Powder from 2 different lots

[hvychev77]

I'm reloading for my .308 using 41 grains of H4895 with a 168g Hornady A Max. In lieu of having tough times locating more powder, what risk is it to combine 2 1lb. containers of powder from different lots? is this dangerous? would it affect accuracy or velocity? I've never done this in the past, but now i'm at a point where i have 2 containers with less than half a pound left in each. So, what's the consensus? Thanks everyone. hvychev77

 

[Constrictor]

IF you have already had successful loads from one or both of those powder lots id use them separately till the last load. but if not, mix them together and load a few to check and you should be fine.

 

[p228alex]

since its the same powder just different lots I would mix them together and shake it very thoroughly for at least a minute or two. then you would need to work up a new load to be on the safe side. just don't ever try mixing different powders

 

[wally]

I used to worry about it, but stopped years ago, I just pour the new in the measure as needed.

The powder makers go to great lengths to make it so with powders sold to reloaders. However there have been mistakes and recalls in the past, so its wise to check for "bad lot numbers" when you get a new order in.

But I'll give the standard disclaimer to back off and work up again if you are making max or +P loads.

 

[hvychev77]

Well, i've loaded some out of each can. I've had good success from both containers without any noticeable differences in performance. Being this is the case, i can check the lot numbers to make sure everything is good, but my guess is I would still be o.k. to combine the two? The loads for this particular cartridge is on the lower side at 41 grains. When i initially started loading for this rifle, the first load was accurate with good velocity so I didn't change anything. My old man always says, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." I'll keep reading here to see if others chime in. Thanks fellas.

 

[gamestalker]

I used to treat them as two different powders, in that, I would perform at least a minimal, yet separate work up, thus wasting components that I could other wise be using as intended. But I got to thinking about it and realized, that probably the most effective and efficient manner of dealing with two different lots, was to blend them together right from the get go. By doing so I get one powder with load to load consistency, which only requires a single development.

On my shelf right now are different lots that I mixed- 5 lbs. of IMR-7828, 2 lbs. of SSC mixed together, 4 lbs. of H4831, and 3 lbs. of the SC also mixed separately, 2 lb.s of RL22, 2 lbs. of IMR-4350, 3 lbs. of Varget, 1 lb each of H110 and 296 mixed, 2 lbs. of Longshot, and 6 lbs. of HS6. But as you can see, I don't mix SSC or SC with a standard cut version, they tend to separate just pouring them out of the canister.

GS

 

[oneounceload]

Just pretend you are making a nice martini for James Bond, shaken, not stirred

 

[Rule3]

Why do you need or want to combine them? If they are both full or half full I see no reason. For that matter why open one before the other is used up.??

I have mixed a small amount remaining in one container into a new one and mixed just to dilute the small amount throughout.

 

[hvychev77]

My reasons for wanting to combine the 2 is because i have less than half. I mis-spoke earlier in the thread here. I checked my inventory to make sure exactly how much i had. They are from 2 different lots, and there's probably more like 1/4 in each one. Probably not enough to worry about, i imagine they'll shoot the same either way. I opened the 2nd container on accident and didn't realize there was one already being used. Ya live n' learn.....haha.....thanks for all the feedback.

 

[Rule3]

In that case yes, I would mix them and not worry about it. I supposed the correct thing to say is re work you load starting with the start load.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would mix them and put 1 bottle back on the shelf without worries.

 

[buck460XVR]

I said this before and I'll say it again. By mixing two lots of the exact same powder, you are actually reducing any variance between those two lots. Same thing painters do with paint. Unless you are over max to start with or are changing other components, there really is nothing to be overly concerned about.

 

[32_d3gr33s]

very rarely do you find much difference between 2 lots of powders. I recently ran into one issue though. i load imr 4895 for .223 and use a lee pro auto disk to dispense the powder. ive loaded thousands of rounds using the same size hole in the disks. i always get 23.5 +/- .1 which is good enough for my ar. opened up a new container and for some reason i just poured it in and kept on loading. loaded up about 50 rounds more and checked the weight. I was at 22.8gr. tried a few more and stayed at a consistent 22.9.

ended up pulling a few older bullets and comparing the powder to the new stuff, and it looks as if the new has a longer cut*(not sure if thats the word im looking for) so it doesn't pack in the disk as much as the older powder so im getting a lower powder charge.

Not a huge issue for me because the lower charge weight will still function fine in my gun. Just food for thought though. Could turn out bad for someone loading at or close to max, and they experience the opposite issue i had....

 

[jmr40]

When I get near the bottom of a container of powder i simply pour the remaining powder into the new container and shake. Never had any issues.