Caliber, bullet weight, or load change during colder seasons

kobes31 · December 15, 2012, 08:56 AM

It's starting to become consistently colder here in NW PA and I began to think if this is something I should consider or not. I realize that overall there are few differences between handgun cartridges when it comes to penetration. When I carry, it's with .45 Ranger T's 230gr. Does anyone make changes to their carry gun or ammunition in colder climates based upon the fact that most people will now be wearing heavier clothing? Does this even make any sense?

Webleymkv · December 15, 2012, 09:06 AM

I often carry a larger gun in a larger caliber during colder months. I do this not because I think my smaller guns would be less effective in cold weather, but because I can conceal bigger guns in winter clothing than I can in summer clothing and I'd really rather be carrying the bigger gun all the time.

kraigwy · December 15, 2012, 09:19 AM

Nah, much to do about nothing.

I carry my 642 revolver with LSWCs throughout the year.

Nanuk · December 15, 2012, 01:59 PM

Nope, carry the same load year round. I do carry a bigger gun in the cooler months because it is easier to conceal it, still a 357 Sig.

mumbo719 · December 16, 2012, 05:13 AM

I change it up for winter.

Summer carry 124 gr

Winter Carry 147 gr

kahrguy · December 16, 2012, 05:43 AM

I have not changed for anything. Same caliber and ammo years round.

stormyone · December 16, 2012, 02:50 PM

I might carry a bigger gun because concealment is easier. It's nice to carry a 4" Ruger GP100 on your belt that's easily covered by a coat or jacket.

Kreyzhorse · December 16, 2012, 03:20 PM

I generally carry larger guns because I can concel them better. Otherwise I dont give winter clothing a concern.

Sarge · December 16, 2012, 03:35 PM

I pick a load that functions perfectly and offer ample penetration regardless of the target's cover garments, angle of presentation, etc. I zero for it at the farthest distance I may have to use it.

The only other load I'll use is in that gun, is whatever reload or bulk factory load I'm using for general practice, work around the farm and woods loafing. It must shoot real close to the carry load and have ample thump to dispatch critters or stand in as a defensive load, if called upon.

Cheapshooter · December 16, 2012, 03:51 PM

Hot weather, very light clothing, EDC is usually Ruger LCP in a DeSantis Superfly pocket holster. Cooler weather, bulkier clothing, KAHR CM9 in Theis IWB holster. Very cold weather, heavy clothing Springfield XD40 Subcompact in JMG IWB holster. But regardless of weather, my Elsie Pea is in my front pocket. Either EDC, or BUG.

481 · December 16, 2012, 07:32 PM

Like others here, I stick with the same SD ammo year 'round.

If ammo that passes the FBI test protocols is selected, such a concern is unwarranted.

jason_iowa · December 17, 2012, 12:38 AM

No change. I pretty much wear the same clothes year round as well though.

Tactical Jackalope · December 17, 2012, 09:47 AM

What's this "cold season" you speak of and why is he/she making you change your carry?

(see location)

bacardisteve · December 18, 2012, 04:36 AM

Warm weather- Bersa 45 with winchester ranger ra45t. Cold weather- Sprinfield operator with winchester ranger ra45t

WC145 · December 18, 2012, 07:28 AM

Same guns, same ammo, on & off duty, year 'round. Ranger T 230gr .45ACP +P.

December 15, 2012, 08:56 AM	#1
kobes31 Member Join Date: December 19, 2011 Posts: 18	Caliber, bullet weight, or load change during colder seasons It's starting to become consistently colder here in NW PA and I began to think if this is something I should consider or not. I realize that overall there are few differences between handgun cartridges when it comes to penetration. When I carry, it's with .45 Ranger T's 230gr. Does anyone make changes to their carry gun or ammunition in colder climates based upon the fact that most people will now be wearing heavier clothing? Does this even make any sense?

December 15, 2012, 09:06 AM	#2
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	I often carry a larger gun in a larger caliber during colder months. I do this not because I think my smaller guns would be less effective in cold weather, but because I can conceal bigger guns in winter clothing than I can in summer clothing and I'd really rather be carrying the bigger gun all the time. Last edited by Webleymkv; December 15, 2012 at 09:41 AM.

December 15, 2012, 09:19 AM	#3
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	Nah, much to do about nothing. I carry my 642 revolver with LSWCs throughout the year. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

December 15, 2012, 01:59 PM	#4
Nanuk Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2005 Location: Where the deer and the antelope roam. Posts: 3,082	Nope, carry the same load year round. I do carry a bigger gun in the cooler months because it is easier to conceal it, still a 357 Sig. __________________ Retired Law Enforcement U. S. Army Veteran Armorer My rifle and pistol are tools, I am the weapon.

December 16, 2012, 05:13 AM	#5
mumbo719 Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2008 Location: Tampa Bay, FL. Posts: 346	I change it up for winter. Summer carry 124 gr Winter Carry 147 gr __________________ CZ 75 P-01 . CZ-75B . CZ 912 . CZ 920 . Glock 26 Gen 3 . Kimber Pro Crimson Carry . XDm 45 3.8 Compact . Ruger 22/45 MKIII

December 16, 2012, 05:43 AM	#6
kahrguy Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2012 Posts: 561	I have not changed for anything. Same caliber and ammo years round.

December 16, 2012, 02:50 PM	#7
stormyone Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2005 Location: midwest Posts: 532	I might carry a bigger gun because concealment is easier. It's nice to carry a 4" Ruger GP100 on your belt that's easily covered by a coat or jacket.

December 16, 2012, 03:20 PM	#8
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	I generally carry larger guns because I can concel them better. Otherwise I dont give winter clothing a concern. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

December 16, 2012, 03:35 PM	#9
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	I pick a load that functions perfectly and offer ample penetration regardless of the target's cover garments, angle of presentation, etc. I zero for it at the farthest distance I may have to use it. The only other load I'll use is in that gun, is whatever reload or bulk factory load I'm using for general practice, work around the farm and woods loafing. It must shoot real close to the carry load and have ample thump to dispatch critters or stand in as a defensive load, if called upon. __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

December 16, 2012, 03:51 PM	#10
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	Hot weather, very light clothing, EDC is usually Ruger LCP in a DeSantis Superfly pocket holster. Cooler weather, bulkier clothing, KAHR CM9 in Theis IWB holster. Very cold weather, heavy clothing Springfield XD40 Subcompact in JMG IWB holster. But regardless of weather, my Elsie Pea is in my front pocket. Either EDC, or BUG. __________________ Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!

December 16, 2012, 07:32 PM	#11
481 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2011 Posts: 540	Like others here, I stick with the same SD ammo year 'round. If ammo that passes the FBI test protocols is selected, such a concern is unwarranted. __________________ QUANTITATIVE AMMUNITION SELECTION

December 17, 2012, 12:38 AM	#12
jason_iowa Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2011 Posts: 686	No change. I pretty much wear the same clothes year round as well though.

December 17, 2012, 09:47 AM	#13
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	What's this "cold season" you speak of and why is he/she making you change your carry? (see location)

December 18, 2012, 04:36 AM	#14
bacardisteve Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2006 Location: West virginia Posts: 653	Warm weather- Bersa 45 with winchester ranger ra45t. Cold weather- Sprinfield operator with winchester ranger ra45t __________________ Kill em all and let God sort em out! USAF

December 18, 2012, 07:28 AM	#15
WC145 Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2008 Location: Downeast Maine Posts: 1,836	Same guns, same ammo, on & off duty, year 'round. Ranger T 230gr .45ACP +P. __________________ "If violent crime is to be curbed, it is only the intended victim who can do it. The felon does not fear the police, and he fears neither judge or jury. Therefore what he must be taught to fear is his victim." - LtCol Jeff Cooper