Cold barrel ... hot ambient temps?

[Banjo91]

Now ... don't laugh at me if this is a dumb question. I've been practicing with my 300 win mag off and on all summer. Was shooting a couple different loads this weekend....180gr accubond and ELD-x.

I noticed that my first shots each day were fairly erratic.... but tightened up as the barrel warmed up. I couldn't get out each day until 11am and ambient temp was 95-ish°.... high humidity. I only shot 9 rounds each day. Just noticed it got tighter each round of 3 as the barrel warmed. It never got super hot.

Curious what your thoughts might be. I am also fully aware that it was possibly user error. I ended up both loads with 2" groups at 200yds (last round of 3)

It was miserable to be outside, but these were the only days I could shoot... traveling a bit this week for work.

Thoughts?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Steve300xcw]

So you shot better after you warmed up?

 

[Banjo91]

Yes .... again ... maybe it was just me. Hasn't happened all summer, but this was by far the hottest temps I shot in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Sadie]

Could be condensation in your barrel if coming out of an air-conditioned house.

 

[eoperator]

Could be condensation in your barrel if coming out of an air-conditioned house.

This is common for me, if my rifle "sweats" when taken outside the first couple shots will be wild.

 

[TradLife406]

How many shots in the groups you're shooting?
There's still a lot of guys who think that 3 shots in group. But a rifle has a dispersion pattern that can be as much as inch and a half or two inches if it's really bad.
Might just be seeing the shots dance inside that cone.

Guys will chase their tails on load development because their sample data is so small. Or zeroing.

 

[Banjo91]

How many shots in the groups you're shooting?
There's still a lot of guys who think that 3 shots in group. But a rifle has a dispersion pattern that can be as much as inch and a half or two inches if it's really bad.
Might just be seeing the shots dance inside that cone.

Guys will chase their tails on load development because their sample data is so small. Or zeroing.

Good point.... had a routine of 5-6 per group but did some scope adjustments and went to 3/group .... was pulling things together when the ambient temp got stupid hot.

I think I found the load I'm going with, but still need to fine tune the scope adjustment. This dispersion had me scratching my head. Cold front is moving in, and it works well with my travel schedule. Will pick back up when I return.... go back to early morning shooting


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Banjo91]

Could be condensation in your barrel if coming out of an air-conditioned house.

That makes sense ... hadn't thought about condensation


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk