Effects of temperature on ammunition?

[jcabin]

I'm wondering what the effects of temperature would be on standard ammunition that hasnt been specially treated. The effects of extreme heat and extreme cold. Has anyone had any experience with ammunition failing to operate properly due to climate?

[ReconLdr]

I have never had ammunition fail to function due to temperature... I do know when the temp goes down so does the muzzle velocity, when the temp goes up, the muzzle velocity goes up.

I do not know what the variance is for pistol and rifle ammo. I do know that with artillery the mvs can vary by more than 100m/s at the extremes of temperatures.

Hope this helps.

[RCN]

From what I have seen the problems with weapons functioning in extreme temperature ranges has more to do with the weapon than the ammuntion

Weapon malfunctions that I have observed in extreme cold (-20) were the result of insufficient or incorrect lubrication. Extreme cold requires the use of different lubricants. In extreme heat (130) the problems seem to go back to cleaning/maintenance because of dust/dirt inherent in places that routinely make it to 130 F

Now if you want to talk ballistics that is a whole new ballgame. Precision sighting of weapons in an environment where daily temp ranges are high (Day 90-130 Night 30-60) can be pretty difficult.

Maybe some of the precision long range smart guys can offer some thoughts.

[Brick]

Temperature can have some effect on precision shooting. Here's a ballistics calculator that offers temperature as a variable. Try it a few times and see how much the output varies.

http://www.biggameinfo.com/BalCalc.aspx

I know a number of service rifle competitors who will not let thier ammo sit in the sun. They always keep it shaded somehow.

[RaisedByWolves]

I hear that at around 400F it will operate on its own.


Just sayin.

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