Question about shooting in the cold?

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peterl

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Question about shooting in the cold. Not that it ever gets cold in Canada in the winter time. Ok I tuned my rifle in the summer time, temp' s between
20 to 30 above got about a 1 1/4 group at 400 yards. Now about -20 outside, how will that affect how the rife will shoot? Does the cold make it shoot lower--higher? And if so what kind of movment am I looking at? I shoot at a 4 inch red dot on a 9 x 11 piece of white paper. ( The white back ground is the only way I can see the bullet holes at 400 yards.)
 
The burning rate of many powders will decrease as the temperature falls, resulting in less velocity that can change the point of impact at your sight in distance, as well as the trajectory. How much things change depends on the load that you are using. I always do my final sight in at a temperature fairly close to the temperatures that I expect to hunt in to minimize this effect.
 
Theory has it velocities will drop at lower temperatures. Lots of variables as to powder brand [extreme powders, not supposed to be affected by temperature changes].
Only way to find out for sure is to shoot @ 400 yards @ -20 to see the effects.
No cut and dried formula in calculating what your load is going to do.

RC
 
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