Changes in powder lots.

[gitrdun]

I'm not looking for reloading lessons. I'm simply wondering what results occur when changing powder lots from knowledgable reloaders. Specifically, Varget. Please, don't tell me to start 10% lower. I want facts, not wisdom.

[elkhunter11]

I haven't encountered more than 30fps or so when changing lots of Varget, but I have seen 120fps, when changing from the original H-1000, to H-1000 Extreme.

[tchardy1972]

In my 223 I went from 26 grains with one lot to 25.8 grains to get back in tune with the next lot. This is where a chronograph will help you decide which direction you need to go.

[Pathfinder76]

The facts are that there are no facts.

[gitrdun]

I should have asked "what are people's experiences" then. Their real world experiences are factual enough for me at this stage. I will be facing having to change powder lot soon in a gun that will make a difference. Was simply wondering what to expect if anything.

[Lefty-Canuck]

I have usually paid no attention to changing powder lots.

Although I probably should....

LC

[gitrdun]

Up to now, and in hunting rifles I haven't either Lefty. But I think that a precision LR rifle may see something. Just curious is all, and only time will tell....

[Huntnut]

I've never noticed any differance.

[sevenmil]

I still doubt it will make much difference, long range gun or not. I've never paid attention to lot numbers, and my pet loads don't seem to pay attention either. I guess if you were in bench rest competition or something you could stick with the same lot just to make sure you'd covered all the variables. But I doubt even for a long range hunting load the difference would be enough to throw you off course. I think the human error element would come into play before that were to happen. Just my opinion but also an opinion formed from observation with my loads.

[Mike_W]

Up until recently I never owned a chronograph but was getting quite nice groups with 140 grain TSX and 69 grains of Retumbo in my 270 WSM
Last year when I was getting low (15 cartridges left) I decided to load up some more ended up I used a new lb I bought which was a different lot...same primer same brass.

The new reloads would not group worth a dang so I went and grabbed some of 15 I had left and banged out a nice moa 5 shot group..... what the heck.

No clue what occurred but the only change would have been the lot of powder. Anyway I am going to take my 270 WSM out today and see how it likes accubonds and H4350

[32-40win]

One of the reasons I always load a few rds from near scratch again , just to check pressure on a new lot, is a batch of 4320 that got out. It was a whole bunch faster, min load resulted in having to knock very hard on the bolt to open it. If I'd tried a couple of gr more to start, may have needed to buy a new gun.

Turned out it was a recalled lot, saw the notice in Handloader about a year or two later, it was out of that lot. I cut it back 5 gr and used some more of it at the time, not knowing about the recall.. That was before the internet got going, about 1989 or 90. Might pay to search that lot for recalls when you get into a new lot. They do occur occasionally.
Other than that the worst I have had was maybe a grain difference, which could also be temp related.

[Unregistered user]

Shot lots of Varget through my .223 and never noticed any difference from lot to lot and I only buy it 1lb at a time. That might have to change due to erratic supply.

[Robmcleod82]

Buy 8 pound jugs and chrono with the new jug and adjust accordingly. Probably have to change your seating depth before you got through 8 pounds. Buy your bullets in big lots as well. Trim meplats, lots of things you can do

[Au revoir, Gopher]

Originally Posted by Robmcleod82

Probably have to change your seating depth before you got through 8 pounds.

Mind explaining that one to me, I'm drawing a blank.

ARG

[sns2]

Originally Posted by Au revoir, Gopher

Mind explaining that one to me, I'm drawing a blank.

ARG

He was probably responding tongue in cheek, though I won't speak for him, but likely was referring to throat erosion after 8 lbs of powder and having to chase the lands, hence the change in seating depth.

That's my guess.

[twofifty]

mine too.

[Robmcleod82]

Originally Posted by Au revoir, Gopher

Mind explaining that one to me, I'm drawing a blank.

ARG

Throat erosion

[Northwinds]

the guys that run into problems are usually running on the hot side of things with their loads,they may switch lots of powder and get away with it for years and never have a problem,then one day it All goes south! A blown primer at best,locked bolt or even worse.
I have a .223AI that loves a hot load of H-4895.I never backed off when switching cans of powder or switching lots.Then one day I opened a new can and loaded the secret recipe.The first shot blew the primer and removed sako extracter. Had I reduced the first load by 10% that would not have happened.
I now buy powder in kegs only. It was a wake up call that scared the heck out of me,don't risk it always reduce that 1st shot.

[gitrdun]

Originally Posted by Robmcleod82

Throat erosion

Throat erosion would certainly be an issue when going thru a hot load of Varget 31.2 grains at a time in a single gun. However, given the versatility of Varget, I do use it in my. 223 as well and may work up a load for it in the 7-08. I have a feeling Rob that you went to Flys looking for some and that either Glen or Udo told you that I emptied their inventory. Should you need some, call or text, I'll be happy to share some witchya.

[Robmcleod82]

I'm not a varget fan, I leave that stuff for the masses and use more obscure stuff easier to get.

[marxman]

Originally Posted by chuck

The facts are that there are no facts.

its a fact. a fact is a fact, and when you have a good fact, its because its a fact

[Pathfinder76]

Has someone come up with how much velocity loss or gain gitrdun is going to have in HIS rifle with HIS new lot of Varget? Just wondering.

[Mike_W]

Originally Posted by chuck

Has someone come up with how much velocity loss or gain gitrdun is going to have in HIS rifle with HIS new lot of Varget? Just wondering.

-29.35 fps average

[marxman]

Originally Posted by Mike_W

-29.35 fps average

this fact sounds good and its good enough is my guess

[Au revoir, Gopher]

Originally Posted by Mike_W

-29.35 fps average

I was going with 42; that is, after all, the answer.

ARG