Powder lot to lot variations?

[AZmark]

These questions have probably already been asked a thousand times....

Just how much variation is there between the same powder but different lots?

Would there be any variation between H4831 and H4831sc other than lot#?

Does anyone mix different lots of the same powder when you get down to the bottom of the can you're using and there's not enough to reload say 20 cartridges?

 

[209jones]

No issues with using blended lots, just recheck the load with the blended lots to see how much change you get, if any. With H4831 you are likely using 55-75gr, never hurts to try some 1gr lower and up to maybe .5 higher. Industry used to claim a +/-5% variance on lots, not sure if they still do. Not supposed to be any difference between any of the SC or SSC and the originals in Hodgdon's lineup, but, the variance on lots still applies.

 

[6.5 forever]

I have had success adjusting the powder charge to match velocity of my current load.

 

[243winxb]

Powder Lot Variations: A Case Study with H4831 - Hodgdon Extreme​

Open PDF The problem with mixing/blending different lots, 1 powder lot may end up being a recall.
Buy 8 pounds at a time, same lot. New lots, work up the loading again.

 

[WV Hitman]

For all my hunting handloads the past 50+ years in all my handguns, especially the ones I use for 400-500 yards kills I've seen no difference in point of aim or group sizes in lot to lot changes based on over 19,000 kills of groundhogs, deer, bears, western US game, and a lot of African animals.
I imagine the extremely long range rifle shooters may have different experiences.

 

[6.5 forever]

For all my hunting handloads the past 50+ years in all my handguns, especially the ones I use for 400-500 yards kills I've seen no difference in point of aim or group sizes in lot to lot changes based on over 19,000 kills of groundhogs, deer, bears, western US game, and a lot of African animals.
I imagine the extremely long range rifle shooters may have different experiences.

Out here in the west, 1000+ yard rifle shooting at milk jugs and softball targets requires extreme accuracy. Every detail matters.

I can't disagree with your experience on handguns. I have no experience with those.

 

[SKWERLZ]

I always assume a new lot of powder needs to be carefully confirmed.

 

[6.5 forever]

Powder Lot Variations: A Case Study with H4831 - Hodgdon Extreme​

Open PDF The problem with mixing/blending different lots, 1 powder lot may end up being a recall.
Buy 8 pounds at a time, same lot. New lots, work up the loading again.

Very interesting. Thanks for posting.

 

[K22]

Powder Lot Variations: A Case Study with H4831 - Hodgdon Extreme​

Open PDF The problem with mixing/blending different lots, 1 powder lot may end up being a recall.
Buy 8 pounds at a time, same lot. New lots, work up the loading again.

I never thought about that in all years that I have loaded and blended lots. Something to chew on for sure. Thanks for the insight. It seems like there is always something new to learn. Good job!

 

[JFrank]

A while back I ran out of one lot number of H4895 that ran about 2930 with 31.0 gr in the bra .
The next lot ran over 3000 at 31gr. Now I watch lot numbers carefully and do not mix them for a comp gun.
I will mix left overs from similar speed lots for plinking or varmint control.