Question about mixing powder

[Sigarmed 1]

Back when Varget was so difficult to find, I was able to pick up several 1 lb containers from different vendors here and there. As would be expected, most came from different manufacturing lots. Would it be ok to mix them all together in an attempt to minimize the impact of the lot variances? Are the lot to lot differences even enough to concern myself with? Thanks!

 

[Deisel]

Re: Question about mixing powder

I mixed together eight 1 lb bottles of H4350 when that was all I could find. I put it all in a large plastic bowl and used only plastic utensils to stir. Seemed to work OK. I would do the same with the Varget. I have noticed lot to lot variances with Varget.

 

[BCP]

Re: Question about mixing powder

How big of a difference have you noticed between lots?

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Question about mixing powder

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How big of a difference have you noticed between lots? </div></div>

I personally have seen lot to lot variances in Varget and just last week I chronoed some 223 with 25grs and 69gr SMKs. Primers were Rem 7 1/2s and Fed 205Ms, brass was LC but differing years. I did use two differen FL sizing dies, an RCBS and a Redding, both putting differing amounts of neck tension on the bullet, say between .002+ and .004+, but I was getting 110 fps spreads in strings between the two 25 ct batches.

Now, I realize that there are some variables there, namely the primers, but 110 fps is a pretty big swing, IME.

This being said, if I have a little left in one can, I'll pour it into a new bottle and go from there, but I'll not load up max charge weights.

As long as you reduce your charge weight and work up, there should be no problem. If you're one of those guys that has things wound up to the Nth degree, this might not work well for you, but I'm just a hack.

Chris

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Question about mixing powder

When I first started shooting benchrest I sifted, blended and mixed several different types of powders. Do it carefully and you'll probably be OK. Staying with one type (Varget) will help decrease the problems you could run into.

 

[Deisel]

Re: Question about mixing powder

BCP, I noticed about a 40 fps variance from two 8 lbs jugs of Varget from two different lots. It just taught me to ALWAYS re-chrono a load when you go to a new lot of powder.

 

[High Binder]

Re: Question about mixing powder

Outside of static issues, I think you would be fine. Use a glass bowl with wooden spoon. Maybe wipe the whole area and bowl down with a dryer sheet prior to starting and be careful of your clothing. Same process when working with electronics.