Quick Answer
Temperature significantly affects bullet performance for prairie dog shooting, with expansion and penetration varying greatly between hot and cold conditions. In general, hotter temperatures result in more expansion and less penetration, while colder temperatures result in less expansion and more penetration. This is crucial to consider when selecting ammunition and bullet type for prairie dog control.
Temperature and Bullet Expansion
Temperature plays a significant role in bullet expansion, with most handgun and rifle calibers expanding more in warmer temperatures. At 100°F (38°C), a 9mm bullet may expand by 0.5 inches (1.3 cm), while at 50°F (10°C), expansion is reduced to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm). For prairie dog control, a bullet that expands consistently in various temperatures is ideal, such as the Speer Gold Dot or Hornady Critical Duty.
Bullet Penetration in Different Temperatures
Cold temperatures result in reduced bullet expansion, leading to deeper penetration. In contrast, hot temperatures cause bullets to expand rapidly, resulting in shallower penetration. For example, a 9mm bullet may penetrate 12 inches (30 cm) at 50°F (10°C), while penetration is reduced to 6 inches (15 cm) at 100°F (38°C). When shooting prairie dogs, choose ammunition with optimal penetration for the expected temperature range.
Selecting Ammunition for Prairie Dog Control
When selecting ammunition for prairie dog control, consider the expected temperature range and the type of bullet. For hot temperatures, choose a bullet with a high expansion rate, such as the Speer Gold Dot. For cold temperatures, select a bullet with reduced expansion, such as the Hornady Critical Defense. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations for optimal performance in various temperatures.
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