Loading "Hotter"

svnmag · Dec 16, 2016

Would it be feasible or does anyone add a few grains specifically to compensate for these current temperatures?

Retired Educator · Dec 16, 2016

I don't, but the truth is that I don't go out and test when it's this cold either. We do know that changes in temperature, elevation, etc. can affect the performance of bullets. Sometimes it's very little and sometimes not. I also don't use a lot of different kinds of powder so some kinds may be different than others. The only way to tell is by testing. As a general rule, once I find an accurate load, adding a few grains has a tendency to throw off the accuracy I'm looking for.

SDMF · Dec 16, 2016

svnmag said:
Would it be feasible or does anyone add a few grains specifically to compensate for these current temperatures?

Hodgden Extreme powders temp variance is nil. Same for IMR Enduron and some of the newer Reloader series (23 and 26 for sure). Meaning, not necessary. Ramshot powders fend the effects of cold quite well too.

The chrono, the rifle, and the ammo down @ the ambient temp you question is your only real source of truth.

Kurtr · Dec 16, 2016

SDMF said:
Hodgden Extreme powders temp variance is nil. Same for IMR Enduron and some of the newer Reloader series (23 and 26 for sure). Meaning, not necessary. Ramshot powders fend the effects of cold quite well too.

The chrono, the rifle, and the ammo down @ the ambient temp you question is your only real source of truth.

yep hodgden extreme are dang consistent from what i have seen

svnmag · Dec 16, 2016

Per RE's comment if you're not shooting one of the all weather powders, do you believe a couple extra grains could duplicate performance of "normal" temps?

Kurtr · Dec 16, 2016

It could but could also blow your face off.

svnmag · Dec 16, 2016

Correct. Rounds would have to be marked/set aside for a brutal day from the bench. As per Horsey that would be the real test. BTW, I'm not talking about exceeding max just pushing it.

SDMF · Dec 16, 2016

svnmag said:
Per RE's comment if you're not shooting one of the all weather powders, do you believe a couple extra grains could duplicate performance of "normal" temps?

No, just read a review of R26. 70-0, @ 0 velocity increased to top end of STD deviation. No guessinn or theorizing. If you want a "cold weather" load, you gotta work it up in the cold with the chronograph.

svnmag · Dec 16, 2016

This would kill my psyche if I pursued coyote. I guess I'd hold slightly high.

SDMF · Dec 16, 2016

svnmag said:
This would kill my psyche if I pursued coyote. I guess I'd hold slightly high.

Then you'd shoot slightly high. You've got a mighty high opinion of your abilities if you think that under field conditions you can perceive a 100fps loss inside of 400.

svnmag · Dec 16, 2016

I do! I realize it's a failing personality trait. I don't like inconsistencies. I get your drift.

Kurtr · Dec 16, 2016

I know for a fact I can't

SDMF · Dec 16, 2016

svnmag said:
I do! I realize it's a failing personality trait. I don't like inconsistencies. I get your drift.

That's an easy way to think yourself into a miss, or a missed opportunity arguing with yourself about all the variables.

Wind is an exponentially larger "X-Factor" than is cold ammo/cold air.

svnmag · Dec 16, 2016

I'll try to be better.

2400 · Dec 16, 2016

svnmag said:
Would it be feasible or does anyone add a few grains specifically to compensate for these current temperatures?

A few grains to what, an already maximum load or close to max?

svnmag said:
Correct. Rounds would have to be marked/set aside for a brutal day from the bench. As per Horsey that would be the real test. BTW, I'm not talking about exceeding max just pushing it.

What do you mean "push" it?

I'm asking these questions because people that don't load a lot or are new to it might take this the wrong way and blow up a gun or worse a piece of themselves off or even kill themselves.

raider · Dec 16, 2016

serious question - does the military have adjusted loads for extreme hot or cold???

i'm sure maybe the snipers adjust, but i'm talking regular 556..

- - - Updated - - -

2400 said:
A few grains to what, an already maximum load or close to max?

What do you mean "push" it?

I'm asking these questions because people that don't load a lot or are new to it might take this the wrong way and blow up a gun or worse a piece of themselves off or even kill themselves.

i used to load a lot b4 the chrono days, and never had best accuracy even 1/2 way up the chart... i loaded for accuracy...

also went prairie doggin a lot and really enjoyed shooting the tails off them or going low and making them do cartwheels...

KDM · Dec 16, 2016

I've shot exactly ONE "Hot" load in my entire shooting career and it was out of my 308 on the advice of an experienced loader. When all I could see was an orange blossom of flame through the scope and I almost lost hold of the gun, I decided that "Hot" loads were not for me. No coyote, deer, or other critter is worth me either breaking the gun, myself, or both. I'll stick with the known recipes and just shoot more. I won't be putting any extra grains in the brass regardless of the weather. I'm a "Fraidy Cat" that way.

svnmag · Dec 16, 2016

2400 said:
A few grains to what, an already maximum load or close to max?

What do you mean "push" it?

I'm asking these questions because people that don't load a lot or are new to it might take this the wrong way and blow up a gun or worse a piece of themselves off or even kill themselves.

Up to SAAMI. My question was hypothetical for someone achieving a pet load to compensate for extreme low ambient temps. I believe Hors and Kurt understood the premise and answered me satisfactorily.

ISELLGUNS · Dec 16, 2016

I do not add extra. The ammo companies do not make summer and winter ammo. Like summer and winter blend gasoline I believe is BS.

2400 · Dec 17, 2016

2400 said:
A few grains to what, an already maximum load or close to max?

What do you mean "push" it?

I'm asking these questions because people that don't load a lot or are new to it might take this the wrong way and blow up a gun or worse a piece of themselves off or even kill themselves.

svnmag said:
Up to SAAMI. My question was hypothetical for someone achieving a pet load to compensate for extreme low ambient temps. I believe Hors and Kurt understood the premise and answered me satisfactorily.

I think they did understand what you meant. I thought that was what you meant but wanted to make sure. A new or inexperienced loader may not have, thats why I asked you for more info.

Sorry if I offended you.

Loading "Hotter"

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