Hodgdon CFE BLK part 4: Light supersonics with the 110gr V-MAX and 125gr Ballistic Tip

Published on January 21, 2017
Duration: 33:00

This video details the process of reloading lightweight supersonic 300 Blackout loads using Hodgdon CFE BLK powder. The instructor explores compressed loads with 110gr Hornady V-MAX and 125gr Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets, discusses challenges like bullet seating and case capacity limitations, and tests the ammunition in both an 8.5-inch SBR and a 16-inch rifle. The focus is on achieving accuracy with this powder, noting its excellent standard deviation numbers despite not being a top-tier velocity powder.

Quick Summary

Hodgdon CFE BLK powder can be used for supersonic 300 Blackout loads, offering excellent accuracy and very low standard deviation numbers. While case capacity limits maximum charges, loads like 22.5-23.7 grains with 110gr V-MAX and experimental 22.0 grains with 125gr Ballistic Tips at extended OALs were tested, showing good accuracy but not top-tier velocities.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to Supersonic Loads
  2. 00:43110gr Hornady V-MAX Bullet Details
  3. 01:01125gr Nosler Ballistic Tip Bullet Details
  4. 01:16Hodgdon Data for V-MAX Loads
  5. 02:48Hodgdon Data for Nosler Ballistic Tip Loads
  6. 03:34Experimenting with Nosler OAL and Charge
  7. 05:30Reloading Challenge: V-MAX Bullet Seating
  8. 06:32Using Universal Expanding Die
  9. 08:03Loading 110gr V-MAX: First Rounds
  10. 09:05Bullet Deformation During Seating
  11. 11:57Reloading 125gr Nosler Ballistic Tips
  12. 12:17Loading 22gr Charge for Nosler
  13. 13:01Flaring Cases for Nosler
  14. 14:02Achieving 2.15 OAL with 22gr Charge
  15. 15:19Ammunition Ready for Range
  16. 16:04Range Setup: 8.5-inch SBR
  17. 16:46Shooting 110gr V-MAX Loads (SBR)
  18. 19:18Shooting 125gr Nosler Ballistic Tip Loads (SBR)
  19. 20:57Silly Load: 22gr Nosler (SBR)
  20. 22:09Switching to 16-inch Rifle
  21. 22:20Shooting 110gr V-MAX Loads (16-inch)
  22. 24:07Shooting 125gr Nosler Ballistic Tip Loads (16-inch)
  23. 25:41Silly Load: 22gr Nosler (16-inch)
  24. 26:22Performance Review: CFE BLK with Light Bullets
  25. 26:34110gr V-MAX Results (SBR & 16-inch)
  26. 29:51125gr Nosler Ballistic Tip Results (SBR & 16-inch)
  27. 31:32Overall Performance and Standard Deviations
  28. 32:38Next Video Preview: Heavyweight Supers

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the recommended starting and maximum loads for Hodgdon CFE BLK with a 110gr Hornady V-MAX in 300 Blackout?

According to Hodgdon's data, the starting load for a 110gr Hornady V-MAX with CFE BLK is 22.5 grains, which is a compressed load. The maximum recommended charge is 23.7 grains, yielding approximately 2333 ft/s.

What overall length (OAL) is recommended for 300 Blackout loads using Hodgdon CFE BLK?

For the 110gr Hornady V-MAX, Hodgdon recommends an OAL of 2.05 inches. For the 125gr Nosler Ballistic Tip, the recommended OAL is 2.60 inches, though experimentation with longer lengths like 2.15 inches was explored in the video.

What challenges can arise when reloading 110gr Hornady V-MAX bullets with Hodgdon CFE BLK?

The flat-base design of the 110gr V-MAX can make it difficult to seat, potentially leading to bullet shaving. Additionally, achieving high powder charges with CFE BLK results in compressed loads, which can deform the bullet if not seated carefully.

How does Hodgdon CFE BLK perform in terms of accuracy and velocity for supersonic 300 Blackout loads?

Hodgdon CFE BLK demonstrates excellent accuracy and exceptionally low standard deviation numbers (often single digits) for supersonic 300 Blackout loads. However, it is not a high-velocity powder compared to others like Winchester 296 or H110.

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