Mixing lots of powder to make your own “lot”?

[amassi]

Absurd question of the day alert…

Say you have 3 new pounds of one lot of powder and 2 new pounds of another lot of the same powder…. (I know, not ideal, but that’s what was on the shelf) Instead of shooting through one lot and then reworking the load again when you get to the second lot, could you just mix all 5 pounds together and only work up once as if it were all one lot? Anyone see a problem with this?

I do this all the time, (same powder) save your empty kegs and when forced to buy singles mix the different lots so you don’t have any issue when lots change


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[SDHNTR]

I do this all the time, (same powder) save your empty kegs and when forced to buy singles mix the different lots so you don’t have any issue when lots change


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Exactly what I was thinking.

 

[amassi]

I don't see a 1 grain adjustment being a big deal at all, especially in a cartridge loaded with 50 grains or so. To me getting a poor mix would be more of a concern. If you keep your load development data, including chrono data, making any necessary adjustment when switching batches should be pretty easy. Again, if you really want to know, load a few from each batch and see what your chrono says.

Scale is important here
If you load and shoot a couple hundred rounds and enjoy load work up and or have easy access to a range it’s no issue to rework as lots change
If your loading many thousands of rounds it’s nice to crank out mass lots without having to shoot each lot of powder primer and bullet for changes.


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[amassi]

I agree that you probably won’t notice a big difference in consistency, but I’m not gonna introduce an unpredictable variable for no reason when tuning a load after a lot change isn’t very difficult or component consuming

It isn’t an unpredictable variable it’s incredibly predictable. I’ve had 4 lots of powder in 8# of H4350 and all 1500 rounds did exactly what I wanted. No extra trips to the range checking anything. 10 rounds to zero 1490 on target.
All I did was trim brass as it grew. Load and shoot. No muss no fuss


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[Jhaury7]

If you see large differences in lots and can’t guarantee you’re gonna have “for example: 50 granules of Lot A and 50 Granules of Lot B” consistently every single cartridge, then how is this a good idea for accuracy? You could have 99 granules of lot A and 1 granule of lot B in one cartridge and the complete opposite in another cartridge. That would essentially be the 1+ gr difference you speak of

The example above is why it’s statistically unpredictable. But as I previously stated, you might not notice large differences. I have time, a close range, and enjoy shooting and loading so it’s not a big deal for me to tune loads lot to lot

 

[amassi]

Your example above is nonsense, either your being intentionally disingenuous or you don’t understand how smokeless powder works, regardless
Some people like to shoot, some like to load. I used to waste time, powder bullets and primers “tuning” loads and chasing es/sd. All it did was waste components and time and make my wallet lighter.

 

[Jhaury7]

If Lot A shoots 3000 fps and lot B shoots 3050 fps and after mixing lots you get primarily lot A in one cartridge and primarily lot B in another, there could be a difference in velocities. At general hunting ranges and target ranges, it’s negligible velocities. Therefore, if you wanna mix powder, go for it. Throw n570 and varget in a kitchenaid mixer for all I care. I just choose not too

 

[A382DWDZQ]

If Lot A shoots 3000 fps and lot B shoots 3050 fps and after mixing lots you get primarily lot A in one cartridge and primarily lot B in another, there could be a difference in velocities. At general hunting ranges and target ranges, it’s negligible velocities. Therefore, if you wanna mix powder, go for it. Throw n570 and varget in a kitchenaid mixer for all I care. I just choose not too

A Ninja or a Vitamix rather than a kitchenaid might get a better blend.
*Edit - DO NOT DO THIS FFS

 

[ozyclint]

 

[ResearchinStuff]

A Ninja or a Vitamix rather than a kitchenaid might get a better blend.

Either of those is going to change the grain size dramatically, and thus the burn rate, making it much, much faster, and likely very dangerous.

 

[MallardSX2]

Threads like this make me feel so much better about my life and how little I care if I hit 1” away from center at 100 yards. Lol

 

[Juan_ID]

I have mixed lots multiple times since I started reloading without any issues . Lately I’ve tried buying jugs just cuz it is generally cheaper per lb but wouldn’t hesitate to mix singlets again when needed.

 

[Maidenfan539]

I recently internally debated this same question. Had a half of a jug of varget and mixed 2 singles in there. Mixed it up and shot it. Shot just fine for me. My vote is send it.

 

[fn68]

I mix powder and have not seen any problems with velocity. I use a bowl that doesn't have static cling such as an enamel coated bowl. Mix by hand for several minutes and re-bottle.

 

[scattergun]

The example above is why it’s statistically unpredictable. But as I previously stated, you might not notice large differences. I have time, a close range, and enjoy shooting and loading so it’s not a big deal for me to tune loads lot to lot

How is it statistically unpredictable, exactly? The bulk distribution of evenly-mixed consistent fine grains is about as predictable as it gets.

 

[scattergun]

Threads like this make me feel so much better about my life and how little I care if I hit 1” away from center at 100 yards. Lol

The best part is that pretty much any reasonable powder charge will give the same accuracy as long as it's consistent.

 

[eschafer]

Two large funnels with very narrow necks / drop tubes, pointed into a larger vessel to catch mixture. Funnels are supported by a stand that separates them from larger vessel... Larger vessel sits on a rotating platform turning at a reasonably slow speed... Turn on rotating device, simultaneously dump different lots of powder into each funnel... The slower the trickle, the more homogeneous the mixture....

An epiphany that just came to me.. I'm going to get creating this device as soon as all other chores are finished... Good luck. Be careful.... Avoid static......

 

[ozyclint]

Just make sure that the spin rate of the vessel is perfect and that the pour rate through the funnels is VERY consistent.
If you don't, then expect your 6.5 Creedmoor groups to be a minimum of 3/4" bigger at 2 miles.

 

[manitou1]

Been doing it for years.

 

[sportsmans challenge]

Been doing it for years.

Same as the others, no issues