Winter & Summer Loads

[DoneNOut]

I think it makes more sense to separate the two loading recipes. It requires some labeling, but we are already accustomed to labeling in hand loading. I started labeling my winter loads with blue tape, recipe written on the tape.

1. I think this mitigates the dreaded, "But will it be safe in the hotter temps?" apprehension.
2. I've shot my winter loads in summer and they didn't group as good. So there is more than just the over pressure concern.

I know the first response will be "Use Hodgdon Extreme, or temp insensitive powders". I've used enough of them to know they do save me from dangerous pressures, but there is also the accuracy/precision aspect to consider.

Thoughts?

 

[memtb]

I've mentioned before….I only do load development in the heat (90+ F). Then test at various cooler temps for velocities and accuracy.

I'll sacrifice a few fps, knowing that I can't screw-up and grab winter loads for summer use/shooting!

I treat my hand loads like my hunting rifle, I have only one. This also follows my strong advocacy of the acronym KISS! It has served me pretty well! memtb

 

[ShootnMathews]

I use only Hodgdon Extreme powders and I do load development whenever I can. 20 degrees or 95 degrees. And I've shot them all year with no problems in pressure or accuracy. Granted I only shoot them to about 600 yards but I've never seen enough difference so far to cause a miss at 600. Very rarely here do I get a shot past 500 yards. Now if I lived somewhere where 800 yard shots were often possible I may dig deeper into the velocity difference in temps.