CR123 batteries in the cold?

[Jpsmith1]

Vortex Viper HD 3000 rangefinder in use during rifle season here in Pennsylvania.

With a fresh battery, once the whole device reached ambient, between the low teens and the mid 20s which isn't really cold, yet, I'm getting a low battery indicator, occasional erratic readings and device failure due to low battery.

Yesterday, I checked it and it hit a tree at approximately 60 yards for 490 then faulted out and shut down.

Web specs on the CR123 battery say it should work down to well below 0°F and I haven't gotten a meter out to measure delivered voltage off the battery.

Yeah, I know, Vortex sucks buy "Brand X"

What batteries are guys using? Are you having these types of issues in the cold and, if so, what are you doing to manage them?

 

[Weldor]

I've used most brands, everready duracell etc. Bino rangefinder kept in FHF rig never really had problems like that. I keep a couple in a interior pocket when it is below 20. Sometimes the battery's sit on the shelf and are out dated already.

 

[Fatcamp]

I've had the same batteries in a Leupold and a Vortex for years in all weather with no issues.

I think its your tool.

 

[UtahJimmy]

Are you using lithium?

I use Duracell lithium and never had an issue. RF lives in a pouch on my bino harness so it's not being kept warm. No problem in the wind/snow/subzero temps

 

[Jpsmith1]

I think its your tool.

That's what I'm trying to determine.

I picked the RF up off of Ebay, so ya never quite know.

Batteries are brand new Energizer Lithium. After installation, they’ve got less than 50 range cycles on them.

I keep my optics in hunting temperatures until the season ends to help prevent fogging. Been bitten by that one before. Mine lives in the RF pocket on my bino rig

I'd expect some shortening of lifecycle from the cold. It's a battery with an internal chemical reaction. Temperature would almost have to impact that.

Based on these answers, I'm probably gonna ship it back before 3D season gets cranked up and see what Vortex says.

 

[rideold]

I'm on my second battery in my rangefinder in 8 years. I'd say yours is defective

 

[HuntHarder]

You already said it. It is indeed another Vortex failure. I have used Cr123 batteries in multiple rangefinders for over 20 years. None has experienced what you are describing due to cold. 3 weeks ago I was hunting in 4* weather with wind chill below that. RF exposed on side of my bino pack and it still worked flawlessly.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

Think it’s your rangefinder. Only issue I’ve had with batteries in my rangefinder has been at -20 or lower.