How to determine Hodgdon Powder Lot #

[LIUNA]

Now, I am sure this information is old hat to a lot of people on this site, but I did not know, so I called Hodgdon Powder Co. and they explained it to me. If you take the 1 lb container that I have and look at the side of the bottle where the Label ends meet, there will be 2 rows of numbers in the middle of bottle, the top 1st number is the size of container in my case 1 lb, the next six numbers is the date when the powder went into the bottle in my case 4/09/12. The next line consisting of 4 or 5 numbers is the lot number, my case 5044.
So there we have it. Now I know what not to buy.
Bob

 

[Eagle Six]

That works, unless you snap up a pound not paying attention to discover later there is no lot number printed on the label. Guess how I know?!?!

Best Regards......Eagle Six

 

[LIUNA]

Eagle Six, that's what happened to me, and it was the worst lot for my rifle ever.

 

[Eagle Six]

Liuna, that doesn't surprise me. The pound I used without a lot number gave me fits while trying to tune a load for a factory 700-308. But at the time I had so many other variables to contend with, I couldn't nail it down. That pound is gone now, and with some other tweaking the rifle is starting to shoot.....so I will never know for sure, but I'm plenty suspicious!

Best Regards.......Eagle Six