HSM 10MM: Cold Weather Testing

[mr.revolverguy]

HSM has been assembling ammunition since 1968. Today they produce six brands of ammunition Hunting, Cowboy Action, Bear Load, Varmint, Pro Pistol and Self Defense. Today I will be cold weather testing Bear Load and Pro Pistol loads. I will shoot 6 rounds of this ammunition across the chronograph from two pistols Ruger Blackhawk 10mm and SR1911 10MM. The chronograph will be setup 3 yards down range. To test for accuracy these loads will be fired from a bench pistol rest at 25 yards.

I fired 6 rounds through the SR1911 and Ruger Blackhawk in 27 degree weather to find out how sensitive this ammunition is to cold weather. Part 2 will consist of firing the same loads with the same pistols in weather above 60 degree's. Stay Tuned for Part 2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw4RXEC8SyA
SR1911 Ruger 10MM Unboxing
http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=5850

SR1911 10MM Range Visit
http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=5855

Ruger Blackhawk 10MM Stainless Unboxing
http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=5904

Ruger Blackhawk 10MM Stainless RansomRest
http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=5917

SR1911 Ruger 10MM Chronograph Results 180gr HSM
Group Size = 1.8' at 25yds -- Pistol Rest
Lowest = 1069
Highest = 1093
Average = 1078
Extreme Spread = 24
Standard Deviation = 9

SR1911 10MM Chronograph Results 200gr HSM
Advertised Velocity = 1041 - 481 ft pounds.
Lowest = 1015
Highest = 1053
Average = 1038
Extreme Spread = 40
Standard Deviation =14

Ruger Blackhawk Stainless 10MM Chronograph 180gr HSM
Lowest = 1116
Highest = 1149
Average = 1132
Extreme Spread = 33
Standard Deviation = 12

Ruger Blackhawk Stainless 10MM Chronograph 200gr HSM
Advertised Velocity = 1041 - 481 ft pounds.
Group Size = 1.1' at 25yds -- Pistol Rest
Lowest = 1070
Highest = 1109
Extreme Spread = 39
Standard Deviation = 13

The advertised velocity of the Bear Loads were pretty much the same as the results I achieved today. Which could lead one to believe that the cold had no effect at all on this ammunition, though I still plan to test these loads in warmer weather conditions.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Interesting .

Remind use which type bullets these are loaded with ?

 

[Enigma]

Not to nitpick, bit IMHO cold weather testing should begin at zero degrees Farenheit, and proceed downwards to -40. Probably my time at the Army's Cold Regions Test Center that fosters that belief, but still.

 

[mr.revolverguy]

I understand your belief, my willingness to go through Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training which includes cold weather training again at my age wouldn't be the smartest thing I have done

The test for me is mostly targeting the average civilian base community in how they would be utilizing the ammo. With all the conversation about the new powders being less sensitive to weather for the average user is it a necessity. I can tell you in just 10 degree differences during warm weather with certain powders I can absolutely see a difference in 357Mag and 44Mag.

 

[Enigma]

Agreed. I found this out the hard way when I was shooting in the summertime in SW Arizona!