Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Hodgdon CFE 223 powder is a spherical propellant designed for AR-platform rifles and bolt-action varmint cartridges chambered in 223 Remington, 22-250 Remington, and 308 Winchester. Released in 2012, CFE 223 incorporates Copper Fouling Eraser additives that reduce bore fouling during extended range sessions. The spherical granulation flows through progressive press powder measures and electronic dispensers without bridging. Reloaders working up match loads for AR-15 service rifles and precision bolt guns see longer accuracy intervals between bore cleaning cycles compared to conventional extruded propellants in the same burn-rate window.
Performance at a Glance
CFE 223 occupies the burn-rate range between Varget and Benchmark — faster than H4895 but slower than TAC. The copper fouling deterrent chemistry was originally developed for military small-arms programs where barrel life and sustained accuracy under rapid fire were engineering priorities. Match shooters running 69-grain and 77-grain bullets in 223 Remington report sub-MOA five-shot groups at 100 yards when working within published charge-weight windows. Varmint hunters loading 22-250 Remington with 50-grain to 55-grain V-MAX projectiles achieve 3,600 to 3,800 feet per second muzzle velocities from 24-inch barrels. The powder meters consistently — a five-grain charge weight variation of ±0.1 grain is typical with quality beam scales and electronic powder dispensers.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Powder type | Spherical smokeless |
| Primary cartridges | 223 Rem, 22-250 Rem, 308 Win |
| Burn rate | Medium (between Varget and Benchmark) |
| Technology | Copper Fouling Eraser (CFE) |
| Container sizes | 1 lb, 8 lb |
| Shipping weight | 1.130–8.410 lb |
| DOT-regulated | Yes |
| HazMat product | Yes |
| Manufacturer | Hodgdon Powder Company |
CFE 223 appears in Hodgdon’s current reloading manual with charge data spanning 17 cartridges — from 204 Ruger through 308 Winchester. Consult the latest printed manual or Hodgdon’s online load database before working up loads. This powder falls under the gun powder category at Tatted Tacticals and ships via HazMat freight carrier.
Safe Handling & Compliance
All smokeless powders are classified as flammable solids under DOT hazardous materials regulations. Orders ship via HazMat ground freight — air transport is prohibited. CFE 223 and all reloading powders require proper storage in cool, dry environments away from ignition sources, static electricity, and open flame.
- Never exceed maximum charge weights published in current reloading manuals — overpressure can cause catastrophic firearm failure and serious injury.
- Never mix powders of different types, brands, or lot numbers — combined propellants produce unpredictable pressure curves.
- Store powder in original containers with labels intact — transferred powder loses traceability and creates substitution hazards during reloading sessions.
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