Range Report for 17 July 2003

Frank · 07-17-2003, 09:18 PM

Since it was suppose to be much cooler today, I decided to exercise several of my shooters. The Swan (a Thor reserection of a 1917 DWM) shot as well as it always has. I took it's small companion along for company (Walther Third Reich 7.65mm PP). Except for the size holes in the target it was tough to tell much difference.

One thing I did notice, was that toward the end of the shooting session and the temperature began to rise to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit at 11:00 am, the accuracy of both pistols decreased drastically.

My question is this!! Was it the barrel expansion that caused the degradation or was it the shooters desire to head for an air conditioned car????

Oh, I forgot to mention that it was 117 deg. F yesterday!! Only got to 108 today!!

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

unspellable · 07-18-2003, 08:20 AM

Causes in order of probability:

1. Shooter's desire to head for air conditioned car.

2. Change in ballistics due to powder getting warmer.

3. Expansion of barrel.

More seriously, the ambient temperature will have a noticeble effect on the ballistics of the particular load. I would expect this effect to as large or larger than that due to the barrel heating up. The Brits used to put up two loads for a rifle, one for decent temperatures and one for the hot tropical climate.

AGE · 07-19-2003, 12:11 AM

At high power rifle matches knowledgable shooters keep their ammo in the shade to minimize solar heating. Hot rounds shoot higher than cold ones (loaded at the same time with the same powder charge, etc.).

AGE · 07-19-2003, 11:32 PM

I value my comfort also. Florida heat and moisture can be unbearable at times, so I leave for the summer. I usually shoot only between 70 and 80 degrees which is Nov. through April (sometimes only mornings) in Florida or May to September in WV where we spend summers. That kind of leaves out October, pretty tough life but somebody has to do it. Might as well be me.

Frank · 07-20-2003, 12:35 AM

Hi Guys, thanks for the comments!! Sounds like I have to do the indoor trick or move "up North" for the summer shoots. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

07-17-2003, 09:18 PM	#1
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 163 Times in 87 Posts	Range Report for 17 July 2003 Since it was suppose to be much cooler today, I decided to exercise several of my shooters. The Swan (a Thor reserection of a 1917 DWM) shot as well as it always has. I took it's small companion along for company (Walther Third Reich 7.65mm PP). Except for the size holes in the target it was tough to tell much difference. One thing I did notice, was that toward the end of the shooting session and the temperature began to rise to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit at 11:00 am, the accuracy of both pistols decreased drastically. My question is this!! Was it the barrel expansion that caused the degradation or was it the shooters desire to head for an air conditioned car???? Oh, I forgot to mention that it was 117 deg. F yesterday!! Only got to 108 today!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

07-19-2003, 12:11 AM	#3
AGE User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 597 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	At high power rifle matches knowledgable shooters keep their ammo in the shade to minimize solar heating. Hot rounds shoot higher than cold ones (loaded at the same time with the same powder charge, etc.). __________________ Al Eggers (AGE) NRA Life Member

07-19-2003, 11:32 PM	#4
AGE User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 597 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I value my comfort also. Florida heat and moisture can be unbearable at times, so I leave for the summer. I usually shoot only between 70 and 80 degrees which is Nov. through April (sometimes only mornings) in Florida or May to September in WV where we spend summers. That kind of leaves out October, pretty tough life but somebody has to do it. Might as well be me. __________________ Al Eggers (AGE) NRA Life Member

07-18-2003, 08:20 AM	#2
unspellable User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 768 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 10 Posts	Causes in order of probability: 1. Shooter's desire to head for air conditioned car. 2. Change in ballistics due to powder getting warmer. 3. Expansion of barrel. More seriously, the ambient temperature will have a noticeble effect on the ballistics of the particular load. I would expect this effect to as large or larger than that due to the barrel heating up. The Brits used to put up two loads for a rifle, one for decent temperatures and one for the hot tropical climate.

07-20-2003, 12:35 AM	#5
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 163 Times in 87 Posts	Hi Guys, thanks for the comments!! Sounds like I have to do the indoor trick or move "up North" for the summer shoots. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />