CFE Pistol Load Data for .38 Special: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the Power Within: CFE Pistol’s Characteristics

What is CFE Pistol?

CFE Pistol, a powder developed by Hodgdon, is a modern propellant designed specifically for pistol cartridges. The “CFE” in its name stands for “Copper Fouling Eraser,” reflecting a key advantage of this powder. CFE Pistol is formulated with a unique additive that reduces copper fouling in your gun’s barrel, contributing to easier cleaning and potentially improving accuracy over time.

Burn Rate and Versatility

One of the great things about CFE Pistol is its versatile nature. It’s designed to be a good fit for a wide range of pistol cartridges, including the .38 Special. Its burn rate generally falls into the mid-range category, placing it in the same realm as powders like Unique and, in many cases, close to HP-38/W231. This allows for flexibility when choosing bullet weights and achieving desired velocities.

Benefits of CFE Pistol

Beyond the copper fouling reduction and versatility, CFE Pistol offers several other advantages. Many reloaders report that it provides relatively low flash, meaning less visible muzzle flash when firing, which can be an advantage in low-light situations. It tends to meter well in powder measures, contributing to consistent powder charges. Furthermore, it frequently provides accurate loads across a range of bullet weights.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While CFE Pistol is a great option, it is important to be aware of potential limitations. The powder may exhibit some sensitivity to temperature changes, so velocity variations might be noticeable in extreme temperature conditions. However, with careful load development and testing, these variations are usually manageable. It’s important to check the recommendations of the manufacturer, such as Hodgdon, and read reliable information from others.

Essential Gear and Reloading Safety: A Foundation for Success

The Paramount Importance of Safety

Reloading .38 Special, or any ammunition for that matter, requires specific equipment and, even more importantly, a commitment to safe practices. Without these, you risk serious injury. Here is a list of the necessary tools and safety protocols:

First and foremost: **Safety First!** This cannot be stressed enough. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. Reload in a well-ventilated area. Never smoke or have open flames near the reloading bench. Treat every cartridge as if it were loaded, and never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.

Essential Equipment

Essential reloading equipment includes:

• **Reloading Press:** The central tool that allows you to perform various operations like sizing, depriming, priming, and seating bullets.
• **Dies:** These shape the brass, seat the bullets, and crimp the case mouth. You will need a set specifically designed for .38 Special. A basic set will include a sizing/decapping die, an expander die, a bullet seating die, and a crimping die.
• **Scale:** A precise scale is essential for measuring powder charges. Both digital and beam scales are available; ensure yours is accurate and calibrated properly.
• **Powder Measure:** This tool dispenses a predetermined amount of powder into the case. Choose a quality measure that provides consistent results.
• **Calipers:** Calipers are required to accurately measure the overall length (COL) of loaded rounds, as well as other dimensions of the brass and bullets.
• **Priming Tool:** Can be incorporated into a press, or be a separate, hand-held device. Use this to seat the new primers into the cases.
• **Case Trimmer (if needed):** While not always necessary for .38 Special, a trimmer is essential for cases that have stretched or need to be trimmed after repeated firings.

Brass Preparation – A Crucial Step

Brass preparation is also a critical step. It includes:

• **Cleaning:** Cleaning the brass is essential to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants. This process can be done using a vibratory tumbler.
• **Inspection:** Check each case for cracks, dents, or other damage. Discard any damaged brass.
• **Sizing:** Run the brass through the sizing die to resize it to the correct dimensions. This also deprimes the spent primer.
• **Priming:** Seat new primers using a priming tool.

Powder Measurement and Cartridge Overall Length (COL)

Precision is Key

Precise powder measurement is key to safe and accurate reloading. Use a calibrated scale and powder measure to dispense the correct amount of CFE Pistol powder. Always start with the minimum recommended load and gradually increase the charge, carefully monitoring for pressure signs. Never exceed the maximum load specified in a reliable reloading manual.

Cartridge Overall Length (COL)

The Cartridge Overall Length (COL) is also crucial. This is the total length of the loaded cartridge from the base of the case to the tip of the bullet. Maintaining the proper COL is essential for safety and reliable function. Too long, and the cartridge might not chamber; too short, and pressures can spike dangerously. Always adhere to the COL specifications provided in your reloading manual for the specific bullet you are using.

Published Data and Verification: The Path to Success

Reliable Sources Only

Before loading any ammunition, *always* consult reputable sources like reloading manuals from powder manufacturers, such as Hodgdon, or reliable reloading resources. Verify the load data you are using against multiple sources, if possible. The load data provided here is a starting point, and should be cross-referenced. Starting with the minimum recommended charge from reliable sources is *essential* to safe reloading.

The Heart of the Matter: CFE Pistol Load Data for .38 Special

Here is a selection of load data using CFE Pistol for .38 Special cartridges. *Remember:* *Always verify this data with published load data from powder manufacturers or reloading manuals before using.* This data is provided for informational purposes only. You are responsible for verifying any load data.

We will provide examples using common bullet weights. These are *starting points*. Always work your way up the load charge and watch for pressure signs.

Load Data Examples (for informational purposes only):

*Note:* These are *starting* values; Always consult the most up-to-date and reliable sources, such as Hodgdon’s online data or a reputable reloading manual. Start with the *minimum* load and work up carefully. Velocity estimates will vary depending on barrel length and other factors.

Step-by-Step Reloading with CFE Pistol: Bringing it All Together

The Reloading Process

Let’s outline the steps involved in reloading .38 Special ammunition with CFE Pistol.

1. **Brass Preparation:** Ensure the brass is clean, inspected, sized, and primed.
2. **Powder Charging:** Use a calibrated powder measure to carefully dispense the correct amount of CFE Pistol powder into the case.
3. **Bullet Seating:** Place the bullet in the case mouth and seat it to the correct depth, as specified in your reloading manual. The proper COL is essential.
4. **Crimp Application:** Crimp the case mouth firmly enough to hold the bullet in place, but not so tightly that it deforms the bullet or creates excessive pressure. Use the crimp die for this.

Testing and Evaluating Your Results: The Proof of the Pudding

Velocity Testing

After loading your cartridges, it’s time to test and evaluate your results.

Measuring the velocity of your loaded rounds using a chronograph is highly recommended. This allows you to compare your results to the predicted velocities in your reloading manual and monitor consistency.

Pressure Signs – What to Watch For

*Pressure Signs:* Be alert for signs of excessive pressure. These include:

• Flattened primers.
• Cratered primers.
• Bulging cases.
• Difficulty extracting the fired cases.

If you observe any of these signs, *immediately* stop loading and consult your reloading manual. Reduce your powder charge and try again.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem Solving

• *Failure to Fire:* Ensure the primer is properly seated and that the firing pin is striking the primer with sufficient force.
• *Low Velocity:* This may indicate a light powder charge or other issues. Verify the powder charge and that the bullet is properly seated.
• *Accuracy Problems:* Experiment with different powder charges, seating depths, and crimp adjustments to find the load that shoots most accurately in your firearm.

Refining Your Load for Peak Performance

Optimizing Your Loads

Once you have a safe and reliable load, you can refine it further. Try slight adjustments in powder charge, seating depth, and crimp to optimize accuracy. Keep detailed records of your loads, including the powder charge, bullet type, COL, and results.

Conclusion: A Rewarding Endeavor

Reloading .38 Special with CFE Pistol can be a rewarding experience, providing you with the ability to tailor your ammunition to your specific needs. By following safe reloading practices, using reliable load data, and carefully monitoring your results, you can create high-quality ammunition that performs to your expectations. Remember the importance of proper safety. Consult reputable reloading manuals.

Disclaimer, Again:

*The load data provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Always verify this data with published load data from powder manufacturers or reloading manuals before using. Always prioritize your safety. You are responsible for safe reloading.*

References:

• Hodgdon Powder Company. (Powder and Load Data)
• Lyman Reloading Handbook
• Sierra Bullets Reloading Manual