Grains +1 |
| Speer | Speer Gold Dot | 115-230 Grains +1 |
| Lapua | Lapua FMJ | 115-124 Grains +1 |
Primers
Hodgdon CFE Pistol is easy to ignite, but using quality primers ensures the most consistent velocity spreads.
- CCI 500 – Small Pistol Standard
- Federal 100 – Small Pistol
- Winchester WSP – Small Pistol
- CCI 300 – Large Pistol Standard
- Federal 150 – Large Pistol
- Winchester WLP – Large Pistol
- Fiocchi Small Pistol – European Standard
- Sellier & Bellot V360157 – Small Pistol
- Ginex Small Pistol – International Standard
- Remington 1-1/2 – Small Pistol
Conclusion & Expert Verdict
Hodgdon CFE Pistol is a triumph of modern propellant engineering. It solves the age-old problem of copper fouling while providing the best metering performance in the industry. For the reloader who wants clean barrels, high velocities, and the ease of spherical powder metering, it is arguably the best mid-range pistol powder on the market today.
Expert Pro Tip: To get the most out of the copper-deterrent properties of Hodgdon CFE Pistol, ensure your barrel is completely stripped of all previous copper fouling before your first session. Use a quality Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Hand Depriming Tool to keep your workspace clean, as the spherical granules are small enough to get into every corner of your press. If you find the muzzle flash excessive in sub-compact 9mm pistols, try switching to a slightly heavier bullet; the increased resistance helps the powder burn more efficiently within the shorter barrel.
