Day 7

Published on December 24, 2022
Duration: 17:04

This video details a test of previously reloaded shotgun shells in sub-zero temperatures to assess performance and ignition reliability. The instructor explores the advantages of roll crimps over fold crimps, particularly concerning ease of equipment, flexibility in hull length, and potential consistency in crimp quality. The discussion also touches upon the impact of powder burn rate, hull preparation (skived vs. unskived), and the potential for ignition issues in cold weather or with poorly crimped shells.

Quick Summary

Testing reloaded shotgun ammunition in sub-zero temperatures is vital for assessing performance and reliability. Roll crimps offer advantages in equipment simplicity and hull length flexibility, while proper hull preparation and powder choice are critical for consistent ignition, especially with slow-burning powders.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Cold Weather Test Setup
  2. 00:58Firing the Cold Ammunition
  3. 01:22Why Use Roll Crimps? Equipment & Flexibility
  4. 02:35Powder Ignition & Crimping Importance
  5. 03:53Fold Crimp vs. Roll Crimp Consistency
  6. 04:44Reloading Plans & Future Testing
  7. 05:54Hull Skiving: Skived vs. Unskived Hulls
  8. 07:35Creative Hull Skiving Tools
  9. 08:16Weather Resistance & Roll Crimping Commitment
  10. 08:55Revisiting Cold Shot Sound & Future Tests
  11. 09:15Hull Trimming Tools & Techniques
  12. 09:44Roll Crimper Tool Design Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

How does cold weather affect shotgun ammunition performance?

Extreme cold can impact ammunition by potentially slowing powder burn rates and affecting primer sensitivity, which may lead to ignition issues or reduced velocity. Testing in cold conditions is crucial for reliability, especially for reloaded ammunition.

What are the advantages of using roll crimps in shotgun reloading?

Roll crimps offer advantages such as requiring less specialized equipment (a roll crimper and drill) and providing greater flexibility in hull length. They can also lead to more consistent crimps, especially for small-batch reloading or when working with varied components.

Why is hull preparation like skiving important for shotgun shells?

Hull skiving, or creating a taper at the case mouth, is particularly beneficial for fold crimps, making them easier to start and complete. While less critical for roll crimps, some reloaders find unskived hulls can offer more consistent velocity.

Can slow-burning powders cause ignition problems in shotgun shells?

Yes, slow-burning powders require precise wad seating and a tight crimp for proper ignition and pressure development. A loose or poorly formed crimp can lead to ignition failures or inconsistent performance, especially in challenging conditions like extreme cold.

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