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alphakilla · Veteran Member

I was reading a story in "adventures in airgun hunting" and, the author mentioned that he uses .20 cal. in the morning because of the cooler temps and the air thermals. He switches to .22 cal. when the temps rise and the wind picks up. I also heard something about altitude affecting pellet flight.
We had below freezing temps and some pretty gusty winds 2 days ago when I was practicing. I was so off that I started re-sighting my scope, hmmm... I wonder if I should've just waited for a good day.

Tom berenger played in a movie where he was a sniper, I think the movie is "Sniper." Snipers have guys that have a little scope aimed at the same target and they tell him wind speed and direction and distance... The sniper then makes adjustments to his scope and makes a perfect shot. I'm thinking airgunners have to be both sniper and "sniper helper" to shoot accurately in the elements.

I mostly hunt so I am always subject to the whatever weather wer'e having. I'm pretty clear about the affects of wind on a shot.

How does temperature, altitude, thermals affect your shot?

oddtodd · Silver Status Member

I've never had a temperature problem with my springers. CO2 is pretty much useless under 60 degrees Fahrenheit. I've had a pcp too, and the cold never affected it at all. It was just too hard to pump it up. I've got all 3 types of guns, and the springer has to be my favorite rifles. I am also pretty accurate with my springers which is a plus.My faves in order are springer,CO2 and pcp.

AirGunEric · Site Admin

Temperature is not the issue- air density and the particular projectile's ballistic coefficient are the relevant points. Except for Co2's pressure being affected by it's rate of expansion based on temperature, temperature is, in-and-of-itself, irrelevant to the shot.

That being said, temperature can affect air density- colder air is less humid for example as it can't hold much water the lower the temperature goes. Elevation levels, same thing- air density changes.

"Snipers" proper taking shots at distances of many hundreds of yards, or even miles, everything counts and needs to be factored in for proper shot placement. With airguns and their lower-power ratings and use of Diabolo pellets, these factors can also be important even at short shooting distances. But, this is a whole science on it's own and will, of course, be variable depending on the gun and pellets used.

Slavia · Moderator

I suppose temperature could change the consistency of lubricants in a springer, but if you zero under the same conditions that you're shooting, it shouldn't be a problem. I would imagine the problem is zeroing at one temperature (like indoors), and then shooting in the cold (outdoors).

A spotter is nice. They can make it a lot easier to know where your shots are landing. The problem with recreational shooting is that anyone knowledgeable enough to spot is also probably antsy for their own "trigger time." Can't blame them.

When I shoot at longer ranges in a wind (50 to 100 yards) I look for puddle splashes, puffs of dirt, changes in reflection from leaves as they deflect, etc. The problem is that I have to change my awareness from the sights and P.O.I. to the general target area, so my follow-through is destroyed. A spotter can help tremendously with that, but spotters are not an accessory you can just pick up at the store.

AirGunEric · Site Admin

Slavia · Moderator

Amigo · Veteran Member

Slavia:

I like the way your logic concludes.

alphakilla · Veteran Member

"I suppose temperature could change the consistency of lubricants in a springer, but if you zero under the same conditions that you're shooting, it shouldn't be a problem. I would imagine the problem is zeroing at one temperature (like indoors), and then shooting in the cold (outdoors)"., said Slavia.

That's exactly what I concluded so, early yesterday morning, while it was yet cold and windy, I resighted and, got some 1/8"-1/4" groups from 25 yards. I just had to wait til the wind chimes stopped "chiming" before every shot. Thanks for all the advice.

packrat · Senior Member

Which airgun were you shooting those tight groups with? Beeman or Crosman

fritz · Silver Status Member

Before your sight adjustment your group size should have been the same. Assuming you follow the same process for all shots. Adjusting the sighting device has absolutely no affect on "precision", just "accuracy".

I would definitely be quite anxious to get some trigger time should I ever find myself professionally spotting. Although it must be pretty nice in the end when you see a itty bitty hole in the center of the X, knowing it wouldn't be there without you.

alphakilla · Veteran Member

The Beeman in .22 cal. using 14.3 gr. Crosman Premiere round nose UltraMag's. I ripped up the targets yesterday so, I shot a group real fast this morning. It's just a 3 shot group from 25 yds. Is that OK for hunting?:

Yea, 1 got away from me Rolling Eyes

Slavia · Moderator

Looks good; I'm glad it worked out.

I'm not inclined to go test it myself, so your research is useful. This is how we "zero" in Minnesota:

I think it's an omen that when your fingers are too stiff to load the gun, it's time to go home. It could be worse - I hear that when those poor guys in Manitoba and Saskatchewan shoot, the pellet turns around and goes back down the bore just to keep warm.

When you bring the gun inside, take it out of the case so it can warm up and not let condensation stay for long - then wipe it down with whatever rust preventative you use.

alphakilla · Veteran Member

packrat · Senior Member

Why would folks live where it gets THAT cold??? Yesterday it was 71 degrees here.....forecast for 67 degrees today.. That is the kind of winter south Jawjuh has, and I love it !! Cool

Slavia · Moderator