Reloader 22 Temp Sensitivity

[SavageLapua]

I'm sure most people know that Reloader 22 is fairly sensitive to temperature swings. It's a "must know" for long range shooters in Canada.

I did some testing with my 6.5x55 Swede over my Magnetospeed chronograph. I tested 25 rounds at 32*F (0*C) and another 25 at 66*F (18.7*C). Velocities averaged 2645fps and 2703fps respectively. This means that for every degree F, the velocity changes +/- 1.7fps. I'm not sure if that factor will change with larger capacity cases, but it should be the same(ish) in similar volumes. This comes in pretty handy for those long range shots.

There are some ballistic programs out there that you can enter this data and will automatically correct your muzzle velocity to match your environment. Applied Ballistics for Andriod and Ballistic: AE for Apple are some that do this.

SL

 

[kayaker1]

My undertanding of RE22's temp sensitivity is that it is especially pronounced at extreme cold (apparently).

There are some experiment results online with RE22 in a .300win (weatherby forums IIRC) and it struck me how little affect temp had when compared to the wild claims made by some about how temp sensitive it is - I have heard figures up to 500fps losses from summer to Alberta November temps!

I have swtiched to mag primers with RE22 in my 6.5x55 just to make sure tha I get reliable ignition in the cold. However I think that the smallish charges in the swede case (46-48gr) should not be hard to ignite.

 

[stubblejumper]

I have heard figures up to 500fps losses from summer to Alberta November temps!

That 500fps is greatly exaggerated according to my chronograph results, and the trajectories that my loads are producing in both warm and cold temperatures.

 

[Eagleye]

That 500fps is greatly exaggerated according to my chronograph results, and the trajectories that my loads are producing in both warm and cold temperatures.

X2!!! My experiences reflect those of Stubble. The difference is definitely something I can tolerate.
RL 22 works sooo well in so many applications, too.
Regards, Eagleye.

 

[kayaker1]

My experiecnes have been the same - nothing to worry about in practical terms. I also thought 500fps was extreme and perhaps a chrono error.

It has by far been the accuracy king in my 6.5, only N560 has done as well with some bullets.

 

[SavageLapua]

Yeah, 500fps? That's WAY extreme. I just thought I'd share my results because I think it is good info to have, especially if you're trying to reach out there. At 600y it could mean the difference between a hit and a complete miss.

Anyways, I use CCI250 primers, Lapua brass and 140gr SMK's. This combo shoots awesome in my 6.5 at 0.45 MOA. I have tried H1000 and gained an extra 50fps. It greatly narrowed my ES, SD and MAD and printed smaller groups at 0.3 MOA (all are 10 shot groups).

SL

 

[sgt.rock]

I have literally pulled the trigger on everything from .270win, .308win, .30-06, .300wm, .338winmag up here, using Reloader 22 and , like stated before me, in practical terms, its not worth mentioning. I usually hunt in temps ranging from -5c down to -42c and its never been an issue. I use magnum primers for all .30-06 and above sized powder charges. My chronograph readings are only relatively accurate down to +5c or so, so its up to better ballisticians than me to test at sub-zero temps. But I haven't noticed a lick of difference in the real world.

 

[dthunter]

I use R22 to shoot well past 1000 in my 300 Win Mag. I have shot MOA gongs out to 1500 in -20 and +20. I never noticed much of a difference. YMMV
its good powder for sure!

 

[TT_270wsm]

It'd be interesting to compare against Hodgdon's extreme line to see what differences (if any) there would be. Thank you for the info