Mixing Powder...again

[tydaws]

Guys,

I’ve received a newly built 6mmBR in which I plan to work up a load with 87gr Vmaxes & Varget, then load up 500 rounds for mid to longish range prairie dogging.

I generally buy my powder 8# at a time, but with the current Varget situation I’ve been able to round up 3# of one lot, 3# of another lot & 1# of yet another lot. I’ve seriously contemplated mixing all 7# to create a new homogeneous lot such that it will be consistent, at least until that 7# is gone.

I know there have been hundreds of opinions on whether or not this should be done, but I’m wanting to know if anyone has any factual data driven reason not to do this.

For those that do this, do you have any recommendations for the best way to mix?

Thanks,
Ty

 

[22DASHER]

I have mixed seven different lots into one. Been shooting it for about 5 years now. No concerns, just work up load as normal. I mixed it in a large rubbermade tub.

 

[Big_Daddy]

No reason not to from me.

I ALWAYS mix my varied lots when they come in 1 pounders...

I am watching this one with some interest however.

 

[Texas10]

I think that if you take the normal precautions in your load development, you should be fine. Sometimes when ordering several pounds of powder, even though I ask for same lot, it will sometimes arrive in more than one lot.

I get a container big enough to hold it all, plus at least 30% extra room, and tumble it for about 5 minutes by hand.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

No problem. Dont mix different powders but the same powder- get after it

 

[Fast14riot]

Same powder, go for it. Different powders, no bueno. Even same powders by different names, I will not mix, like WC844 and H335.

 

[Murray Brook]

What I would do is load 2 rounds with a safe load from each lot and see what your chronograph says. If all are close then mix. If they are not or one lot isn't then you can decide what to do. JMO

 

[tydaws]

Thanks for the responses. I'm gonna go for it.

 

[rsmithsr50]

yep I think the "aye's" have it covered well.
been there done that , still do. lots not by the same maker only

 

[swd]

I'm another mixer of multiple lots of the same powder. Have been for years..

 

[LA50SHOOTER]

Mixed three different lots of 5 one pounders of Varget in a big alliant jug, poured in one pound of each and rolled it around for five minutes, repeated until I had all of them in and about one a week I’ve rolled it for about five minutes each time. I’m well convinced that I have mixed about as good as it can be.

 

[Nature Boy]

The only risk that I can see is if there's a recall on one of the lots that got mixed in with the others causing you to face the prospect of having to throw it all out.

The main risk for me is making a mess, but I still do it for the benefit of homogenizing the lot to lot variations.

 

[Webster]

Guys,

I’ve received a newly built 6mmBR in which I plan to work up a load with 87gr Vmaxes & Varget, then load up 500 rounds for mid to longish range prairie dogging.

I generally buy my powder 8# at a time, but with the current Varget situation I’ve been able to round up 3# of one lot, 3# of another lot & 1# of yet another lot. I’ve seriously contemplated mixing all 7# to create a new homogeneous lot such that it will be consistent, at least until that 7# is gone.

I know there have been hundreds of opinions on whether or not this should be done, but I’m wanting to know if anyone has any factual data driven reason not to do this.

For those that do this, do you have any recommendations for the best way to mix?

Thanks,
Ty

Do it outside. If by some slight chance a static spark ignites it, you don't want it in your house.

 

[Ned Ludd]

I've done exactly what you're describing with Varget. It's working very well, BTW. I bought a 5 gal paint bucket from Lowes, along with the lid, that has a rubber o-ring seal of some sort. I poured Varget into the bucket, a little at a time from each source, so they already be somewhat mixed just from filling up the bucket. I then put on the lid, taped it down solid, and rolled the bucket the floor or shook it by hand lengthwise whenever I saw it over the course of a couple days. I filled up an 8 lb jug for regular use, and left the remainder of the "mix" in the bucket with the lid sealed on tight until the working jug needs to be filled.

 

[Rsadams]

Have to do it occasionally , just stir it up good... When I get low on one can I dump it into another , you kinda have to...

 

[carlsbad]

agree.

 

[fyrewall]

Check it out for any deterioration - highly unlikely, then mix being careful of static. When I do stuff like this I wipe down surfaces with drier sheets.

Generally, with stuff like Varget having a very low incidence or no recall history there should not be a problem. I would not want to mix a batch of some recall powder into good stuff.

Considering uniformity and precision loads, it depends on how fussy you are.

Imagine how much mixing and blending occurred with huge amounts of H4831 surplus powder.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

What I would do is load 2 rounds with a safe load from each lot and see what your chronograph says. If all are close then mix. If they are not or one lot isn't then you can decide what to do. JMO

Very good idea

 

[tydaws]

Do it outside. If by some slight chance a static spark ignites it, you don't want it in your house.

Excellent advice

 

[tydaws]

Thanks again guys