How much does the temp affect patterns

[Ruger M77]

It's still cold here in PA with no end in sight it seems and I'm getting antsy. I just wondered how much the temperature affects patterns? I'm headed for Kentucky in six weeks and I'm ready to get started on tryin out some new guns,chokes and shells. I'm also laid off from work right now and bored out of mind . But I don't wanna waste shells by shootin them in 20 degree weather if it's gonna make a big difference in how they pattern though

[WildSpur]

If you are only shooting for hunting preparation you should be fine.  I would definitely make sure you have a good zero at your normal shot distance.   I would not stress out if a 40 yard shot is not putting up high #'s or is slightly off center.   It is freezing out and you could flinch or twitch a little in this weather.  Imo 20-30 yard shooting will tell if you are good to go until the weather warms up.

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[CrustyRusty]

It's supposed to get to mid 40's by Friday.  I'd try and wait, no sense wasting shells.

[allaboutshooting]

Cold air is dense air. Dense air tends to cause patterns to spread very rapidly.

If you add to that factor, very dry air which often accompanies cold winter air, your patterns at 20 degrees may not resemble what you'll see at 40 or 50 degrees, which in many places is about the temps you'll have in the early turkey seasons.

Shotshells are also affected by cold temperatures. The powder does not burn the same at low temps as it does at higher temps. If you have cold shotshells in a cold shotgun it can further reduce the effectiveness of the loads.

You might find yourself disappointed in a combination that in reality works very well in normal turkey hunting conditions.

I would wait until temperatures are at least something like those in which you will hunt to try your combinations.

Thanks,
Clark
L

[the Ward]

Cold air is dense air. Dense air tends to cause patterns to spread very rapidly.

If you add to that factor, very dry air which often accompanies cold winter air, your patterns at 20 degrees may not resemble what you'll see at 40 or 50 degrees, which in many places is about the temps you'll have in the early turkey seasons.

Shotshells are also affected by cold temperatures. The powder does not burn the same at low temps as it does at higher temps. If you have cold shotshells in a cold shotgun it can further reduce the effectiveness of the loads.

You might find yourself disappointed in a combination that in reality works very well in normal turkey hunting conditions.

I would wait until temperatures are at least something like those in which you will hunt to try your combinations.

Thanks,
Clark
L

x2

[Dallen92]

As far as numbers go I can definitely say that I have seen a significant decline in pellets on target when it is cooler and around a 15 degree difference from when I shot it before.

[Byhalia]

Cold air is dense air. Dense air tends to cause patterns to spread very rapidly.

If you add to that factor, very dry air which often accompanies cold winter air, your patterns at 20 degrees may not resemble what you'll see at 40 or 50 degrees, which in many places is about the temps you'll have in the early turkey seasons.

Shotshells are also affected by cold temperatures. The powder does not burn the same at low temps as it does at higher temps. If you have cold shotshells in a cold shotgun it can further reduce the effectiveness of the loads.

You might find yourself disappointed in a combination that in reality works very well in normal turkey hunting conditions.

I would wait until temperatures are at least something like those in which you will hunt to try your combinations.

Thanks,
Clark
L

x2

x3

[Ruger M77]

Thanks for the advice guys I reckon I'll try to hold myself back and wait for it to get alittle warmer

[beagler]

Calling for a balmy -6 here in the morning. Wonder if the birds will be gobbling.