Shooting in Winter

gregisthegreatest

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Do you guys shoot in the winter? Does the heat created from firing effect the gun anyway while in the cold? Also, when you bring your gun inside from shooting out in the cold how bad is the condensation that occurs?
 
I lose considerable velocity in cold weather, even with the so-called 'temperature stable' powders (but not as much loss with them). Your zero will also be out somewhat because of the velocity loss, and because cold causes materials to contract, so it'll affect your mounts and optics - although the shift is usually only a matter of inches with good quality gear.
 
Always leave the gun out in the cold for the duration of the hunt. Lock it in a trunk or whatever, but don't be bringing it in/out the whole time. When you do bring it in afterwards, I leave it in the gun case for a couple of hours until it's warmed up.
 
I lose considerable velocity in cold weather, even with the so-called 'temperature stable' powders (but not as much loss with them). Your zero will also be out somewhat because of the velocity loss, and because cold causes materials to contract, so it'll affect your mounts and optics - although the shift is usually only a matter of inches with good quality gear.
You can compensate for this :D If you handload , or have adjustable sights :D
 
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You bet, we shoot when it's cold/wet/ what ever. Grouse Man is bang on, let your gun get climatized to the temp before you shoot and don't bring it back into the warmth until you are done with it.

All the guys in our hunting camp feel the same way as well, the rifles stay outside the whole time (covered, but no heat).
 
Clay shooting is great in the winter but there are some issues. Gun fit changes in winter because of the heavier clothing and many shooters will mount a thinner recoil pad on their gun.

Sometimes shells lose velocity particularly if they are loaded with single-base powder or with cheaper plastic wads. On really cold days it's best not to leave your ammunition in the trunk of your car. I've never found a POI change with shotguns. Some shooters believe that the targets are harder in the winter and might go with a larger shot size. I haven't noticed a difference and generally just stick with #8 shot.

My guns stay in the trunk until I get home. Then they are left in the gun room to dry out any condensation. I've never found it a problem.
 
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