What is the most stable powder?

[TomVan]

I reload for a number of different calibers and shoot in all kinds of weather.  I have a 300 RUM that I want to develop the most stable load for because I shot last year in temps from 0 to 97 and the heat really worries me.  Most of my load development comes in warm weather and then I head north to colder climates.  Any suggestions on powders that are not temperature sensitive and what powders would be the best for my 300 RUM, 30-06, and a .270.  All three guns are Remington 700 BDL's.

[Questor]

I am very pleased with Hodgdon "Extreme" line of powders, which incluces 4831SC and a few others. See www.hodgdon.com

The Extreme line is temperature insensitive and they really do work. I've chronographed my loads in sub-zero temperatures and at 90+ degrees and the variation in velocity is insignificant.  Alliant Reloader 15 is also temperature insensitive.

[ricciardelli]

Funny  how "temperature sensitivity" was never  something we thought of until Hodgdon released it's "Extreme" powders.

I have been using the same old-time powders since the 1960's, and I have hunted in extreme temperature variations from 55 below zero (F) to 125 above zero (F) without any problems.

My secret?  Get out to your hunting site a day in advance, take out your firearms, set up a target, and re-affirm your zero.  I have never had a firearm be off by more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch at 200 yards, and that is after bouncing around in the back of a Bronco for 3000 miles, or worse yet, being abused by airline baggage handlers.

Most of my loads are worked-up when the temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees (F).

[while99]

If the Extreme line of powders are so good, how come the military chose Reloader 15 for the M-118 special long-range ball load?  At least that's what the Alliant web page claimed a few years ago.  Military ammo has to function in all kinds of conditions.

[5Redman8]

Temperature sensitivity is of GREAT concern....not just now but ALWAYS.  Re-affirming zero does absolutley nothing but make sure you are zeroed at trhat particular range.

When you are shooting beyond 300yds (shhhhh but some of us even shoot to 1000yds), a drop or rise in fps is the concern....not your 100yd zero.  Some of us even go to the trouble to produce or adjust reloads for the conditions at hand!!!  A lot of work...YESSSSS!!!!  does it help.....YESSSSS!!!!

When we get "stable" powders, our loads cover more conditions....not all.  

The extreme powders are good, but are not the "end all" solution.  Depends on what you are after.

Kyle

[Questor]

While99: Reloader 15 is a temperature insensitve powder. (Works great!)

[ricciardelli]

Funny...but in over 55 years of shooting I never remember seeing a box of factory ammo labled, "For Temperate Climates Only", of "For Arctic Climates Only", or even "For Tropical Climates Only".

And, if ammo loaded at 70 degrees (F) is only 1/4" off at 200 yards at 125 degrees and -55 degrees, your basic ballistics will be the same.

Yes, I am a long range shooter, if you consider kills at 700+ yards long range.

Kind of funny how the GI's of WWII managed to use the same ammo to kill in the South Pacific, the North Pacific and North Atlantic and all over Europe.  I doubt if they wondered about temperature sensitivity...they just loaded their M-1's and BAR's and hit their targets.

[5Redman8]

55 years...that is a long time!!!  I have only been reloading 5 years and have already figured out temp sensitivity is an issue... :eek:

What I do to minimalize the effect is to test loads at my avg mean hunting temp or shooting temp.  This splits the difference of the  ERROR.  ie if I shoot from 0-100deg, load work is done at 50deg.  By zeroing your rifle, you are only accounting for an error for THAT distance.  Now zeroing and chronographing will get you the info needed for compensation.  Just plug it into Exbal and go.

I too am amazed at the GIs and what they were able to do....oh but then I remeber they were not concerned with one shot kills....but I am!!!  I am a no compromise shooter.  

As reloaders, we strive for FPS SD's in the ones..... ie less than 10fps SD.  What good does that do if we are okay with the temperature increasing our deviation.  Does not fly with me.

Kills at 700 yds...congrats and keep doing what your doing.  Me....I will consider EVERY variable I can.  You think temp is ridiculous to consider, heck...some of the IDIOTS I shoot with consider ...elevation, barometric pressure....you get the picture.

 :lol:
Kyle

[while99]

I agree with Questor, Reloader 15 is a very stable powder that gives consistent velocities and accuracy.  My point was that if the Extreme line of powders offered any real advantage over other powders, the military would have chosen it.

[Questor]

While99:

I think the government  may have preferred Alliant is because Alliant has done a lot of government contracts for large volumes of munitions products.  Reloader 15 is advertised as being temperature insensitive. I don't think anybody says that the Extreme line is more temperature insensitive than Reloader 15.  There are other temperature insensitive rifle powders out there, and it seems to be the new generation of rifle powders that we'll be using most from now on.  I certainly like the consistency. I also like the shorter grains available in some of the newer powders so that metering can be done easily.

[charlie45]

:grin:  i agree with steve, shotgunners shot the same powders all year long. leads and speeds do not change enough to cause a problem.
     windy days, well thats another story!
and  then theres the 22 rimfire same story 0 deg.f. to 95 deg. maybe 1/8 poi change @ 50 yards.

[MickinColo]

Get a “grip” guys.

The best you can hope for is a compromise between temperature, barometric pressure (altitude), how old your powder is (lot number too), your choice of primers (lot number also), and the time of year you reload. Once the cartridge is sealed with a bullet it is good to go for a while.

Once you have that down, then you can worry about the real thing that will defeat you in 1000-yard competition…. The wind!