Testing loads

[Josh11]

When working up a good load for a round, such as a 223, is there an ideal temp to find the load at? Its going to be about 35 here and I am wanting to see if it is worth my while to start load development. I know that heat plays a factor when it comes to it but I thought I would ask the more knowledgeable people on here before I wasted resources.

 

[spclark]

Ideal temp? if you can wear shirtsleeves & be comfy, to me that's ideal.

As for load testing, yes but what that is depends on your choice of propellant. Also depends on what kind of temps you can expect to be shooting in when it counts.

For my needs I try to test at 50°F or above if at all possible. Propellants I use are pretty much unaffected by temps from here up to 90°F so I've found.

 

[Josh11]

My 600 yard matches are in the ranges about the same as yours. 50-95 so thats why I was asking. I would have to find a load and then have to do it all over again.

 

[Terry]

Josh

If you can keep your ammo at the temperature of intended use you can start now. I keep mine in the truck with the heat running until fired. If the ammo is kept at 70 or above I feel better. The risk is the charge you selected may not be safe at 90.

I like Sierra's accuracy loads.

Best wishes!

 

[Josh11]

thanks for the info. I will try that. I wont get to extensive but ill at least get it going in the right direction.

 

[Lapua40X]

thanks for the info. I will try that. I wont get to extensive but ill at least get it going in the right direction.

Keepin' 'em warm will do the trick.
Just make sure you shoot a couple of foulers so you eliminate the cold bore shot in your calcs.

 

[4xforfun]

Yep....just keep the ammo warm and treat your findings the same as you would in the summer. The ammo is what changes when things heat up/cool off. Actually, load development in the winter saves time at the bench because your bbl will cool much quicker...more shooting, less waiting.

 

[Corey Schwanz]

If possible, I like to develop loads in roughly the same conditions Ill be shooting them in. I know that's hard to do and never ideal, but there is no sense in me developing a load when it 80 degrees for hunting when I will hunt in mostly 20-30 degree weather. No matter when I work up loads, shooting them in various conditions is good to do to know how they will react.

 

[4xforfun]

If possible, I like to develop loads in roughly the same conditions Ill be shooting them in. I know that's hard to do and never ideal, but there is no sense in me developing a load when it 80 degrees for hunting when I will hunt in mostly 20-30 degree weather. No matter when I work up loads, shooting them in various conditions is good to do to know how they will react.

Negative....simply keep your ammo at the temp you'l be shooting them in. Interior balistics is interior balistics. MV will be the same no matter what if you keep your ammo temps stable. Now, down range impact points will vary with temp changes, so your final zero should be made under conditions. But the accuracy of a load will not change with temps, all other things being equal.

 

[fredhorace77]

another trick is to put them inside of a pocket tee-shirt under ur coat. keeps them up against ur body for heat and by the time u pull them out and chamber them they are at about ideal temp. also a couple hand warmers inside of an ice chest will keep them warmed up for u. if ur curious about the temp they are at throw a wireless therm. in there and keep the reciever unit at the bench. u can lay some towels or
in there to keep the rounds from getting too warm. this unit works great and can normally be found at walmart
https://www.google.com/shopping/product/7921969252260369135?safe=images&redir_esc=&pws=0&client=ms-android-uscellular-us&aqs=qsb-android...jjjjjjjjjjj1jjjjjjjjjj1&entrypoint=android-velvet&noj=1&biw=360&hl=en-US&ctzn=America/Chicago&gcc=us&oe=utf-8&pbx=1&v=3.4.16.1149292.arm&dbla=1&q=wireless+thermometer&devloc=0&bih=615&prds=paur:ClkAsKraX0m6rXYVttpkuIQvfsGhzssMOuHEE_MjpgAjV3GWLP_ZF0ElVP-iWWc0ILrUesDaSE4Y80lNLNsfJE6wGFsC2uLzmfhFpewbDaNB1QOEEM3fn4TCexIZAFPVH716bpOF9VK_EFDEBu04P-sugwkMBg&sa=X&ei=p22vVJCMA4OYgwSwhoMo&ved=0CA4Q8wIwAQ