Best cold weather powder and load

E

essquires

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Hi guys, trying to get a little background on the best powder for cold temps (Down to -30 C). Will be using Hornady 180 gr SSTs and Lapua brass in my Savage 308 (26 in barrel). Any load data would be much appreciated. Total temp range will be from -30 to 20 C.
 
44gr Varget worked well with 185 VLDs in my factory 26" barrel but work up to it, I started to see pressure signs at 44.5. Lapua brass and BR-2 primers, at 3.015 COAL.

44-44.5gr Varget with 185 BT won the F-TR Nationals. Of course Kenny certainly did his part too.
 
varget is probably the more popular temp stable powder, but keep in mind there is others.. to know if any givin load shoots good at -30 in your rifle your goin to have to shoot it at -30. just cuz it works for some one else doesnt mean it will work for you
 
Thanks for all the info guys. Pressure signs at 44.5 with 185s. I'll keep that in mind. What muzzle vel did you get with that load FTRookie? Varget is on the top of my list.
 
you will need to work up more than one load to use through those temp ranges +20 to -30 I've noticed huge drops using "temp stable" powders in very cold weather. I have good results to about +30 to - 5 or so with one load and ok results from -5 to -35.

just my .02
 
This could be a good one

IMR 8208 XBR
IMR 8208 XBR The latest in the versatile IMR line of fine propellants, this accurate metering, super short grained extruded rifle powder was designed expressly for match, varmint, and AR sniper cartridges. Ideally suited for cartridges like the 223 Remington/5.56mm, 308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO and the 6mm PPC, shooters will find IMR 8208 XBR totally insensitive to changes in temperature, while yielding max velocities and “tack driving” accuracy. Clearly, the competitor’s “choice” and the Varmint Hunter’s “dream powder”.
manitou
read some where good to ,-40 to +40 ??
 
Even if your powder is relatively temperature stable, it's just one component. You also need to consider the primer, and the fact that mechanical components are all affected by temperature, too. Your tolerances will all be affected minutely as the metal contracts, the spring rate will be different, etc, as well as your scope functions

For truly precision work, you're probably still better off having 'winter' and 'summer' loads developed (although, with the newer powders, the charge weight differences between your seasonal loads will probably be smaller).
 
prosper said:
snip.
For truly precision work, you're probably still better off having 'winter' and 'summer' loads developed (although, with the newer powders, the charge weight differences between your seasonal loads will probably be smaller).
Click to expand...

this has been my experiance
 
Thanks all. Was chatting with Mysticprecision, and he mentioned many of the same things. I think I'll develop on for down to -5, and one for colder temps as you suggest. Spring and fall are quite abrupt here. Not a lot of middle ground. Caustic and Prosper, what were the general charge differences between your winter and summer loads? As well, what is the most reliable cold weather primer?
 
I stick with one load but Have a range card/data book with list come ups for cold,colder,warm and warner temps
 
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Yes, it is.

I shoot year round, and I typically see significantly less than 100fps difference between my loads with IMR4350, TAC, IMR7828ssc, and others, between the heat of summer and the deep freeze of the winter.
 
Generally, about a half grain either way, but that depends on what cartridge I'm loading for.

Also - often times, my most accurate 'summer' load is still my most accurate 'winter' load, even though I've lost maybe a hundred or so FPS. So I'll just use different drop charts and dial the scope in differently for summer/winter instead of dicking with the load.
 
Primers matter in the cold.
That gilt-edged tack driver load so carefully worked up, lives within a velocity window, a "node".
Cold temps normally slow down MV's, and speeds can also become inconsistent, or occasionally even hangfire.

Summer and winter loads are the only way my best rifles stay nice and accurate year round.

Example: 6.5x55/140 amax/R22

Summer; 47.7 gr with BR2 primers
Winter; 48 gr with Fed215M primers
To maintain similar vel's./groups

Just last weekend I tryed the summer loads at -15c. Groups opened to double normal, and flyers too.

With varget, the .308 I know best needs a mag primer when colder than -20c.
 
All right. Have worked up and shot winter load. Use at your own risk.

Lapua brass
42 gr of Varget
180 gr Hor SSTs
CCI magnum primers
COAL 2.76 in
2590 fps at -20 (all ammo cooled to ambient outdoor temp)
Savage Model 12 VLP DBM
No significant signs of pressure. Will probably work up to 43 gr of Varget in time, depending on pressures.
 
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