Mixing Powder of SAME Number but different lot N0.

[amlevin]

I've always wondered if anyone mixed powders that are the same Number and Manufacturer but have different lot numbers.

I recently acquired several one pound containers of AA2230 that each had a different lot number. I noticed that each had a different feed characteristic and had to adjust my Dillon 650 powder feeder when adding the next bottle of powder.

Has anyone ever used the painter's method of "boxing"? Where they pour 4 gallons of the same paint and color into a 5-Gallon bucket, mixing it well, before painting. Painters do this to avoid subtle shade differences between areas painted by paint from "the next can".

I am not suggesting mixing DIFFERENT powders but wondering if one could do with the SAME powder Number from the SAME manufacture so as to eliminate the changes from lot to lot (if any). I see this as a possible benefit if one can't buy powder in a large container, ie: 8# jug, so they don't have to adjust loads with every 1# container.

Comments???

 

[EddieNFL]

At the risk of causing severe cases of apoplexy, I've done so for decades.

Only drawback would be if one (or more) of the lots is later recalled.

 

[jcwit]

Like Eddie, I've done it for years, never had a problem. Course I likewise never experienced a recall either.

 

[Walkalong]

Unless the density is a lot different for the new batch, I mix them. Use what you have until it is a small amount to mix in, and mix it thoroughly.

 

[medalguy]

Done it here too. Usually it's a small amount, as when I finish loading and there's maybe 2-3 ounces of powder left I just pour it into a new can of the same type and shake thoroughly. Never experienced any kind of problem.

 

[rcmodel]

Normally, with old standard powders, I would say no problem.

But AA-2230 is different.

Accurate Arms 2230 powder has been made by four different companies, in Israel, South Africa, the Czech Republic, and currently in Belgium over the last 25 years.

That you have to adjust your powder measure when switching cans/lot numbers might be trying to tell you something.

rc

 

[mohunter55]

I'd keep them seperate, but I'm a bit extra cautious about things like that.

 

[lightman]

Wow,I expected to get flamed if I confessed to doing that!Yeah,I've done it for years.I also stick to the same brand and type.I did not know that about AA2230,but I've never used any AA powder.Mostly,I have blended small amounts from a nearly empty can into a fresh can. Lightman

 

[MarkDozier]

For you MIXERS
Consider yourselves flamed.

 

[Walkalong]

But AA-2230 is different.

And AA #5, for the same reason. It's why I said "unless the density is a lot different for the new batch".

*while basking in the glow of MarkDozier's flames*

 

[dickttx]

OK lets go another step. I have a 1# container of Unique I bought in the last couple of years. It is down to an amount that will not fill the Lee hopper but about half way. I have just started using (after several tests) a 4# cardboard container of Unique from about 1970. Should the 2 or 3oz be added to the 4#?
I,m ducking!!!!

 

[Slamfire]

Because powder has a shelf life, and does go bad in the container, I would not mix very old powder with new. Could cause the entire mix to go bad.

As for mixing different lots, that is a difficult question. I have read a post by someone in the fire arms industry that recommended not to because of the different chemicals (and I don’t know the list) used in the powder. Obviously nitrocellulose is going to remain the same, but there are burn rate modifiers and stabilizers and even more that I don’t know, these are apparently matched to that particular lot. Mixing different lots apparently can cause incompatibility issues.

I am not going to mix 50:50 quantities of powder made by different makers even if they are under the same label. I have used AA2520 made in China, Czechoslovakia , etc, and the stuff is physically different.

I have poured an ounce or two of IMR 4895 into a new can of IMR 4895 and never had a problem.

In todays world where everthing is outsourced and everyone is a temp, maybe it is riskier to mix different powder lots than it used to be.

 

[Afy]

I do it all the time as well

 

[Walkalong]

If the bulk density is reasonably close, yes, mix it in thoroughly with the 4 lbs.

 

[snuffy]

For you MIXERS
Consider yourselves flamed.

Anybody got any marshmallows?

For the newbys, don't do it IF it makes you uncomfortable. For us old farts, who have been doing it for years, pass the hotdogs!

The exception seems to be the AA powders, they can't seem to be able to get a steady source for their powders.

 

[EddieNFL]

The exception seems to be the AA powders, they can't seem to be able to get a steady source for their powders.

Which is why I gave up on 'em a couple decades ago.

 

[suzukisam]

I had some vintage cans of 2400 that smelled just fine like new.. and a couple new cans. I ran a few test loads of the same charge and everything performed on the same level. so just for uniformity/consistency between shots I mixed all four and made one powder lot.. I know 2400 has chenged a little over the years, at least the name being a Hercules powder and all, but because they were tested individually before being combined and pressures were fine, I would think combining them couldn't be a problem..

I guess I would say you should test a couple loads of an old powder just to be sure your not mixing rancid powder into a new fresh can

 

[Walkalong]

the AA powders,

And not even close in weight to volume ratio.

 

[Slamfire]

Excellent picture Walkalong.

You can tell this the powder is physically different. Probably chemically different. I would not mix this stuff.

 

[amlevin]

I appreciate all the replies.

What brought this question up was my not being able to find a consistent source of powder during the "great post Obama Election powder/primer/ammo shortage".

I was able to find "a pound here and a pound there" of the AA2230. It was all late model production and the material looked the same when examined. The difference in dropped powder weights was on the level of .1 or .2 grains out of a desired load of 25.5 grains. I attributed this to differences in lot number.

Again I appreciate all the replies. My "mixing" will be limited to the end of a bottle or if I am faced with the same "pound here, pound there" problem that I ran across. For now, I find that I can buy all the 8# jugs of AA2230 I can afford. No mixing required.

 

[oldreloader]

I have reloaded since the late 60's and have never used Accurate powders.I had no idea the used so many places to get it. I was actually getting ready to order some to try but now will stick with my old mfgs.Thanks.