texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed, Trappernewt, casyoo
71987 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,414
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,765
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics536,989
Posts9,719,191
Members86,987
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
does mixing powder make sense? #5532255 01/10/15 03:02 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,950
daniel1381 Offline OP
Extreme Tracker
OP Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,950
Was at the range and a guy(in his 40's) came up to me asking where I buy my reloading powder. He said he likes buying all the same lot. when he cant find the same powder from all the same lot he said buys what he can and mixes it all up?? Is this even right?

Last edited by daniel1381; 01/10/15 03:04 PM.

"From my cold dead hands"

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain - and most fools do."

Benjamin Franklin

Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5532356 01/10/15 03:51 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G. Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
Sure as long as the type of powder is all the same.

So if you had six one pounders of H-Varget, but there were two or three lot numbers you could mix them all in a tub then put them back in their cans. Now you have consistent powder in one custom made lot. As soon as you run out and go to a new lot, you'll have to tweak the load starting under your original powder charge and work back up to it. Making sure the new lot isnt running hotter.


[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5532427 01/10/15 04:22 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,950
daniel1381 Offline OP
Extreme Tracker
OP Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,950
ok cool learn something new every day


"From my cold dead hands"

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain - and most fools do."

Benjamin Franklin

Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5532685 01/10/15 06:35 PM
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6,578
Wburke2010 Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6,578
That is what I had to do. I found five pounds of H4350 a while back and they were all different lots so I mixed them all and haven't had a problem yet.

Walter


MW Ranch Services
903-303-4523
Metal buildings, welding, equipment repair, dirt work
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5532693 01/10/15 06:41 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
C
ChadTRG42 Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
C
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
I'll be honest, I've done it also. When I have a small amount of the same powder in multiple pounds, I'll add them together, label the jug as "mixed" and use it later. I won't do this for my match ammo or ammo I would be using for competition. I stick to one lot.


[Linked Image]
Custom and Precision Ammunition!!
https://DallasReloads.com/
Type 01 and Type 06 FFL
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5532738 01/10/15 06:58 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,501
R
RiverRider Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
R
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,501
I mix different lots of the same powder also. That way I can work up a load and not have to diddle with it again so soon.

I was shooting with a benchrester one day who told me he adjusts the burn rate of some of his powders by mixing in another number. As an example he might want to slow down the burn rate of the H4350, so he'd mix a little H4831 in it. I think that would be okay because the chemistry of the two powders is similar. I personally would NOT do that nor recommend it, but I think someone who really knows about powder chemistry and manufacture could do it safely. I don't pretend to know that much. I do know that you would never blend a single-base powder with a double-base powder and I can't imagine why anyone would blend H4198 with Retumbo.

Same number but just different lots? As long as one of them's not so old that the chemistry may have been changed, no sweat.


[Linked Image]

"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty."

-Augustus McRae
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5532906 01/10/15 08:38 PM
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 14,199
T
tth_40 Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
T
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 14,199
Yup.

Been doing it for years. Glad I'm not the only one. cheers


Originally Posted By: theserxtremedays
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5537986 01/12/15 08:39 PM
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 178
S
schmellba99 Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
S
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 178
It really doesn't make that much sense. Cannister grade powder is tested and blended at the factory to be within a 3% burn rate from one lot to the next. I suppose you could run into a case where you had a high and low end lot and have a spread of about 6% (max) burn rate, but that would be extremely unlikely.

Your rifle and groups aren't going to notice, even at range, a difference of 1%-2% burn rate between lots of powder. You'll get that much spread just from the same cannister.

Now, if you have a jug of a type of powder (say Varget, for example) that has a half pound left and you dump it into an 8 lb keg that has 6 lbs and give it a good shake or two, are you going to hurt anything at all? Nope, not in the slightest.

Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: schmellba99] #5538015 01/12/15 08:53 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
C
ChadTRG42 Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
C
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
Originally Posted By: schmellba99
Your rifle and groups aren't going to notice, even at range, a difference of 1%-2% burn rate between lots of powder.

Depends on the rifle and the shooter. Hunting rifle for 100 yards, maybe not. But I have several rifles that a change in lot number have and will change up my group sizes, and for sure change up my speeds. And that will certainly change up my trajectory and accuracy at longer ranges. So yes, a change in powder lot numbers will effect your groups and speeds.


[Linked Image]
Custom and Precision Ammunition!!
https://DallasReloads.com/
Type 01 and Type 06 FFL
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5538017 01/12/15 08:54 PM
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 178
S
schmellba99 Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
S
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 178
You are an exception then, but to each his own.

Bottom line is that it doesn't hurt, but really doesn't make much of a difference either. The big thing is to make darn sure you are mixing the exact same powder from the exact same manufacturer.

Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5538177 01/12/15 10:10 PM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,157
J
Judd Offline
#1 Creedmoor Fan
Offline
#1 Creedmoor Fan
J
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,157
Count me as an exception too. I had a gun that was hammering, ran out of Varget went to the next lot and matched velocity by making a very small adjustment and the gun wouldn't shoot it. I went to a different lot and it started hammering again.

I don't know what it was about that one lot but it was weird in that particular barrel. Funny thing is I'm using that powder I couldn't get to shoot in another gun and it's now driving tacks and the best shooting gun I have right now. Things go as planned I'll run out of that powder this season right about the time that barrel needs setback or pulled.

So I defintely say to mix them and create one big lot that you can base the load off of and keep through the life of the barrel, rather than taking the chance the lot will make a difference.

Last edited by Judd; 01/12/15 10:11 PM. Reason: added last paragraph to answer initial question

Originally Posted by Phil Robertson
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: schmellba99] #5538179 01/12/15 10:11 PM
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6,578
Wburke2010 Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6,578
Originally Posted By: schmellba99
You are an exception then, but to each his own.

Bottom line is that it doesn't hurt, but really doesn't make much of a difference either. The big thing is to make darn sure you are mixing the exact same powder from the exact same manufacturer.


Depends on the type of shooting you do like chad mentioned. On my match rifle changing from lot to lot does has some variances in it. Which makes me go back and re work the load.

Walter


MW Ranch Services
903-303-4523
Metal buildings, welding, equipment repair, dirt work
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5538266 01/12/15 10:48 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,950
daniel1381 Offline OP
Extreme Tracker
OP Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,950
I have a 7lb just of retumbo 1 lot number
And 5 1lb just 2 are one lot and 3 are one lot..should I mix it all


"From my cold dead hands"

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain - and most fools do."

Benjamin Franklin

Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5538282 01/12/15 10:53 PM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,157
J
Judd Offline
#1 Creedmoor Fan
Offline
#1 Creedmoor Fan
J
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,157
I would...mix it real thoroughly so you have one big new lot.


Originally Posted by Phil Robertson
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5538332 01/12/15 11:20 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,950
daniel1381 Offline OP
Extreme Tracker
OP Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,950
will get right on that! thanks for help !


"From my cold dead hands"

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain - and most fools do."

Benjamin Franklin

Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: schmellba99] #5538424 01/12/15 11:56 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G. Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
Originally Posted By: schmellba99
You are an exception then, but to each his own.

Bottom line is that it doesn't hurt, but really doesn't make much of a difference either. The big thing is to make darn sure you are mixing the exact same powder from the exact same manufacturer.


Incorrect. Not an exeception

It doesn't hurt but does make a difference.

I've seen a 300 Win Mag switch lots and the new lot started cratering primers. Had a client last week that got ammo from a new lot, for a 243 and the new lot made 120 fps more than the last lot. Those are two examples of big swings in burn rate and velocity. The 300 Win could be called unsafe using the same powder charge but with a new lot.


[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: Judd] #5538461 01/13/15 12:09 AM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,200
D
dawaba Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
D
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,200
Originally Posted By: Judd
I would...mix it real thoroughly so you have one big new lot.


That's what I would do too.

The big ammo manufacturers do the same thing, only they mix railroad cars full of powder instead of 1 lb cans. With their testing equipment for measuring pressure curves, burn rate, etc, they will blend different powders until they get just the performance they're wanting. Then they load millions of rounds of ammo.

I've always been a hoarder. I try to buy new powder long before I run out of the old. Then, I mix new and old together, so instead of having Lot A and Lot B, I now have 100% Lot AB. And, unless the amount of powder from the new lot is a bunch more than the old, I don't bother re-working my loads.


"For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple.....and wrong." H. L. Mencken
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5538530 01/13/15 12:31 AM
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6,578
Wburke2010 Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6,578
Originally Posted By: daniel1381
will get right on that! thanks for help !


Just make sure to not mix it in a metal bowel. Use plastic and mix carefully so you do not break it up.

Walter


MW Ranch Services
903-303-4523
Metal buildings, welding, equipment repair, dirt work
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: Wburke2010] #5538546 01/13/15 12:39 AM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,950
daniel1381 Offline OP
Extreme Tracker
OP Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,950
Originally Posted By: wburke2010
Originally Posted By: daniel1381
will get right on that! thanks for help !


Just make sure to not mix it in a metal bowel. Use plastic and mix carefully so you do not break it up.

Walter


will do. thanks for heads up


"From my cold dead hands"

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain - and most fools do."

Benjamin Franklin

Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: Wburke2010] #5538834 01/13/15 02:21 AM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,430
B
Big Fitz Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
B
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,430
Originally Posted By: wburke2010
Originally Posted By: daniel1381
will get right on that! thanks for help !


Just make sure to not mix it in a metal bowel. Use plastic and mix carefully so you do not break it up.

Walter


Walter, what is the concern with mixing in a metal bowl? How about glass rather than plastic? Just wondering...


Originally Posted by onlysmith&wesson
I was wrong...on anything technical.

Originally Posted by Sailor
Fitz............. is right, ya know............
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: Big Fitz] #5538845 01/13/15 02:24 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G. Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
Bet glass is fine. Bet Walter is trying to avoid static electricity that causes powder to stick.


[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5538879 01/13/15 02:36 AM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,501
R
RiverRider Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
R
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,501
I'd like to know what's wrong with the metal bowl myself---I'm about to recycle a bunch of pull-down H335 and homogenize about 15 pounds of the stuff. That's a lot of powder to have in the wrong kind of container.


[Linked Image]

"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty."

-Augustus McRae
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: RiverRider] #5538901 01/13/15 02:43 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G. Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
Prolly nothing. Wouldn't surprise me if Fitz has a big ole glass bowl he wants to use.

That or, because he has a dergee in physics, he's prodding Walter.


[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5539388 01/13/15 05:33 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11 Offline
junior
Offline
junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
Last I mixed was from 3 lots of Hodgdon 50BMG in a large stainless mixing bowl, no issues.


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: does mixing powder make sense? [Re: daniel1381] #5541216 01/14/15 01:55 AM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,430
B
Big Fitz Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
B
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,430
Not prodding Walter at all, just wondering the reason. A stainless steel bowl, being conductive, actually helps reduce the probability of static discharge with most plastic being worse. That is why I was asking as I have about 15 lbs of H4350 to mix and don't want to screw it up. I need to googlefoo it...


Originally Posted by onlysmith&wesson
I was wrong...on anything technical.

Originally Posted by Sailor
Fitz............. is right, ya know............
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3