I keep reading about the effect of temperature variations on different powders but it is difficult to interpret just what the effect is and how much concern I should have with it. Examples:
Developing loads in summer in 90 to 95 degree South Carolina weather and hunting with them in the fall in 20 to 30 degree New Mexico mountain weather where shots may be out to 400 to 500 yards isn't good.... too much performance variations at long range beause of the temperature differences.
Some powders are much less temperature sensitive than others ... as Hodgen is the most temperature stable. Then, you hear that Hodgen powders are not near as consistent in performance from batch to batch as others because it has a coating on its powder granuless that isn't unformly applied and this variation creates uneven ignition rates which in turn creates excessive and unpredictible variations from one batch to the next.
Some other powders offer much more consistent batch to batch performance but more temperature sensitivity variations than Hodgen.
Is this true and if so is the difference enough to make other powders overall more desirable than Hodgen?
Early morning to mid afternoon temperatures sometimes vary by as much as 40 to 50 degrees here in SC. Is this enough to be concerned about when and if that 450 yard shot at the dreamed of monster comes along?
I would love to hear about the experiences and opinions of you good folks on this board who have had many more years experience following your interest in this type thing than I. Thanks. Al Crouch
Developing loads in summer in 90 to 95 degree South Carolina weather and hunting with them in the fall in 20 to 30 degree New Mexico mountain weather where shots may be out to 400 to 500 yards isn't good.... too much performance variations at long range beause of the temperature differences.
Some powders are much less temperature sensitive than others ... as Hodgen is the most temperature stable. Then, you hear that Hodgen powders are not near as consistent in performance from batch to batch as others because it has a coating on its powder granuless that isn't unformly applied and this variation creates uneven ignition rates which in turn creates excessive and unpredictible variations from one batch to the next.
Some other powders offer much more consistent batch to batch performance but more temperature sensitivity variations than Hodgen.
Is this true and if so is the difference enough to make other powders overall more desirable than Hodgen?
Early morning to mid afternoon temperatures sometimes vary by as much as 40 to 50 degrees here in SC. Is this enough to be concerned about when and if that 450 yard shot at the dreamed of monster comes along?
I would love to hear about the experiences and opinions of you good folks on this board who have had many more years experience following your interest in this type thing than I. Thanks. Al Crouch
