Do comp shooter try to control bullet temperatures?

[Mcrider55]

I'm new to this, so bear with me. I did some searching but not even sure how to word the search. I know I've never seen anything discussed in the various sites I've been on.

Bullet powder has a "perfect temperature range (for lack of a better term) that provides optimum performance. In competition, do you shooters attempt to control the temperature of your ammo in any way to try to maximize your performance prior to and during competition? Such as a temperature controlled enclosure?

When allowed, many auto racing teams have tire warmers for their tires to heat them as to eliminate, as much as possible, cold tires after a pit stop.

Is it even a big deal? It's not for the average shooter, but competition is the next steps on that ladder and everybody is looking to hone their performance for an edge.

 

[chromatica]

I shoot F-class and I keep my ammo out of the sun during the course of a match. I haven't seen anyone use a cooler for storing their ammo, but some of the shooters do use a barrel cooler after each 20 round string. I wait until I have my sights on the target before closing the bolt - this to minimize "cooking" the round in the chamber.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

They make coolers that you can set the temp on, some guys use these to keep the ammo consistent. It really depends on the weather. If theres not going to be a big temp swing its not a big deal. Warmer temps have more effect than cooler temps. I would always keep your ammo in the shade and as temp controlled as you can. Some of us are more anal about this than others. I have intentionally cooled off ammo or warmed it up as a last ditch effort to bring a gun into tune and it does have a noticeable effect.

 

[gpoldblue]

I'm new to this, so bear with me. I did some searching but not even sure how to word the search. I know I've never seen anything discussed in the various sites I've been on.

Bullet powder has a "perfect temperature range (for lack of a better term) that provides optimum performance. In competition, do you shooters attempt to control the temperature of your ammo in any way to try to maximize your performance prior to and during competition? Such as a temperature controlled enclosure?

When allowed, many auto racing teams have tire warmers for their tires to heat them as to eliminate, as much as possible, cold tires after a pit stop.

Is it even a big deal? It's not for the average shooter, but competition is the next steps on that ladder and everybody is looking to hone their performance for an edge.

The temperature of the barrel and the temp/air density of that column of air sitting in front of the bullet has more effect than the temp of the cartridge. Not uncommon for barrel temp to reach well over 100 degrees while cartridge temp will VERY rarely ever exceed 100 degrees. However,I do think cartridge temps should be held within reason.....in shade if possible.
Good luck and stay safe.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Thats not really been my experience. For example in Montana if I kept my ammo with me in the truck, the outside temp really had no bearing on my tunes. I could tune in many different conditions from summer to sub zero and my tunes didnt change much at all. Now if I cold soaked the ammo I would go way out of tune. I always kept my ammo close to my body when hunting to keep it warm for that reason.

 

[Mcrider55]

The temperature of the barrel and the temp/air density of that column of air sitting in front of the bullet has more effect than the temp of the cartridge. Not uncommon for barrel temp to reach well over 100 degrees while cartridge temp will VERY rarely ever exceed 100 degrees. However,I do think cartridge temps should be held within reason.....in shade if possible.
Good luck and stay safe.

I absolutely agree. My background is shooting AR's in a tactical training environment, so this is a new world for me. Having reloaded now for a couple of years, I am only beginning to understand the science/witch's brew of bullet/powder selection & everything that goes stretching it out to longer distances. Add in environmental issues like wind/tempt/humidity that can't be controlled, the edge belongs to those who go after the things one can.

 

[Fairchaser]

When I know it’s going to be warm and humid outside, I will keep my ammo outside in my truck overnight to keep from an abrupt temperature change causing condensation on my cartridges. This will definitely cause a change in performance. I will also do the same with my rifle when practical.