Hodgdon CFE BLK part 5: Heavy supersonics with the 168gr A-MAX and 175gr Match King

Published on January 21, 2017
Duration: 25:44

This video details a comprehensive reloading and ballistics test of Hodgdon CFE BLK powder with heavy supersonic bullets (168gr Hornady A-MAX and 175gr Sierra Match King) in 300 Blackout. The instructor, with clear expertise in reloading and ballistics, demonstrates load development across a range of charge weights, emphasizing compressed loads and their impact on performance. The testing covers both an 8.5-inch SBR and a 16-inch rifle, providing detailed group size and velocity data for each configuration and bullet weight.

Quick Summary

Hodgdon CFE BLK powder is highly recommended for heavy supersonic 300 Blackout loads, demonstrating excellent performance with compressed charges for outstanding accuracy and consistent velocities. For 168gr A-MAX bullets, the range is 17.4-20.0 grains, and for 175gr Match Kings, it's 17.9-19.5 grains.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to CFE BLK Part 5
  2. 00:31Bullets for Today: 168gr A-MAX & 175gr Match King
  3. 00:46Primer Selection: CCI 450 Magnum
  4. 01:16Load Data: Hodgdon Website Consulted
  5. 01:52Charge Weight Range: 17.4 to 20.0 Grains (A-MAX)
  6. 02:40Charge Weight Range: 17.9 to 19.5 Grains (Match King)
  7. 03:43Preparing to Load Rounds
  8. 04:03Bullet Seating Challenges & Solutions
  9. 05:25Potential Cause: Small Base Resizing Die
  10. 06:33Importance of Universal Expanding Die
  11. 07:30All Rounds Seated Successfully
  12. 08:05Testing on 8.5" SBR
  13. 08:2518 Grains A-MAX
  14. 08:5318.5 Grains A-MAX
  15. 09:1619.0 Grains A-MAX
  16. 09:4819.5 Grains A-MAX
  17. 10:0820.0 Grains A-MAX
  18. 11:01175gr Match King: 17.9 Grains
  19. 11:2418.3 Grains Match King
  20. 11:4518.7 Grains Match King
  21. 12:0419.1 Grains Match King
  22. 12:2119.5 Grains Match King (SBR)
  23. 13:11Testing on 16" Rifle: 18 Grains A-MAX
  24. 13:4618.5 Grains A-MAX (16")
  25. 13:5819.0 Grains A-MAX (16")
  26. 14:1219.5 Grains A-MAX (16")
  27. 14:2920.0 Grains A-MAX (16")
  28. 15:01175gr Match King: 17.9 Grains (16")
  29. 15:1618.3 Grains Match King (16")
  30. 15:2818.7 Grains Match King (16")
  31. 15:4119.1 Grains Match King (16")
  32. 15:5319.5 Grains Match King (16")
  33. 16:22Target Review: 8.5" SBR Results
  34. 16:36Best Group: 168gr A-MAX (0.63")
  35. 17:07Excellent Standard Deviations
  36. 17:16Velocity: Max 1672 ft/s (SBR)
  37. 17:40175gr Match King Performance (SBR)
  38. 18:44Target Review: 16" Rifle Results
  39. 18:48Best 300 Blackout Target Ever Shot
  40. 19:38168gr A-MAX Groups Under 1 Inch
  41. 20:01175gr Match King Groups Under 1 Inch
  42. 20:11Best Group of Day: 0.60" (175gr Match King)
  43. 20:51Velocity: Max 1860 ft/s (16")
  44. 21:33Comparison to 6.5 Grendel Accuracy
  45. 22:24Future CFE BLK Tests Planned
  46. 22:38Upcoming: 200gr Maker WX Subsonic
  47. 23:06Upcoming: 240gr Sierra Match King Test
  48. 23:48Upcoming: 150gr Sierra Game King Test
  49. 24:29Previous 147gr M80 Test Results (Poor)
  50. 25:09Availability of CFE BLK Powder
  51. 25:34Conclusion: Highly Satisfied with Results

Frequently Asked Questions

What powder is recommended for heavy supersonic 300 Blackout loads?

Hodgdon CFE BLK powder is highly recommended for heavy supersonic 300 Blackout loads. It demonstrates excellent performance, particularly with compressed charges, leading to outstanding accuracy and consistent velocities.

What are the recommended charge weights for 168gr A-MAX bullets with Hodgdon CFE BLK in 300 Blackout?

According to Hodgdon's website, the recommended charge weight range for 168gr Hornady A-MAX bullets with CFE BLK in 300 Blackout is 17.4 to 20.0 grains. The maximum load of 20.0 grains is compressed and yields approximately 1887 ft/s.

How did the 168gr Hornady A-MAX and 175gr Sierra Match King perform in a 16-inch 300 Blackout rifle?

In a 16-inch AR Stoner barrel, the 168gr A-MAX achieved a best group of 0.75 inches and 1860 ft/s, while the 175gr Match King achieved a best group of 0.60 inches and 1802 ft/s, producing exceptional accuracy.

What is the significance of using a universal expanding die in reloading?

A universal expanding die is crucial for ensuring smooth bullet seating and preventing jacket damage, especially when using certain resizing dies that might create tighter neck tension. It's a valuable tool for consistent reloading.

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