Infrared (IR Thermometer) for Monitoring Barrel and Bore Temp

[BobD]

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I use a variety of these in my line of work. Recently, I though that it would be a nice idea to start monitoring and recording barrel and bore temps while I'm shooting. I think it would be great data to collect information on not only how your barrel performs (at certain temps) but also what point it starts to degrade, how long it takes to heat up and the length of time it takes to dissipate.

In times past this may have not been very practical. However, every year we are seeing great progression in this technology... It is becoming more advanced, more available, more compact and at a fraction of the price it was not too long ago.

I have this ultra compact ones a well that I use at work and is half the size of a Bic lighter. It doesn't have a distance high spot ratio or range but there are a great deal that are respectable and are still very small (fit in the extra spot in your bag or even pocket)

Imagine discovering that your rifle can handle different grains or charges above or below a specific temperature... Knowing you can take shots sooner than expected or that if you waited you could better replicate the desired condition.

I'm sure there are a plenty of those who have already done it, but its a new idea to me. I certainly don't think it's the norm, I haven't come across it in discussion or ever seen it on anyone's target record or log.

Anyone been doing this already? If so, any important findings?
Any tips that has made the process more useful?

Anyway, I hope this sparks some interest for those that don't already practice it.

I will be starting to log my sessions from here on out.

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[pinsandpitons]

I for one think it's a good idea. I'd like to use it during OCW or ladder tests to make sure the barrel conditions are more consistent. Out of curiosity, how much is the one you pictured sold for?

 

[Sniper Uncle]

Yes, I have experimented with one of these in connection to shooting. Last summer, while it was wicked hot- 95+ during the days--I took my digital thermometer, a $40.00 one from Harbor Freight, and used it after every shot on a specific number stamped in the barrel of my rifle. I had a First-Up Canopy for shade, and it was well above 80 in the shade. I started early, and kept shooting until about noon, during which time I obviously had to stretch the time between shots to allow for cooling of the barrel. I kept the barrel temp as measured at that specific point to a consistent temp----I can't remember what, but it was consistent---and allowed it to cool until it reached that point before shooting again.

I was working with a Rem-700BDL in Stainless, with all factory, and chambered in 30.06. It had a 24" barrel, certainly not a heavy one. I got fairly consistent groups---only shooting to 100 yds, so mirage was not a major factor. They were in the 3/4" range, not wicked good, but consistent.

I should like to see if others have done this, and what their technique was, as well as the observed results. I also would like to try this again and test it further, especially as I have been shooting 300 yds and getting good results. My load development for my 338LM is nearly done, and yielding .31-.33 MOA at 300 yards with consistency. It would be interesting to see how barrel temp plays into this. Also, if someone has a good way to measure bore temp near the throat, that doesn't cost prohibitive amounts of money but yields relatively accurate results, I should appreciate hearing about it.

 

[BobD]

The one above is a MicroTemp. I dont think it would be well suited unfortunately, I use it for lower temp monitoring, it maxes out around 250 I believe. It also has a DTS ratio of 1:1. It was around $25. I just wanted to show an example. I would say most range from around $60 to a few hundred. Usually, having a higher DTS is where things become more expensive. Extreme temp ranges and memory features raise the price as well. I work with a few types. Some include a guide laser as well. Personally, I will be buying one dedicated to this but have not done so yet. It will be a compact, gun type. If I find a well suited pocket version that can handle the temp I will definitely report back. I haven't figured out what max temp it will need yet. I Dont think a ridiculous distance to spot ratio is on order here. That should cut down on the expense and open up quite a few more options.

I think there can be so much useful information obtained with this. Turning temperature to time, shots fired etc...

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[Pinecone]

One thing to watch is the distance away from what youa re reading. Many of the low priced version have a VERY large spot size.

Also, with those with a laser spot, the laser is NOT the size of temp reading spot, and it not actually in the middle of that spot either.

So get it close, and always use the same distance away from the surface you are reading.

 

[kraigWY]

Those suckers are fun to play with. I use them all the time. I've found out that ammo temp. is more critical then the chamber barrel temps. Learned to keep the ammo in the shade and don't let it set in the chamber.

 

[1slow01z71]

I saw a buddy's "light gun" class BR rifle one time...he had a little temp sensitive sticker on it. Sporter stock with sendero contoured barrel in 300WM.

Hard to explain or describe but its like a small plastic, adhesive backed gauge. When it gets hot it changed color.

He said wasn't super scientific but he would shoot it till it turned red from barrel heat.

The sticker worked like those toys kids had back in the day....mood rings.

Kinda like the old school aquarium temp stickers? Never seen the stickers that go to a higher temp but that would be the way to go.

 

[BobD]

I'm building a list of possible candidates. There are a handful I've been eyeing for some time now for work purposes. Criteria has only changed slightly. I will keep updating and adding to the list as I get spec information. Sorry its not complete, i will tighten up and fill in additional information later.

Fluke is a respected name in the business and has a slew of different models. I'm not sure how their lower end models fare.

I forgot to mention earlier, having two beam and adjustable emisivity are huge factors in price

Actron CP7876 ~ $50
10:1 Distance to spot ratio
-58 ~ 932f range
Auto Data hold, remembers max value

Fluke 62 mini ~ $80-90

-20 ~ 932f
Auto Temp hold, displays current and max value
1% accuracy
Dimensions HxWxD : 5x5x1

Fluke 62 max
10:1 distance to spot
IP54 rated for liquid and dust
3 meter drop rated
Belt clip
Auto temp hold and display Minimum, maximum, difference and average
-20 ~ 932f
Dimensions HxWxD : 6.88 x 2.95 x 3.34

Fluke 61 ~$120
8:1 spot ratio
0 ~ 525f
Laser guide
Dimensions HxWxD : 7.25x1.75x1.50

Kintrex IRT4021 ~ $40
12:1 spot ratio
-76 ~ 932f

Dimensions HxWxD : 5.8x 1.9x 5.2


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[sjb269]

I believe the stickers you are referring to are DUO safety aluminum ladder stickers used in the Fire service. They turn color at 300 degrees.
I have contemplated using a heat sink like plumbers do when sweat soldering... Keep a small towel in ice water in a small cooler at your firing position and run the damp towel over the barrel in between strings to accelerate barrel cooling.

 

[wakajawaka]

I've got one in my range bag.
I use it, but don't log any temps.

 

[hdbiker1]

I tried using one on brass while annealing. The problem I ran into was the reflectivity of what you're trying to measure. It seems the more reflective a surface, the more erratic the reading and could never get a recording over about 140 degrees F until I shot it into the casing where the burnt powder residue covered any shine. Of course mine is a cheapo from Harbor Freight. I guess a shiny or polished surface will hamper performance. Next time I go to the range I think I'm going to try it and see how it works on a ss vs blued barrel.

 

[BobD]

I tried using one on brass while annealing. The problem I ran into was the reflectivity of what you're trying to measure. It seems the more reflective a surface, the more erratic the reading and could never get a recording over about 140 degrees F until I shot it into the casing where the burnt powder residue covered any shine. Of course mine is a cheapo from Harbor Freight. I guess a shiny or polished surface will hamper performance. Next time I go to the range I think I'm going to try it and see how it works on a ss vs blued barrel.

You can get IR thermometers with adjustable emissivity levels to correct that. They usually come with a manual to set at correct setting/sensitivity based on the objects reflectivity. Ones that do not have this usually have a fixed level and are for a narrower range of materials.

I would really like to hear how every goes and any results you find.

Hope that helps-

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[hdbiker1]

You can get IR thermometers with adjustable emissivity levels to correct that. They usually come with a manual to set at correct setting/sensitivity based on the objects reflectivity. Ones that do not have this usually have a fixed level and are for a narrower range of materials.

I would really like to hear how every goes and any results you find.

Hope that helps-

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Of course I'm sure it comes with a price tag that I'm not sure I'm willing to pay, unless I really needed it for purposes other than checking barrel or brass temps, but thanks for the info.

 

[Delta4-3]

I'm a tinkerer, so I have wondered if building a lightweight CO2 cooling system would be consistent enough to yield positive results, but then again, with extra cartridges, you could just do a heavier barrel.

 

[BobD]

I saw a buddy's "light gun" class BR rifle one time...he had a little temp sensitive sticker on it. Sporter stock with sendero contoured barrel in 300WM.Hard to explain or describe but its like a small plastic, adhesive backed gauge. When it gets hot it changed color. He said wasn't super scientific but he would shoot it till it turned red from barrel heat.The sticker worked like those toys kids had back in the day....mood rings.

I was actually looking at some similar products recently as well.Some of these are pretty interesting. I think it might be useful to have some of these in addition to an IR thermometer when times/places are not practical. I've looked at a few different brands including Omega.These are non reversible

Reversible

Also reversible

Reversible

Marker version

For humidity... Cards and desiccants