Cold weather shooting.

[Lager]

Last 50 yard bench rest match for the year is coming this weekend. Its going to be cold here in NC, Im expecting 25 to 40 degrees. Never shot in such cold weather and was wondering how the sticky bullet lube on match bullets effects accuracy?
If it does, suggestions on retaining barrel heat or creating it.Barrel socks, wiping lube off?
Am I over thinking things ? Im guessing there is a reason for polar ammo out there.

 

[yoteman]

if you can get your hands on a few boxes ov lapua polar,
i think it might be worth it to try.
i have seen a big improvment in the colder temps out to 100yd to 200yd.
but dont know how much improvment it will be for 50ir or 50br matches
but i will be tagging this post to hear out come,
whan to try some for the 6x5 thread that BM11 started.

op where is the match in NC i live in hickory
we have a tactical match here from 50 out to 200
will start back up in april 2014

 

[SomeOtherGuy]

Last 50 yard bench rest match for the year is coming this weekend. Its going to be cold here in NC, Im expecting 25 to 40 degrees. Never shot in such cold weather ***
Am I over thinking things ? Im guessing there is a reason for polar ammo out there.

Is this a joke? That's practically our normal shooting weather here in lower Michigan. Not even a really cold area. Are you in the same group that stays home for a "snow day" when there's a 10% chance of 1/4" of snow, and wipes out all the bread and milk from the supermarket because of the weather apocalypse?

I really thought this was going to be about -20 or lower temps.

(Puts helpful hat on) I would suggest keeping all your ammo at the same temperature, probably on the bench exposed to the air, so you don't have velocity issues from different temps. If you are handloading for the match I would get one of the temperature-insensitive propellants, like the newer ones from Alliant.

 

[40xs]

Yeah! you know how us southeners are. It's hard for us to perform without being covered in sun screen, wearing a straw hat and our Oakleys.

 

[Redmanss]

If you are handloading for the match I would get one of the temperature-insensitive propellants, like the newer ones from Alliant.

This is the rimfire forum.

 

[bobtodrick]

Is this a joke? That's practically our normal shooting weather here in lower Michigan. Not even a really cold area. Are you in the same group that stays home for a "snow day" when there's a 10% chance of 1/4" of snow, and wipes out all the bread and milk from the supermarket because of the weather apocalypse?

I really thought this was going to be about -20 or lower temps.

(Puts helpful hat on) I would suggest keeping all your ammo at the same temperature, probably on the bench exposed to the air, so you don't have velocity issues from different temps. If you are handloading for the match I would get one of the temperature-insensitive propellants, like the newer ones from Alliant.

I got a giggle out of that too.
A couple of weeks ago I had an issue with failure to fires on my Savage 93FVSS which were cured after I thoroughly cleaned the bolt/firing pin of all lube.
But it was 5F, well below freezing.
And where I live (central Alberta) it's going to get a lot colder before it gets better ;-(

 

[hometownhero]

That isn't that cold at all. For Me 5-6 months of my shooting is done in 14 to -31 degree F temps. Just have your ammo on the bench(so its similar temps) and shoot

 

[Lager]

Some interesting comments. LOL Guess I was over thinking the whole situation.
I was asking because Im tired of getting second place at my local match here in NC. This is going to be the first cold match we are holding until spring time.
I have noticed that my CZ shoots a bit better when the barrel is warm, but I doubt that is going to happen at these temps, which came upon us fast.
All I need is 5-8 shots better then him out of a hundred to win.Thats why I was asking? If I knew something this other guy didnt know?Then I might be able to beat him with information, cause I sure cant by ability seems like.
Yoteman, this has got to be Steve?Shot with you IHMSA back a couple. Been talking to Joe, this spring sounds interesting when you get started back up again.
40XS, yeah, thats about it. LOL Going to be hard to hold the rifle when my teeth are chattering.
As far as the rest of you cold weather folks, your tougher then I am.Im still too far North, Im a Florida guy transplanted here in NC and dont like it one bit.
But, I thank you for your responses.

 

[yoteman]

Some interesting comments. LOL Guess I was over thinking the whole situation.
I was asking because Im tired of getting second place at my local match here in NC. This is going to be the first cold match we are holding until spring time.
I have noticed that my CZ shoots a bit better when the barrel is warm, but I doubt that is going to happen at these temps, which came upon us fast.






All I need is 5-8 shots better then him out of a hundred to win.Thats why I was asking? If I knew something this other guy didnt know?Then I might be able to beat him with information, cause I sure cant by ability seems like.
Yoteman, this has got to be Steve?Shot with you IHMSA back a couple. Been talking to Joe, this spring sounds interesting when you get started back up again.
40XS, yeah, thats about it. LOL Going to be hard to hold the rifle when my teeth are chattering.
As far as the rest of you cold weather folks, your tougher then I am.Im still too far North, Im a Florida guy transplanted here in NC and dont like it one bit.
But, I thank you for your responses.

lager, nope not steve, but ol joe, an steve good buds of mine
the chikin has shot some lapua polar on colder day's an yes it helps a little,
but like other's have said, dont know if you will see much different at 50yd,
maybe out pass 100yd,
yea i know what you mean about 2nd place,(thats just 1st loser, dammit apache)
hard to beat them wilksboro shooters, just to damm good, an too many of them.
cold weather does not get to me i work in it all day, but you being a transplant from FL.well that explains it LOL
good luck, an hope to see ya come spring at the TSC