Blending same powder different lots.

[idahoglock36]

I have 5 pounds of BLC-(2). I usually buy a 8 pound bottle at a time....with the recent shortage I couldn't....but it looks like I may now with no problem (that is beside this question). However I don't want to get rid of what I have. Over the past year I accumulated 2-1 pounders from one lot and 2-1 pounders from another lot and I still have 1 pound from the last 8 pound bottle.

Powder from different lots may shoot a little different. I like consistency so I thinking of pouring all the powder into the old 8 pound bottle mixing it up real good and giving it a go....I usually go through 8 pounds of BLC-(2) a year and like it to be from the same lot. So do you see any problems with blending the different lots to help with consistency with this 5 pounds only? I really don't want to deal with 3 different lots this spring. There may be no difference in the lots but why carry that in the back of my mind every time I miss a shot. Tracking rounds is enough without worrying about this 220 rounds came from this lot and this 440 was from this lot...I just want it easier! Your thoughts....thanks.

 

[scott5]

idahoglock36,
I'd say go for it, as I have done it al lot.
But you know the old addage, start low and work up.

 

[twofifty]

static discharges ?

Yeah, as above and avoid static discharges when you mix it up !

 

[sourdough44]

I'd mix & not worry a bit.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

I'm glad you asked. I need to do that with a few powders too.

 

[dakotasin]

i always blend my new powders with my old powders.

 

[JimKirk]

First of all, there would be so little difference between lots that you'd have to do some serious testing to find the differences.

There have been cases where a powder company would change the make up slightly and warn reloaders not to use data for a older powder with the same name.

Most of the time they rename the powder if there is much difference.

Go ahead and mix the lots, I have many times, there will be no problem.

Jimmy K

 

[RB98SS]

I mix them all the time. I do however keep track of the lot numbers just in case there would be a recall or warning released by the manufacturer.

 

[RainDodger]

Interesting. I've done this occasionally as well, usually when I have a little bit in one can and a new one right behind it. Don't ever make a mistake in pouring to the wrong can though....

 

[idahoglock36]

Thanks for all the replies....I'm going to blend them together.

 

[smoking357]

I've done it. The hopper gets low, and you have to add more. The two lots are going to mix.

 

[Slamfire]

The powder manufacturer blends fast and slow lots to make the powder you have.

The only caution I will toss out is mixing very old powder with not so old powder.

The Army scraps single based powders at 45 years, single based at 20 years. ( Heat and moisture will reduce the shelf life of a powder. When powder gets towards the end of its shelf life, the stabilizers in the powder that mop up NO2 gas are almost gone. ) You really do not want to mix old powder with good powder because the outgassing from the old stuff will ruin the whole batch, cause case neck cracks and cause screwy burn rate issues.

 

[kelbro]

I've done it a lot. You should check it out with a couple of reference loads. If the velocities are within reason and the POI is the same, you are good to go.