Hodgdon CFE 223

[billgatese30]

Also, I've just thought, what is the theoretical case fill % on the published data? I've had issues before on 6.5x55 on the starting load with flash over and the bullet barely in the lands with unburnt powder. Was fine with a higher fill though.

[dromia]

That is an extremely dangerous situation which leads to catastrophic SEE.

Never ever load rifle powders at less than 60% fill.

If that cannot be achieved move to another powder.

[Dark Skies]

What primers were you running?

Same ones I've always used (without issue) CCI Large Rifle primers.

[Dark Skies]

Also, I've just thought, what is the theoretical case fill % on the published data? I've had issues before on 6.5x55 on the starting load with flash over and the bullet barely in the lands with unburnt powder. Was fine with a higher fill though.

Ample. With the boat tail bullet stuffed in, there was the merest hint of slight powder movement when given a shake.

[billgatese30]

How very strange. As Dromia mentioned flash over from under filling is a worry however that doesn't appear to be the case. Either way I don't think I'd be confident and would be looking for another powder if it were me.

[phaedra1106]

@Dark Skies and Billgates30

What you had sounds a lot like partial ignition, when you stripped the rounds that didn't work did you check the powder?

I had a similar thing with N150 in the 6.5 Creedmoor. Using small rifle primer cases in colder weather I had rounds that either didn't fire or when they did there was a microscopic delay in ignition, just enough to feel it, it felt more like the trigger was catching something or delaying the firing pin. That sounds like what you describe as similar to shooting black powder.

When I stripped the duff rounds I found a few discoloured powder kernels in each one, indicating to me that they had got hot but not enough to properly ignite.

Changing to N160 which had a higher case fill or using the N150 with a large primer cases instead cured it.

[billgatese30]

@Dark Skies and Billgates30

What you had sounds a lot like partial ignition, when you stripped the rounds that didn't work did you check the powder?

I had a similar thing with N150 in the 6.5 Creedmoor. Using small rifle primer cases in colder weather I had rounds that either didn't fire or when they did there was a microscopic delay in ignition, just enough to feel it, it felt more like the trigger was catching something or delaying the firing pin. That sounds like what you describe as similar to shooting black powder.

When I stripped the duff rounds I found a few discoloured powder kernels in each one, indicating to me that they had got hot but not enough to properly ignite.

Changing to N160 which had a higher case fill or using the N150 with a large primer cases instead cured it.

Yes thats what I had. It only happened on two of the lowest charge of IMR (book starting load). The other 8 (first 8,last two rounds were sus) were fine. I've never had a problem with vit powders.

[Dark Skies]

@Dark Skies and Billgates30

What you had sounds a lot like partial ignition, when you stripped the rounds that didn't work did you check the powder?

I had a similar thing with N150 in the 6.5 Creedmoor. Using small rifle primer cases in colder weather I had rounds that either didn't fire or when they did there was a microscopic delay in ignition, just enough to feel it, it felt more like the trigger was catching something or delaying the firing pin. That sounds like what you describe as similar to shooting black powder.

When I stripped the duff rounds I found a few discoloured powder kernels in each one, indicating to me that they had got hot but not enough to properly ignite.

Changing to N160 which had a higher case fill or using the N150 with a large primer cases instead cured it.

There was some clumpy scorched matter at the bottom of the case. The powder was otherwise pristine. I'll use the remainder in .223 Remington reloads but won't waste my time with it in other calibres.

[WelshShooter]

To go back to your original post, I use Viht N140 in my Finnish Mosina M24 (185gr Lapua Scenars D46, .30 cal) and my Lee Enfield No4 Mk1 (180gr S&B, .311 cal). I use CCI 200 large rifle primers in both and I've always had successful ingitions when following published load data, so I can highly reccomend this powder for both calibres.

If you can't get this powder, then Reload Swiss RS50 is of similar burn rate and should work well with these calibres. Always check for load data before purchasing a new powder to see if it's suitable for you :)

https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-da ... hooting/#/

https://www.reload-swiss.com/en/loading ... ading-data