Winter Test, Want to help?

ItGoBang

October 20, 2002 19:05

Now that winter is here.. I need something to do. So, a buddy and I are going to test different guns and ammo at winter temps. We are going to do this from 40 to sub 00's temps. We will use a "chronograph" to test ammo at different temps.. Guns would be AR's with different bbl lengths... M1A with SS bbl, and carbon steel, Mini 14, Glocks, Colts 1911's, Just about any gun we can get. If anyone has some ideas on things to do.. Please let me know.

It will hurt you, More than it will hurt me..

Life Member... N R A

Thanks for all the help!

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  Rembrandt

  October 20, 2002 19:36

  ...maybe variations on group size as it relates with a cold barrel-vs- hot barrel.

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  ItGoBang

  October 21, 2002 04:34

  Thanks, Rembrandt..... I did not think of that.
  
  It will hurt you, More than it will hurt me..
  
  Life Member... N R A
  
  Thanks for all the help!

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  HappyNanoq

  October 21, 2002 13:32

  If it's wintertemps you're after - I believe I can help you.
  
  Gather everything you'd want to get tested and send it to me here in Greenland. =o)
  Someone have to do the job and I believe I can fit it in...
  
  Hehehehe.
  
  Nah, just goofin a little =o)
  It would be fun to know how different weapons perform in cold-hot weather.
  If not for that - then just for the thrill of a blue shoulder hehe.
  
  Regards
  Peter E Jeppesen
  Greenland

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  Gatofeo

  October 21, 2002 20:26

  Don't forget to store the ammo and guns together, so both are chilled.
  Years ago, I experienced problems with my Ruger .45 Colt when using 8.0 grains of Unique under the Lyman 254424 cast semi-wadcutter bullet.
  When temps got down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, accuracy became a pattern and you could hear the difference in power with each shot.
  Years later I read that Unique, when used in small amounts in large volume cases, had ignition problems in very cold weather. Switching to Magnum primers cured the ill.
  So I again loaded a box of 50 .45 Long Colt cases with 8.0 grains of Unique under the 255 grain lead bullet. Half the box I used standard CCI primers. The other half of the box used CCI Magnum primers.
  Then I waited for a typical, cold Spokane winter.
  When the temp hit 10 degrees on a sunny day (no use being a damned fool about it) I took the box out shooting.
  The information was correct. The cartridges loaded with Magnum primers appeared to work fine.
  Those with standard primers exhibited vast differences in velocity, as seen on the vertical stringing of bullets on the target.
  This might be an interesting experiment for you to repeat, with various powders that require only a small amount.
  Aside from Unique, try Bullseye, W231 and others.
  Remember, the case capacity must be quite large in comparison to the amount of powder used.
  I think the .45-70 loaded with Unique might be interesting to try as well. Loads with 300 grain lead bullets would be preferred over jacketed bullets. You may get a jacketed bullet stuck in the long barrel of a rifle. It may happen with a lead bullet too, but it's easier to remove a lead bullet.
  
  "A hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .44!"

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  raskil

  October 21, 2002 20:49

  I noticed the guns listed are all semi-auto.
  Try multi brands of factory ammo and multi bullet weight/types.
  Will soft tip bullets cycle better in semi-auto at less than 30 degrees?
  Try ammo that is cold (like an ammo can found in the snow)and some just carried around in an ammo pouch. Also shoot some kept close to the body (jacket or pants pocket).
  Note the excess or lack of any lube used and note malfunctions and causes/resolution.
  You will need to be outside long enough to get every thing air temp, good luck!
  Then post it next March for the rest of us to read.

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