lot to lot powder?

[Sniper338]

I read something that made me wonder...

Do yall really see that big of difference with the same powder lot to lot?

Ive tried to watch for it, it seems like a very very small change but nothing ive ever worried about..

 

[Patch700]

I have had differences in between lots of powder such as H5010 and H870 that were enough to warrant a 5 percent change in charge and that's with an 80-85 grain dump.

So yes , I always play safe when switching lots.

 

[d.id]

I have not had any trouble so far. I always play it safe just in case and never buy powder less than 16# at a time unless there is really no choice about it. Hopefully limiting potential need for transitional re-tuning.

 

[dmoran]

For the most part over the years I find most powders to be relative. But had 3 occasions with Lot's of Varget and 1 Lot of H4350 that were substantially indifferent. With the one Lot of Varget, grain for grain there was over 100-fps variance. With the H4350, had a Lot that pressured out early and had around 75-fps variance.

I utilize chronographed velocity data to tell me how each new Lot will compare to my present and prior Lots.
Donovan

 

[Berger.Fan222]

Lot variations was a big factor in my decision to not chase velocity any more. I'm happy with milder loads of they meet my accuracy goals. I only got bit a few times in 20 years of reloading, but that was enough.

I've also gravitated more toward smaller capacity cases. 8 lbs of powder lasts a looooong time in .223 or .222. New lots are much more common in the bigger cartridges.

 

[coford]

I had been shooting the same lot of powder for the past two shooting seasons (I had 24 pounds of the same lot) and ran out after Nationals. I rounded up two 8 pounders of the same powder (H4831sc) and things went to heck in a hurry. My velocity changed and I completely lost the tune on my rifle. I had backed off a grain of powder just to be cautious and my velocity was still 50-60 fps faster than before and my 1000 yard vertical went from 2" to about 12-14 inches. It took me a while but I ended up backing down 1.5 grains from my old load to get back to my old velocity range and my rifle came back into tune. I never dreamed it would change so drastically. Pressure never seemed to be a problem with the new lot - just a large velocity change.