Fall Patterning

[allaboutshooting]

We've just had our first taste of fall with early morning temperatures in the 40s. Since I do see some differences in patterns with lower temperatures and higher humidity, I plan to get out early soon to pattern shells some while those temperatures are down. In that way I'll be ready for the fall season and also know just how my gun will pattern on those cool spring mornings next year.

If you've not patterned your gun on a cool and damp morning, it's something that you might want to try just to see if your patterns are effected.

I also allow enough time for my gun and my shells to become cool/cold to the touch, just like when I'm out hunting. I want to be as close to actual hunting conditions as possible. A cold gun, cold ammo and cold atmospheric conditions can make a difference in performance of our equipment.

Might be worth a try.

Thanks,
Clark

[WillowRidgeCalls]

Just curious as to what you find a pattern does in different temps. Do they tend to stay a tighter pattern or do they open up more. I know a rifle will change drasticly in temp changes as much as a couple inches. Never thought much about a shotgun pattern changing, but that could explain why we miss that first shot on real cold mornings? If we pattern our shotguns in at 40 degrees and miss our first shots when it's 10 degrees, until that gun heats back up.

[allaboutshooting]

Just curious as to what you find a pattern does in different temps. Do they tend to stay a tighter pattern or do they open up more. I know a rifle will change drasticly in temp changes as much as a couple inches. Never thought much about a shotgun pattern changing, but that could explain why we miss that first shot on real cold mornings? If we pattern our shotguns in at 40 degrees and miss our first shots when it's 10 degrees, until that gun heats back up.

You are right on the money. Cold air is much more dense than hot air. It's just harder for that shot chage to stay together in tight patterns. It tends to disburse pretty quickly. A cold barrel and cold shells only add to that problem. A really great pattern in warm temperatures may not be so great on a cold fall or spring morning. It just pays to know how your gun patterns in all conditions. The differences may be surprising.

Thanks,
Clark