Temperature sensitive powders

[DeepMauka]

I live in Hawaii and have relatively consistent temperatures all year round (75-85 degrees), but wondering how much I should be worried if the temps spike a bit or fall later this year. I’m not trying to run max pressure/velocity, but want to run as fast and as accurately possible to extend my effective hunting range.

Powders in question are Levr and CFE 223.

I want to be around 2800fps for the 6 arc with the Levr, so according to Hornady manual, most likely be running about half grain off book max. The CFE 223 is for my AR because velcities for my XBR loads were about 250fps slower than factory ammo of same bullet.

At what point does heat or cold really start messing with those powders? Is it something I should be concerned about?

 

[Steve300xcw]

I have heard that lever was sensitive but have not noticed that myself.

 

[Sureshot406]

I live in Hawaii and have relatively consistent temperatures all year round (75-85 degrees), but wondering how much I should be worried if the temps spike a bit or fall later this year. I’m not trying to run max pressure/velocity, but want to run as fast and as accurately possible to extend my effective hunting range.

Powders in question are Levr and CFE 223.

I want to be around 2800fps for the 6 arc with the Levr, so according to Hornady manual, most likely be running about half grain off book max. The CFE 223 is for my AR because velcities for my XBR loads were about 250fps slower than factory ammo of same bullet.

At what point does heat or cold really start messing with those powders? Is it something I should be concerned about?

Honestly I don’t think you have much to worry about if you’re setting at 75-85 degrees. Even if it gets up to 115 that’s only a 40 degree swing, tops. You should be fine in my humble opinion, especially if you’re a half grain under max.


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[Bater]

If my climate was that stable I’d never worry about powder temp stability honestly. Out west we deal with 0° - 90’s where stability actually matters. I’d rock on and not worry about a thing if I were you.

 

[Bluefish]

Powders that are sensitive are in the 2 fps per deg f range. Low sensitivity is .5. You are using two sensitive powders, but unless you let your rifle sit in the sun, the swings are so small it won’t matter for you.

Where it matters is I hunt in 25-30 deg weather and might shoot in the summer at 90+.

 

[Steve300xcw]

I had some outta the book an then some RL22 loads that sat in the pickup all day in the middle of summer.

That was educational.

 

[Jeff_Gibbons]

Powders that are sensitive are in the 2 fps per deg f range. Low sensitivity is .5. You are using two sensitive powders, but unless you let your rifle sit in the sun, the swings are so small it won’t matter for you.

Where it matters is I hunt in 25-30 deg weather and might shoot in the summer at 90+.

This is good information! I’ve seen similar velocity spreads. My approach - if you’re going to load hot - do it in hotter temps and work up. Hunting later when it’s cooler will be safe.

 

[Sureshot406]

This is good information! I’ve seen similar velocity spreads. My approach - if you’re going to load hot - do it in hotter temps and work up. Hunting later when it’s cooler will be safe.

100% I second this advice. I live in Montana we see some big swings. Spicy loads get loaded in the summer.


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