Clump in Varget

[Highpower-FClass]

I was loading some 223 with Varget using my autothrow / trickler when the autothrow locked up with a screech.

The culprit was a pebble of what looks to be fused Varget kernels. Below is a zoomed out picture with small rifle primer as reference for size + a zoomed in closeup.

The pebble is rock hard, it is not a question of some kernels casually having clumped together. Pressing hard on the pebble, the kernels do not come apart, same thing trying to break it apart with my nails.

I have used close to 100 lbs. of Varget over the years and have not come across this.

Has anyone seen this before?

This was from a 8 lb jug with Varget from 2014 which was opened earlier this year. I have use a bit over a pound from the jug to this point, with good results.

 

[rijndael]

I've something similiar from a round that didn't ignite, but the primer went off. It was super hard and clumpy. It didn't go in that way.

 

[6.5 forever]

Had the same thing in H4350, but it was yellow

 

[ShtrRdy]

Please call hodgdon and let us know what they say about it.

 

[K22]

A few years ago, I had a few of these in a keg of H4895. It was isolated but still it made me check each container since.

For 1 lbs. canisters, I pour the contents into a glass measuring cup then pour it back into the original container slowly using a funnel checking for any clumps.

For 8 lbs. kegs, I use the same process except I dispense 1 lbs. quantities into a 1 lbs. canister for current use and repeat when I need to replenish.

 

[Walt Krafft]

I had an Ingenuity powder trickler on my V3. It was interesting how many deformed and clumped grains I saw in Varget and H4350. Enough that I dont think it is a big deal.

 

[PopCharlie]

Found this in a 8 lb. jug of Varget a few years ago.

PopCharlie

 

[Highpower-FClass]

Please call hodgdon and let us know what they say about it.

I have sent them an email through their contact form, asking if anyone else has had any issues with this specific lot. Will update this thread when I hear back.

A few years ago, I had a few of these in a keg of H4895. It was isolated but still it made me check each container since.

For 1 lbs. canisters, I pour the contents into a glass measuring cup then pour it back into the original container slowly using a funnel checking for any clumps.

For 8 lbs. kegs, I use the same process except I dispense 1 lbs. quantities into a 1 lbs. canister for current use and repeat when I need to replenish.

Good process, will definitely do that for the remainder of this jug.

Found this in a 8 lb. jug of Varget a few years ago.

Golly, they should have sorting screens to cull out stuff like that.

 

[47WillysGuy]

The pebble is rock hard, it is not a question of some kernels casually having clumped together. Pressing hard on the pebble, the kernels do not come apart, same thing trying to break it apart with my nails.

I have used close to 100 lbs. of Varget over the years and have not come across this.

If that's all you've ever found in 100 pounds, I wouldn't worry to much about it. Discard it and move on. Now if you find more in the future, I'd have concerns about the powder. Not a big deal to me. Thanks for the pics though.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

They'll know where in the process that can/does occur, they may even tell you. If not, weigh it. Weigh out same regular amount and see if they burn the same.

 

[Rock Knocker]

Ive seen varget and benchmark look similar to that but never more than 2 kernels stuck together.

Im sure some clumping is inevitable and regular in their manufacturing process and im sure they have screens that catch the large chunks. Ive worked with some big machines screening lots of material, sometimes there are hick-ups, sometimes the screen starts clogging while the machines are running and a mess is easy to create, sometimes the guys cleaning screens slip and drop some clumps back through the machine, etc....

Its hard to be perfect. I would toss the big chunk, or try to burn it with a match out of curiosity, keep an eye on the lot in case it turns into a common problem but I wouldnt worry about the rest of the powder.

 

[wv.citybilly]

I started out with Varget for .223 and found an inconsistency with some kernels.

Per Varget (Hodgdon):
"Thank you for reaching out with your concern. During the cutting process there will always be a few kernels that end up shaped like this. Knowing these will be present in all lots of powder the lots are tested with their presence. "

 

[Rock Knocker]

Found this in a 8 lb. jug of Varget a few years ago.

PopCharlie
View attachment 1647076

Is that a wire? Or one long uncut strand of powder?

 

[coldboreshot]

Is that a wire? Or one long uncut strand of powder?

Would not be suprising if it were an uncut strand. Appearance is quite similar to the cut kernels.

 

[coldboreshot]

Would not be suprising if it were an uncut strand. Appearance is quite similar to the cut kernels.

More concerning...was the penny included or just for visual guage?
Maybe it was thrown in for good luck

 

[PopCharlie]

Is that a wire? Or one long uncut strand of powder?

Uncut strand of powder..

 

[PopCharlie]

More concerning...was the penny included or just for visual guage?
Maybe it was thrown in for good luck

I included the penny to give it size perspective.

 

[coldboreshot]

I included the penny to give it size perspective.

Was my first thought, but you never know.

 

[243winxb]

fused Varget kernels.

May come from heat as the powder breaks down?
Online, there is some IMR 5010 surplus powder that caught fire.
Takes 8 pounds or more to generate the heat in the middle of the container.

How it was stored, temperature, makes a difference.

 

[searcher]

I've had Varget kernels clumped together, as well as IMR8208XBR, though not fused as tightly as yours, nor was there any color change. Just enough to make my hopper "grind" a bit when it hits a clump, which are easily broken up by squeezing them with fingers. I've never had it occur with the many other powders I have and have had. I've never noticed anything unusual with the performance of the powder in those jugs. Your powder clump seems like there might have been more going on than clumping, the way they are fused. I'd probably want to pour out the entire jug and inspect it to be sure there isn't some kind of degradation going on.