Ball powder, temperature effects

Google search it. There are many threads on other forums where guys (mostly varmint hunters) have documented it.

I have never experienced it myself as I make a habit of ONLY using known temp stable powders.
 
Also some manuals say to use magnum primers some do not. Also I have read that charges over certain grain and certain case capacity should use them, just can't find much information to research here, google isn't being my best friend either.
 
If you have to use ball powders, pay attention to the temperture when you developed the load.

Winter loads need another grain or a magnum primer.

Summer loads need to drop a grain.

Just one more variable to deal with.
 
I have never documented any results myself but lots of people and even the manufacturers have. I never use ball powders for hunting loads or load up to the max with them in case of extreme temperature differences when using them. I sometimes use the same load and rifle in elk season where temps can reach +20 and whitetail when temps can drop to -40. A powder that is insensitive to temps is important to me. Hogdon extreme series extruded powders are my favorites.
 
well guess I'll just have to chronograph some loads at every 10 degrees or so and see what I get. Although I did find some documented info on 760 and H414 and most of the loaders did not see significant variances in velocities. That was a bonus, and a couple hours on google!!!
 
Can someone please share a list of rifle powders that are not overly sensitive to temperature.
For typical hunting requirements and temperature conditions (i.e +10 to -20 degrees C).
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom