Ok to mix same powder - different lot numbers?

[Hillbilly77]

Is it ok to mix a small amount of powder with different lot numbers?
I just got to the bottom of my first pound of Win 296. I have more powder and I was thinking of just mixing the small amount remaining with a fresh can.

I understand that different lots can perform differently, but will there be enough difference to worry about?
I'm currently loading .357 Magnum loads.


Thank you, all.
I appreciate any insight.

 

[arjay]

I've always mixed lot numbers on pistol powders at the end of a lb,but none of my loads are max.

 

[MN2944]

I do it all the time.

 

[Hillbilly77]

I've always mixed lot numbers on pistol powders at the end of a lb,but none of my loads are max.

These are a few 1/10's under Hornady's listed max, which is a few 1/10's under Hodgdon's listed max.
Hornady says 16.0 grains max and Hodgdon says 16.7 grains max.

The last ones I loaded to 15.2 gr. - they were ok, but seemed a bit anemic.

 

[federali]

Purists may frown upon the practice but I've been doing it for over 50 years. I've never seen any difference in accuracy or pressure. I've also never blown up a gun.

 

[arjay]

You need a model 19 snubbie for those 15.2 loads [emoji1]

 

[Hillbilly77]

You need a model 19 snubbie for those 15.2 loads [emoji1]

They were fairly entertaining in my 4" model 19.
A bit dull in my 586.

 

[John R]

I've done it for over 40 years

 

[Collo Rosso]

Like others I've cracked open a fresh pound to top up my hopper. I think most commercial powders keep a good tolerance.
I would not suggest that though with military pull down powders. The first time I used WC846 for 308 I started at 40 grains and found 42 to be a good load. My second jug, different lot number, and 40 grains just managed to work the action.

 

[M29since14]

I'm surprised. I didn't think others would admit to it. I don't do it in rifle or magnum handgun loads.

 

[gwpercle]

I do it too. The small amount added to a new can has never caused any problems in any below maximum loads for me.
Of course any maximum loads must be reworked up to again when going to a new lot of powder, the burning rate might vary just a bit.
Gary

 

[Nevada Ed]

The ONLY powder that I ever had that had a difference in the
fps of a load from lot to lot was the Shotgun powder for those
that shot ducks, geese or birds on special lands that called for
Alliant STEEL powder.
A loss of almost 100 fps with a steel load is a big thing...........

No other problems over the years..........

 

[fredj338]

I always have, but I seldom load to max. I can't image adding 1oz to 16oz causing issues.

 

[lebomm]

I've done it, too, but all the mfrs discourage the practice. As above, it seems to me that 1 oz. in 16, thoroughly mixed, would make little difference.

Larry

 

[MN2944]

I always have, but I seldom load to max. I can't image adding 1oz to 16oz causing issues.

I can't either, even if you mixed half and half. Think of it this way: If the manufacturing of the second lot was so far off that having it blended in at 1:16 or even 1:1 was going to give you grief, what the heck would happen when you started that new bottle from scratch? You'd be using 100% concentration of the "bad" stuff and backing off 10% isn't going to save you.

I'm pretty sure this recommendation is a combination of CYA and, more importantly, discouraging the practice of blending different types of powders.

 

[Nevada Ed]

"they were ok, but seemed a bit anemic. "

Use a magnum primer with that load and put a heavy crimp on that bullet and see if things pick up a notch or two.

A lot of loaders put a light or just medium crimps on their ammo and wonder why they are not getting top speeds.

I have two types of heavy crimps..................
The 97% heavy for JHP loads and
the 100% HEAVY crimp for my LEAD bullets, since there is no coating to break or damage.

If this does not help.......... then try more powder, if safe.
Good shooting.

 

[Hillbilly77]

"they were ok, but seemed a bit anemic. "

Use a magnum primer with that load and put a heavy crimp on that bullet and see if things pick up a notch or two.

A lot of loaders put a light or just medium crimps on their ammo and wonder why they are not getting top speeds.

I have two types of heavy crimps..................
The 97% heavy for JHP loads and
the 100% HEAVY crimp for my LEAD bullets, since there is no coating to break or damage.

If this does not help.......... then try more powder, if safe.
Good shooting.

I do use magnum primers and a fairly heavy crimp.
Being still new at this, I'm still learning the art of crimping. I'm probably being a bit conservative with my crimps for fear of wrecking my brass.
I was basing my loads on Hornady's specs. Hodgdon calls for a hotter max charge, so based on the average between the two, I loaded up some a few 1/10's hotter to try out.

 

[fredj338]

I can't either, even if you mixed half and half. Think of it this way: If the manufacturing of the second lot was so far off that having it blended in at 1:16 or even 1:1 was going to give you grief, what the heck would happen when you started that new bottle from scratch? You'd be using 100% concentration of the "bad" stuff and backing off 10% isn't going to save you.

I'm pretty sure this recommendation is a combination of CYA and, more importantly, discouraging the practice of blending different types of powders.

There are some powders that have had huge lot to lot variations. So mixing could be an issue, but with those powders, you had better drop 5% & work back up anyway. One reason I went away from RL22 in a couple calibers as single can, lot to lot variation was enough to force you to rework loads. I understand Solo1000 is the same, but never used it.

 

[charlies]

I have been reloading since we bought military powder from the local feed and seed in paper sacks for 50 cents a pound and Iv'e always mixed them.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

I do use magnum primers and a fairly heavy crimp.
Being still new at this, I'm still learning the art of crimping. I'm probably being a bit conservative with my crimps for fear of wrecking my brass.
I was basing my loads on Hornady's specs. Hodgdon calls for a hotter max charge, so based on the average between the two, I loaded up some a few 1/10's hotter to try out.

That Redding profile crimp die you are using should take alot of the worry of over crimping and buckling the case away..

I found it to be the same with the Hornady taper crimp too. You saw the crimps on my 460 rounds! LOL!