Weather Too Hot to Reload? Make Any Difference?

[Phil3]

It is seriously hot at my house (100 today), and just wondering what precautions I should take when loading at one ambient temperature and firing in another significantly different temperature. I expect loading at a cold temp and firing when it is hot outside is probably the biggest worry, but any other input is welcome. Since the powder may play a role in this, I have on hand Vhitavouri N133, Reloder 15, and Hodgdon Varget and H322. I will probably get some Accurate LT-32. I don't think the other aspects of reloading are so sensitive to ambient temperature, but perhaps I just don't know.

Phil

 

[jonbearman]

Where are you loading,outside,in a garage etc? Which caliber are you trying to reload?

 

[watercam]

If it is very humid where you are I would not let too much powder sit out for too long. If you load and shoot in this weather you would be safe in any other condition I would imagine! Personally when faced with weather that hot (like this weekend for example), I get up early and load in the morning.

 

[ridgeway]

I'd maybe shoot a few if you are unsure. If you are shooting higher end loads in cooler temps, plan on higher pressure in extreme heat.

 

[jsthntn247]

I can tell you from experience that reloader 15 shoots different. I worked up a load mid summer in Ms last year for my 35 whelen, shot good during load test but at 25 degrees in the winter it shoots like crap. I would use the h322 of those powders you listed, it should be the least temp sensitive.

 

[deadwooddick]

Multiple replies…

I can tell you from experience that XXX or WWW powder shoots different… (e.g. in different seasons/temps).

The OP didn't ask about load testing in one temperature and shooting… hunting, etc. in a different temperature, he asked…

Does loading with HOT components make a difference ?​

Answer… NOPE.

Analogy… Wife "has to" adjust the quantity of ingredients (eggs/butter/sugar)in a cake recipe… because the neighbors will be eating it at their yard party, this weekend, when it's gonna be 94ºF.

Bullpuckey ???

 

[ridgeway]

Multiple replies…

I can tell you from experience that XXX or WWW powder shoots different… (e.g. in different seasons/temps).

The OP didn't ask about load testing in one temperature and shooting… hunting, etc. in a different temperature, he asked…

Does loading with HOT components make a difference ?​

Answer… NOPE.

Analogy… Wife "has to" adjust the quantity of ingredients (eggs/butter/sugar)in a cake recipe… because the neighbors will be eating it at their yard party, this weekend, when it's gonna be 94ºF.

Bullpuckey ???

Not sure where you came up with HOT components, but the way understand the OP is he is maybe loading in a cool basement and heading out into the hot 100 degree heat and firing them. In that heat, yes...loads CAN be affected. So many variables involved...all I can say it test it and look for pressure.

 

[deadwooddick]

Folks are assuming things i.e., he's NOT TESTING when it's "hot" and curious about "precautions" when TESTING in a different temperature.

Not sure where you came up with HOT components, but the way (I) understand the OP is he is maybe loading in a cool basement and heading out into the hot 100 degree heat and firing them.

It is seriously hot at my house (100 today)…

Regardless of whether his house is hot or he's loading in his basement), I'll repeat… loading hot/warm/cold/frigid components (as regards temperature only)… has no effect on how ammunition performs in temperatures DIFFERENT from those in which it was LOADED.

If it didn't perform as designed, regarding pressures and accuracy, then all loading operations would have to be performed in the ambient temperature conditions of where it was going to be used, that's impossible.

 

[savageshooter86]

If it is very hot now and you properly work up a load, I would say you will be fine shooting that load when it cools off. But shoot a load in very hit conditions after working up a load in a colder temperature, you may hit extreme pressure signs

 

[Phil3]

I am the OP and can clarify some confusion and answer questions.

I am loading in the garage. It can be as hot as 90 degrees out there. I expect ammo loaded in 90 degree heat will probably be OK in 100 degree heat, as that is just a 10 degree difference. I was more wondering about loading in 90 degree heat and then firing that ammo in say, when it is 45 degree temperatures at the range. I would think this is not a danger problem, but asking anyway. Also wondered if such a wide discrepancy between temperature at time of loading vs temperature when fired would present any issues, even the temperature is lower when fired.

Phil

 

[Phil3]

Hmmm.....they make these things called AIR CONDITIONERS!

I don't mind the 90 degree heat, so no need to air condition the garage, which is insulated on just one side anyway.

cool air can be ducted into a room from a Central Air System!

Not in our house. The HVAC here uses ducts with motorized flapper valves controlled by room sensors that sense the temperature, compare it to what the thermostat is set at, and then close off the vent when the room reaches the desired temperature. It is likely then, that not all rooms need cooling or heating at once. This also permits a lower capacity furnace and A/C. If the A/C had to cool the garage, it would not be able to handle the rest of the house and would spend all day trying.

It's NEVER too hot to reload....but just might be TOO HOT to go out in 117F Heat Index!! :-[ :'(

Not going out in 117 degree heat, but 90, no problem...even to reload.

Phil