I’m trying to run a ladder test on my recently acquired 350 Rem Mag to see what kind of pressures it will accept. This will hopefully narrow down the range of test groups to attempt to find the OCW (optimal charge weight). Problem is this weekend is looking like my only time to get out and it will likely be -20c or colder. Will this effect the pressures? I believe it will lessen the pressure in turn effecting my data. How significant of a change should I expect? Fairly new to loading so appreciate any advice.
Ladder testing in cold temperatures
- Thread starter Cletus26
- Start date
I think it depends a bit on the powder you are using, some powders are more temperature sensitive than others. Primers might also make a difference, I got told that in cold weather you want to use the magnum primers like federal 215 or Remington 9 1/2 M or similar from other brands... I’m new to reloading as well and I have a ladder test loaded but it’s been like -30-40 the last 10 days or so, so I will be waiting for warmer weather like -10 or warmer !!
Unless you're planning on doing a lot of shooting or hunting in cold weather, especially -20C or lower, I don't see any point in the test.
If you just want to shoot and record your points of impact at those temps for future reference then I understand.
When I was doing a lot of Coyote culls for ranchers, I had range tables made up for temps down to -40C for two different rifles.
I kept those rifles in the safe, until the ambient temps dropped below -20C.
Everything changes at those temps. Barrel harmonics, scope settings, stock bedding.
If you just want to shoot and record your points of impact at those temps for future reference then I understand.
When I was doing a lot of Coyote culls for ranchers, I had range tables made up for temps down to -40C for two different rifles.
I kept those rifles in the safe, until the ambient temps dropped below -20C.
Everything changes at those temps. Barrel harmonics, scope settings, stock bedding.
To be honest I’m not overly looking for the POI data as much as finding how hot of a load is too hot to limit the amount of rounds I make for the OCW testing that end up being pulled due to pressure signs. Would keeping the rounds warmer (as much as possible) help to keep the data more relevant to the pressures? I’m thinking along the lines of a hand warmer pack in the plastic bullet box. The rifle should keep warm from shooting it without too much time in between (normally would wait a couple minutes between).
I’ll be doing the final development in better conditions for sure. Just going to use this trip as a way to find where “hot” starts. I’m hoping when I find the OCW it’s a little lighter than the hot end so that it’s a little more stable. If it’s too high with the TAC I’ll switch to a different powder and try it
I do wanna shoot. Also taking my Beretta M9 as I haven’t been to an approved range in almost 10 years. But it will narrow my testing loads for the top end. It’s supposed to be windy too so it won’t be a proper ladder test more just a pressure test.
Well OP, Western Powders does not seem to have data for 350 Rem Mag, let alone that data with TAC.
Where did you find the data to put TAC in a 350 Rem Mag? I also checked Nosler and Speer online data and no TAC is shown.
I don't feel very good about that. Its does not seem to be a recommended powder for that cartridge. There must be a reason TAC is not listed in a .350 Rem Mag.
Where did you find the data to put TAC in a 350 Rem Mag? I also checked Nosler and Speer online data and no TAC is shown.
I don't feel very good about that. Its does not seem to be a recommended powder for that cartridge. There must be a reason TAC is not listed in a .350 Rem Mag.
At least you could find data. Your starting load is 3.8 grains below their starting load. I would be worried about a big hang fire or something like that in cold weather with a reduced charge of ball powder.
Let us know how you make out.
Will do. Hopefully it won’t be super cold when I get out to try. If you look at the thread I started asking about TAC in the 350 rem mag you can see the quick load data that was posted for the combo. I’d rather start on the low end and work up checking for pressure signs but definitely don’t want to be too low I guess. If I get any kind of hang fire I may jump up 2 grains rather than one for the next step.
