Quick Answer
Different climates can affect the performance of .308 Winchester ammunition by altering the bullet's expansion and penetration. At high temperatures, the bullet's expansion can be reduced, resulting in deeper penetration and potentially less damage to the target. Conversely, at low temperatures, the bullet's expansion can be increased, resulting in shallower penetration and potentially more damage to the target.
Climate and Bullet Expansion
The expansion of a .308 Winchester bullet is influenced by the temperature of the environment. In general, the ideal temperature range for expansion is between 40°F and 80°F (4°C and 27°C). At high temperatures above 80°F (27°C), the bullet’s expansion can be reduced by up to 10%, resulting in deeper penetration and potentially less damage to the target. Conversely, at low temperatures below 40°F (4°C), the bullet’s expansion can be increased by up to 15%, resulting in shallower penetration and potentially more damage to the target.
Temperature and Velocity
The velocity of a .308 Winchester bullet is also affected by climate. At high temperatures, the air density is lower, resulting in a loss of velocity of up to 50 feet per second (15 meters per second) for every 100 feet (30 meters) of elevation. Conversely, at low temperatures, the air density is higher, resulting in a gain of velocity of up to 50 feet per second (15 meters per second) for every 100 feet (30 meters) of elevation.
Climate-Proofing your .308 Winchester
To mitigate the effects of climate on .308 Winchester ammunition, hunters can use a few techniques. First, choose ammunition specifically designed for hunting in extreme temperatures. Second, use a bullet with a high ballistic coefficient, such as the Sierra MatchKing, which is less affected by temperature changes. Lastly, consider using a muzzle brake or suppressor to reduce the effects of temperature on velocity.
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