What to do with that last bit of powder in the bottle?

[jmr40]

Mixing it with another container is exactly what the manufacturers do when packaging powder. I don't even wait that long. Powder is sold by weight and most containers are only about 1/2 to 2/3 full when you buy them. When I get to the point where I can pour the old powder into the next container and still have plenty of space for mixing I do it then.

I've had a few instances where I had powder that I no longer used. If I know someone who can use it, I'd give it to them. If not, it makes good fertilizer for the grass.

 

[FROGO207]

First I usually buy in large quantities like multiple 8 pounders at a time and try to get same lot numbers. This saves me from having to at least partially work up the load due to changes. Then when using up the last few loads I weigh each one to be safe. That last two or so spoonfulls I will just dump into the new canister and shake it up. With different lots I am going to work up so no big deal. Also I am not one to run my ammo at or above max loads either. Common sense should prevail here.

 

[Highland Lofts]

When it gets down that far the next time I use it I dump the old stuff in the powder drop then dump new powder over it and load enough so all of the old powder gets used up.
I'll hit the tip of the bullets with the old powder in them with a sharpie. I'll mark enough to make sure I'm into the new powder.
Most people just add it to their new powder.

Congrats on using your first pound up.

 

[375supermag]

Hi...
Been mixing the last bit of powder in a container into the new container for 45 years or so.
Never any problem.

 

[lightman]

Mixing it with another container is exactly what the manufacturers do when packaging powder. I don't even wait that long. Powder is sold by weight and most containers are only about 1/2 to 2/3 full when you buy them. When I get to the point where I can pour the old powder into the next container and still have plenty of space for mixing I do it then.

I've had a few instances where I had powder that I no longer used. If I know someone who can use it, I'd give it to them. If not, it makes good fertilizer for the grass.

I've heard the argument for years that its good fertilizer vs its not good fertilizer. I don't know the correct answer! But I keep a large fruit jar on my bench for the odd powder that I end up with from pulling bullets on the duds that I pick up at the range. I take it to Deer Camp for my annual light show around the campfire.

 

[.38 Special]

If it's a powder I use on a regular basis, I either dump it into the next bottle, or dump new on top of old in the hopper. This has never caused me the slightest bit of trouble - but I'm not one to push the envelope of really hot loads.

If it's a powder I rarely use, or one that I've tried and won't be going back to, the dregs are usually left for the teenagers to sprinkle into the fire pit.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If I had less than a quarter of a hopper full of powder left, like W231, I usually fill the hopper with the next bottle of the same powder, empty the hopper into a jar, shake it up and then pour the whole think back into the hopper. Reload as usual...

I'm not sure everyone would agree but I see no reason to think it's unsafe, especially if the Lot #'s match. The whole time I still have only 1 powder on the loading bench just to eliminate and potential mistake of mixing different powders.