Thread: Mixing powder batches

It's not an issue to mix batches. One downside is you open sealed containers earlier than you otherwise would, which isn't an issue if you are going to use it all in the near/medium future

Originally Posted by Cigar

It's not an issue to mix batches. One downside is you open sealed containers earlier than you otherwise would, which isn't an issue if you are going to use it all in the near/medium future

How long you think a original sealed bottle can be stored for?

I have tested different batches of ADI2208 at the range.

Identical load in identically prepared case, same charge, same projectile.

Shot 10 counting shots of each load at 300 yards and 500 yards.
Rifle allowed to cool between strings.

No noticeable difference in speeds and accuracy.

This is what I expected as 2208 is one of ADIs biggest sellers and therefore most manufactured.
I expected that ADI would be able to control the manufacture to give (almost) identical performance.

Test your blend, work up your load. Have fun.

Originally Posted by Cyclops

I have tested different batches of ADI2208..
No noticeable difference in speeds and accuracy.

This is what I expected as 2208 is one of ADIs biggest sellers and therefore most manufactured.
I expected that ADI would be able to control the manufacture to give (almost) identical performance.

..

That may be so but there seems to be general agreement amongst serious US target shooters that H4350 (2209) does vary between batches. That's why I blend mine into one big lot if I get different batches round about the same time.

Originally Posted by DBD

How long you think a original sealed bottle can be stored for?

Should do 10 years at least if stored correctly.

Originally Posted by Cigar

Should do 10 years at least if stored correctly.

Whats the consensus for stored correctly? I just keep mine in an old fridge. Hoping that'll do the job. Except for my 8lb of RL26, keep that under my matress

Originally Posted by charliehorse

Whats the consensus for stored correctly? I just keep mine in an old fridge. Hoping that'll do the job. Except for my 8lb of RL26, keep that under my matress

I keep mine in a chillybin to reduce temperature fluctuations, an old fridge probably does the job better.

The end of a powder bottle is a bit of a pain.
Inevitably it is just out of sync with each bullet batch and each primer batch too.

I try to use up all of one batch until there's less than one cartridge load left, then move to the new bottle and mark the projectiles with felt pen, then try and shoot them off together. I count on the different batches being very similar but like to re sight in pretty soon after changing each batch of any component. Not OCD about it though. In theory different batches could give enough difference in velocity to affect long range (600+yd) trajectory for F class or TR shooting like cyclops is talking about, but for hunting it would be more a matter of harmonics and a zero change from that.

I try to buy powder in at least 1kg at a time to minimise this problem.
Why did you buy more and start more before you'd finished the last batch ?

Originally Posted by Cigar

Should do 10 years at least if stored correctly.

Indefinitely is the answer
I have unique that is 60 + years old. Stores better in the older tins than modern plates tic
Unless it is clumpy or smells bad it is good to go

I have never found any variation with 748 or 760

Originally Posted by omark

Indefinitely is the answer
I have unique that is 60 + years old. Stores better in the older tins than modern plates tic
Unless it is clumpy or smells bad it is good to go

I have never found any variation with 748 or 760

I have just finished this in loads for my 243. Got it for $20 about 4 yrs ago and sat on it. Tried a couple of calibres, 243 loves it goats not so much. I'm guessing its 60yrs or so. On the back, bottom left of pic, it has R33/9/26. I'm not game to say that means 26 Sept 1933 but hey. @grandpamac might know lol

Originally Posted by Jhon

I have just finished this in loads for my 243. Got it for $20 about 4 yrs ago and sat on it. Tried a couple of calibres, 243 loves it goats not so much. I'm guessing its 60yrs or so. On the back, bottom left of pic, it has R33/9/26. I'm not game to say that means 26 Sept 1933 but hey. @grandpamac might know lol

Attachment 204079

Attachment 204080

Greetings All,
I don't know when Nobels Rifle No1 but they started making smokeless in the 1800's. 60 years ago would be a good guess. The can would be at least 40 years old.
GPM.

Originally Posted by DBD

How long you think a original sealed bottle can be stored for?

I'm still using some Win 680 I bought in 1983. Still works fine.