How to adapt to temp changes?

[bookworm]

I need some practical advice on how to adjust for temperature changes between when loads are developed (summer and early fall) and when in the field hunting (mid-late fall).

Up to now I've only used Hodgdon Extreme powders and have not worried about temp changes from a load perspective. I'd like to start working with other powders (specifically Reloader 19) and I'm wondering what you all do when working up loads and developing drops during the warmer months when you plan to use them in the colder season.

Are there any rules of thumb that I can use to adjust or not worry about the change?

Thanks.

 

[Buffalobob]

If you will keep you loads cool and out of the sun and heat while developing them they are more likely to be consistent during the colder months. If you do not let a cartridge sit in a hot chamber more than 15 seconds before firing it will help also. If the rifle is finicky about the load and you are working in a very narrow band of powder charge then it may lose accuracy in the colder temperature. Basic rule is to recheck the load once cold weather arrives. When hunting in cold weather keep some bullets in your shirt pocket so they will be warm and use them for long range shots over 500 yards. Under that range you won't see much difference from powder temperature effects for hunting purposes.

 

[Boss Hoss]

Leaving a round in a hot chamber for 15 seconds is too long...

The only way to know what higher temps will do to your chamber pressures is to actually fire the rounds in those conditions.

 

[Buffalobob]

Leaving a round in a hot chamber for 15 seconds is too long...

Depends upon how good of a shot your are. I only notice it after 15 seconds being as my 1K groups are large anyway.

 

[Boss Hoss]

Depends upon how good of a shot your are. I only notice it after 15 seconds being as my 1K groups are large anyway.

Good One! It is so hot here I do not even want to go out and shoot!