Load Workup in Wind?

[MtnCreek]

How do you handle working up new loads in windy conditions?

Today we've got varying wind from steady 10 to 15 mph w/ gusts around 30. I wanted to shoot some new loads this afternoon and with this rifle (18" AR), I was going to shoot them at 300 yds. With the conditions, 300 is out, but what about 100 yds? Even in prevailing wind, that little bullet could get pushed a couple inches at 100. If I do a good job at timing my shots (or even scratch shots in a gust), I wonder how useful the info will be. If I just look at the groups vertically, do you think that will give sufficient info to find which load is the better performer? What do you guys out west do?

If it makes a difference, I've got 3 loads, all the same except powder charge. 10 at each charge weight. I'd typically shoot a 5 rd group of each, then start over with another 5 rd group of each.

Thanks!

 

[allaroundhunter]

In the wind I just shoot 3 shot groups for load work-up to determine if it is a combination worth future testing. You can easily tell with 3 shots if it is going to be a decent load. Try shooting in lulls of wind or in a constant speed. If you take a shot and think that a gust blew the shot then you have an extra round to shoot for that group.

 

[243winxb]

Depends on the bullet. 55gr, forget it. Wind flags are your friend.

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[ranger335v]

I don't test loads in wind, there's nothing to be accomplished by it.

 

[gspn]

I don't test loads in wind, there's nothing to be accomplished by it.

+1

If that's my forecast I do something else that day.

 

[kelbro]

It's a waste of components.

 

[mdm]

Seems kind of like testing sunscreen formulas at night.

 

[sauer1911]

about the only thing you can accomplish would be to set up a Chronograph for your FPS. Then see if you can group the shots in the wind, and maybe there is a FPS group that works best for the wind?

Save all your info for the future, less windy days.

be safe.

 

[MtnCreek]

If that's my forecast I do something else that day.

Well that's what I wound up doing. When I got home I noticed a goat was favoring a foot, so trip back to town for some fresh penicillin and some one on one time holding a 285# goat down while trimming and treating hooves. A good time was had by all!

 

[MtnCreek]

about the only thing you can accomplish would be to set up a Chronograph for your FPS.

I've tested new loads with just a chronograph before and IMO, it's a good way to find the general area of a sweet spot. If I'm staying up late fiddling with new loads, I sometimes set one up and shoot / record.

I probably need to find a way to make my chronograph screens more ridged; they flex pretty bad in the wind (CED millennium). I typically don't use it if the wind's blowing much.

 

[gspn]

some one on one time holding a 285# goat down while trimming and treating hooves. A good time was had by all!

If you had told me that was your other option...I'd have said go shooting!

 

[gamestalker]

Personally, I spend too much time working loads up to waste time trying to evaluate them on a windy day. I've tried it in the past, but I quickly realized how misleading the results can be, even at 100 yds.. And how much effect the wind has on the bullet isn't the only issue either, it effects me, the rifle, dust blowing in my eye's, barrel, optics, and so on. I also don't like having my expensive spotting scope or chrony knocked over, and setting up is also a pain also.

GS

 

[MtnCreek]

and setting up is also a pain also.

+1 I figured out duct tape is a must on a windy day. The wind will pull the target off even if I staple the crap out of it, but usually not until I get settled in ready to shoot. But duct tape will hold it there. Not much dust around here, but have you ever tried to shoot in a field on a windy day when the field was just fertilized w/ chicken litter? :/

 

[Walkalong]

Checking loads in the wind is not easy, and not for the beginner. Wind flags are nearly a must. Even then, it's tough. Find a condition that is consistent, shoot only it, and learn to throw out the shots that conditions bite you on. The trick there is knowing when that is, when it is you, and when it is the load.

Early AM or late in the evening when winds tend to be fairly calm is best. Even then there are Gremlins out there that flags don't show.

The wind will pull the target off even if I staple the crap out of it,

Good luck, your going to need it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Short story, I was testing a new 55gr .223 load for my bolt action rifle @100 yards and the groups were very small, under 1/2MOA. By the time I got to set up @ the 200 yard range the wind picked up with gusts. Needless to say those same 1/2MOA loads opened up to a full MOA with some "flyers" that the wind had it's way with! The groups went from .4" to 2" because of the wind but that's to be expected especially with a 55gr bullet. A 150+gr bullet from a .308 would have probably faired better.

IMO the only good thing about shooting in the wind is to learn how to read the wind under real world conditions. (which is not a bad thing) Shooting in the wind is not good for testing new loads though.

 

[Nwflycaster]

If it were me I wouldn't waste my time or components in that kind of wind.

 

[Rule3]

Seems kind of like testing sunscreen formulas at night.

Now that there is funny!

I hate wind, I wouldn't even drive to the range.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I hate wind, I wouldn't even drive to the range.

I would still go to the range but I usually make that day a handgun day... lol