Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles CFE-223 in 35 Whelen

Hodgdon does not have data for the 35 Whelen and CFE, not sure if they have not got around to testing the Whelen and CFE or they are A bad match. Where it sits on the burn rate list seems like it should work. Anybody try CFE and the Whelen? THANKS...

Here's what I ran over the chrono a couple of weeks ago. 200 TTSX, RP hulls, CCI-200, SD = 3.30". Win M70, PN 22" bbl.

61.o gr CFE-223 v=2,505 fps
62.o gr CFE-223 v=2,545
63.o gr CFE-223 v=2,580

Needless to say, I was rather disappointed. Great speed in the .308 Win though. I get much better speed with IMR-3031 and H-335. XBR-8208 or Lever might be better. So many powders, so little time . . .

CFE223 would probably work a little better with heavier bullets than the 200gr TTSX - something in the 225 - 250gr class.

Thanks, MuskegMan why you stop at 63gr load was it showing any pressure problems? How did you come up with the load data...

I've tried 61.0, 61.5, and 62.0gr of CFE 223 behind 250gr Speer bullets. I did not chronograph any of the loads, as I wanted to find an "accuracy load" first - I did not. I fired these loads in a "rebored", and fairly long "throated", Mark X barrel action with a 1:14 twist. None of the loads showed any signs of pressure (the Speer #15 manual shows 64.1gr max). I will work up and down with this powder, and if I find an accurate load will chronograph and report my findings. (It's hard to believe the velocities Speer is reporting; for there about as high as can be achieved with a .358 Norma!) My rifle and scope weigh about 8 1/4# and the recoil was pretty stiff compared to my normal 225gr loads (to be expected). Anybody else's report will be appreciated.

Speer has new load data out with CFE223 in the Whelen.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...12562931/1/new-35-whelen-data-from-speer