Thanks Mother Nature

[liberalwithagun]

I was all excited this week to actually get out and put some rounds down range. Even more excited to try out my first hand loaded rounds.

Starting on Tuesday the weather was 45 degrees and sunny. Same on Wed. and Thursday. 40 degree and light snow today. Saturday, the first day I have time to get to the range, winter weather advisory and well below 20.

However, sunday may be in the mid 40's.


Just wanted to rant. I am sick of being stuck indoors and not being able to get out and shoot.

 

[dak0ta]

It's more fun to shoot in the cold... just put extra layers on.

 

[TenDriver]

We have similar issues. Went to the indoor range during lunch thinking we'd at least shoot a couple of boxes of 22s. No dice, too crowded.

 

[chrome_austex]

Shooting one's first handloads is a milestone!

I found myself wishing for protective barrier and a long string, but everything went fine.

 

[liberalwithagun]

@dakota - If the weather just "blows over" and I don't have to worry about getting snowed in @ the range I like that advice. It has been years since I shot in real cold.

@Ten - I wish we had an indoor range. I could at least shoot some 9mm and 22.

@chrome - I think I will hold off on shooting my handloads in this cold of weather. I have plenty of other .223 rounds to shoot. Plus it will give me more brass to load that night.



will the cold weather affect my loads?

.223
23.0 grains H335
Mixed brass (WCC/Winchester/L C)
Winchester primer
Hornaday 55 gr FMJBT

 

[husker]

Its sunny in Omaha, with winds that are shoving the chill to sub zero. I HATE IT!

 

[dak0ta]

Just think of them troops at the Battle of the Bulge or at Stalingrad... block out the warmth of the Pacific campaign.

In all seriousness.. it'll be nice to see how your guns and ammo function in extreme weather. Look upon this as a golden opportunity to test them for reliability.

 

[Hardtarget]

Tomorrow, (2/11/12), My cousin and I will be at the range in Gallatin. We haven't shot together for ten years. Rain or shine or snow we will send rounds and make lots of noise! I think we'll have a dozen guns between us. We'll be cleaning for a week!

So, go to shoot. Even if its only for half an hour. You'll be glad... and think... just might have the range to your self!

Mark

ps: I did notice its a bit colder where you are. Go anyway!

 

[cleardiddion]

with winds that are shoving the chill to sub zero. I HATE IT!

Sounds like Cheyenne pretty much this entire winter.
Makes for a sad me.

 

[liberalwithagun]

Turned out to be a decent day. Temps in the 30's and slightly overcast.

We shot 500 9mm rounds and about 140 .223.

Time to sort and reload.


Handloads worked great. Can probably add .5 grain or so. No signs of overpressure. Good tight groups. The ammo outshoots me. Most "misses" and flyers were do to me.

 

[joed]

I had never shot any of my guns in the winter. Last year I did, real experience. You learn things like don't use ballpark powders. I now use less sensitive powders in my rifles.

 

[jpwilly]

Bummer, here in AZ we have a lot of nice sunny days. Summer is HOT but the rest of the year i.e. today 79 degrees sunny beautiful slight breeze! Lovin it!

Hope Sunday works out.