Post by picklehead on Nov 13, 2016 15:02:55 GMT -5
This is my favorite powder for a few over bore rounds that holds piles of it. Im starting to think different about it now and seems like every lot is way different and might just be the change in temps. I generally work loads up in the summer because of two reasons. First is , I don't care to shoot in cold weather and shake / wear heavy clothes. Second is , I know they will be safe in colder temps verses a hot load in winter,,, might be WAY TO HOT in summer.
It just crossed my mind that I may be, doing things backward. I only shoot the 257 or Ultra mag in summer for giggles and at paper. I think a hunting rifle needs to be loaded for the conditions it will be used in and don't worry about punching holes with them on a 80 degree day at paper. I think Elk Hunter told me one time that R22 was famous for changing in different temps and Big Joe said about the same the other night when I was talking to him about R25.
Im hell bent on R25 in my 257 mag because it makes the sucker shoot so good but can say it is a dirty burning powder and ran a test this morning. I shot it twice with a 73 degree barrel and 73 degree rounds. It was right where it should be and left the rifle and 6 rounds outside for hours to get cold. Next was a 43 degree barrel and rounds. Yea, the POI was 1" higher and 1" to the right and didn't group as good. All was the very same, other than temp. You might wonder why this would matter and it probably doesn't if aiming for the boiler room but im just a picky person and this rifle is for 200 plus yards , only.
If I decide to change powder, is there a powder out there that is temp stable and works great in very over bore rounds, with semi heavy bullets? The 115 VLD is my bullet choice and not changing that. I know barrel temp and barrel metal plays a role but the factory rounds does not do this, so im leaning on my powder choice. Simple fix would be just to forget about warmer temps and dial it in for winter only. That is what I did today. Am I wrong and what Y'all think?