Mixing powder batches

[NotEnufGarage]

I have about six 1 lb jugs of IMR3031 that I want to work up some .308 and .30-06 match loads with. Half of them are fairly recent production and the other half are the older metal cans. One jug of each (old and new) are partial, so it's probably really about 5 lbs.

To maximize my consitency and eliminate having to work up the loads twice, would it be safe to mix it all together, blend it well and work up the load once with the hope of having consistency for all of it? I'm thinking I'd dump it all into a large tupperware, mix it gently with a wood or plastic spoon, with the tupperware and me both being grounded to eliminate any possible static discharge, outside of course, with hand, face and head protection.

[XDRoX]

Certain powders are known to be different from lot to lot. I don't know if 3031 is one of them. But I personally see no problem in doing what you're proposing. I mix different lots every time I open a new can and have never had a problem.

[bruceflinch]

Pour em in a Blender & put on Puree!

[NotEnufGarage]

Pour em in a Blender & put on Puree!

Should I do that with a cigar burnin' in my lips? LOL

Don't think I'll quite do that, but maybe just shake 'em in a big plastic tub.

[Clownpuncher]

While I have never mixed that particular type/brand, I routinely open a new can and throw in what was left out of the old one. Never had an issue.

[meaty-btz]

If you are concerned about vast variances between the batches then all you need do is blend the batches evenly to create a "consistent" value. Consistency matters more than any specific value. You need predictive and consistent data to build safe loads. Variances are dangerous but only if unpredictable.

[XDRoX]

Sometimes when I run out of Unique I mix up some Bullseye and 2400. Pretty much the same thing.

[lpspinner]

The last of my Titegroup always ends up in the new bottle of the same.

[toby]

I do not add,mix,combine,alter, and after 30 years of reloading I still have all my fingers.

[Beelzy]

NEVER mix powder of different lots......I do believe it is so written in reloading manuals.

[wtkaiser]

While it might seem harmless to do, it's pretty much true that it is written in the manuals not to. And while many guys here obviously do it, I think they're playing the odds and someday, well, who knows? Any batch of powder WILL be different than any other batch. Different enough to cause the intricate chain of events that evolves in normal combustion? Again, who knows? You're only going to find out when you pull the trigger.
In fact, I do believe the manuals will tell you to go back to square one and start developing the load all over again if you get a new lot. You know, that old rule "...ANY change in components..."
So call me a worry wort, but I wouldn't do it. Look at 2400 - it got a smidgen faster a few years ago and some loads had to be tamed down to stay within SAAMI specs. Of course, if anybody considers SAAMI specs more of a "guideline", that's fine...just shoot well away from me, thank you very much.

[fatfreadiescat]

mixing

Sometimes when I run out of Unique I mix up some Bullseye and 2400. Pretty much the same thing.

This is the one that freaked me out.

[skibuff]

So all you guys that don't mix your SAME type of powders out of fear batch to batch is so different, do you start at minimum loads everytime you open a new batch of powder and work up again?

This is in refrence to commercial powders only not mil surplus.

Not a refrence to mixing bullseye and 2400 either I'm not on board with that but if it works safe for him I'm cool with it.

[fatfreadiescat]

Same number same company no problem,
making your own home brew, see you in emergency.
Please move two benches down from me.
Maybe three.

[Bill Steele]

Mixing different lots of the same powder is fine. I have observed some differences from lot to lot of some particular brands, but nothing that would require working up new load data when opening a new bottle of the same commercial powder.

Maybe some didn't get the joke, but nobody in their right mind mixes different powders.