Mixing powder lots
- Thread starter sscoyote
- Start date
Steve
You didn't hear it on this forum but many Benchrest shooters,including me) not only blend different lots but also powders with different burning rates to get something in between.
There's a down side to this blending business of course. I have about 3 pounds of H322 that is a blend of 4 or 5 lots going all the way back to the 1980s. In my 6PPC live varmint rifle it shoots little dots. Now you tell me, what am I going to do when that powder is gone???:,
Ray
You didn't hear it on this forum but many Benchrest shooters,including me) not only blend different lots but also powders with different burning rates to get something in between.
There's a down side to this blending business of course. I have about 3 pounds of H322 that is a blend of 4 or 5 lots going all the way back to the 1980s. In my 6PPC live varmint rifle it shoots little dots. Now you tell me, what am I going to do when that powder is gone???:,
Ray
I've done it, and still do. Usually the way I end up doing it is when an eight pound jug gets down to about nothing I'll dump it into the next eight pounder mixing the two. Never could see any difference.
The only down side is if something happens like occurred a few years ago with Varget when the factory inadvertently labeled some 4350 as Varget you may just be S.O.L. if you expect them to replace it. I know, how will they know? They won't, but you will.
Danny
The only down side is if something happens like occurred a few years ago with Varget when the factory inadvertently labeled some 4350 as Varget you may just be S.O.L. if you expect them to replace it. I know, how will they know? They won't, but you will.
Danny
I'll do it if the density measures within 5% from one lot to the next. I mix like a lot of other people do, that is, wait until a jug is nearly empty. If the new jug is a lot different I'll wait and rework my loads when I have to use it. Adding a lot of denser or lighter powder to a little remaining powder is virtually the same as switching to the new lot. I try to use powders that have prov-en to be consistent from lot to lot as well as working well in my rifles. I like Vihtavuori and certain Hodgon powders.
you may be S.O.L. if you expect them to replace it. I know, how will they know? They won't, but you will".,
Danny - About 25 yrs. ago, I bought unknown smokeless stick powder from a friend. Had been in his father's attic for years, unmarked, and he thought it was IMR 3031. I tried some in a .222, and pressures were sky high. Sent a few grains to Dupont,their manufacurer at time). They wrote back, saying there is no way to identify any powder unless they conduct a "bomb test". This involves placing a measured amount of powder in a tightly sealed container with a detonator, and it is exploded under water. Their instruments measure significant data from which it can be identified. I never sent the powder to them, still have a couple pounds downstairs. Wanna buy some powder cheap?
Danny - About 25 yrs. ago, I bought unknown smokeless stick powder from a friend. Had been in his father's attic for years, unmarked, and he thought it was IMR 3031. I tried some in a .222, and pressures were sky high. Sent a few grains to Dupont,their manufacurer at time). They wrote back, saying there is no way to identify any powder unless they conduct a "bomb test". This involves placing a measured amount of powder in a tightly sealed container with a detonator, and it is exploded under water. Their instruments measure significant data from which it can be identified. I never sent the powder to them, still have a couple pounds downstairs. Wanna buy some powder cheap?
Cheechako said:
I've been curious about that myself. Question: Is there a problem with powders with differing properties,size for instance) settling away from each other inside the case during transport, causing inconsistent burns from round to round? Thanks. -Rod-
Rod
Two of the popular blends right now are 8208/133 and 8208/322. I don't use them so can't tell you portions of each. I have blended 133 and 130 to get 131 1/2 when I shot a Benchrest pistol. All fine grains of similar size. Plus Benchrest shooters load during the match so there is no transporting of cartridges except to the firing line.
It's interesting that you ask about powders seperating. Over the years many shooters,and Govts) have played with duplex loads and one of the biggest problems always was that the powders tended to blend when transporting the cartridges, thereby causing a dangerous situation. As Emily Latella used to say, "It's always something!"
Ray
Two of the popular blends right now are 8208/133 and 8208/322. I don't use them so can't tell you portions of each. I have blended 133 and 130 to get 131 1/2 when I shot a Benchrest pistol. All fine grains of similar size. Plus Benchrest shooters load during the match so there is no transporting of cartridges except to the firing line.
It's interesting that you ask about powders seperating. Over the years many shooters,and Govts) have played with duplex loads and one of the biggest problems always was that the powders tended to blend when transporting the cartridges, thereby causing a dangerous situation. As Emily Latella used to say, "It's always something!"
Ray
Cheechako said:
Thanks, Ray. I ask because there's been times I wanted to use something really consistent,for me) like IMR3031 or H335 but also wanted to have a full case so have long pondered blending with a fuller and slower powder to try and get the best of both worlds. -Rod-
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