I have (8) 1-lb bottles of Varget (from my cabelas rant thread) and they are different lot numbers. Do you think that I am better off leaving them as is and doing a validation/tweak when I move on to a new bottle or is there value and consistency if I pour all 8 bottles into a single jar and mix it up good?
Varget Powder Question
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Re: Varget Powder Question
If they were mine I'd mix them all together. Then at least I'd have 8 pounds of the same lot.
If they were mine I'd mix them all together. Then at least I'd have 8 pounds of the same lot.
Re: Varget Powder Question
Optimal Charge Weight. Use this method to work your load and the lot number won't matter any more.
Optimal Charge Weight. Use this method to work your load and the lot number won't matter any more.
Re: Varget Powder Question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dreever</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If they were mine I'd mix them all together. Then at least I'd have 8 pounds of the same lot. </div></div>
+1
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dreever</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If they were mine I'd mix them all together. Then at least I'd have 8 pounds of the same lot. </div></div>
+1
Re: Varget Powder Question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dreever</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If they were mine I'd mix them all together. Then at least I'd have 8 pounds of the same lot. </div></div>
This might be a way I'd go to, but I'd also just number the identical lot numbers and go from there. I have 4# over 3 lot numbers and that's what I did.
Chris
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dreever</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If they were mine I'd mix them all together. Then at least I'd have 8 pounds of the same lot. </div></div>
This might be a way I'd go to, but I'd also just number the identical lot numbers and go from there. I have 4# over 3 lot numbers and that's what I did.
Chris
Re: Varget Powder Question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Casey Simpson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Optimal Charge Weight. Use this method to work your load and the lot number won't matter any more. </div></div>
how does this help me lot to lot if there are differences in the lots?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Casey Simpson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Optimal Charge Weight. Use this method to work your load and the lot number won't matter any more. </div></div>
how does this help me lot to lot if there are differences in the lots?
Re: Varget Powder Question
probably a stupid question, but if i mix them is there any reason why i couldn't use a large, clean, empty jug from powdered protein? Do the bottles they come in have any special properties (i.e. anti-static, etc...?)
probably a stupid question, but if i mix them is there any reason why i couldn't use a large, clean, empty jug from powdered protein? Do the bottles they come in have any special properties (i.e. anti-static, etc...?)
Re: Varget Powder Question
I there a reason you shouldn't use a laundry detergent bottle for your drinking water?
Even if you can't think of any reasons, common sense leans towards no.
Yes, powder containers are generally anti-static.
I there a reason you shouldn't use a laundry detergent bottle for your drinking water?
Even if you can't think of any reasons, common sense leans towards no.
Yes, powder containers are generally anti-static.
Re: Varget Powder Question
Blend.
I rubbed a 5-quart ice cream jug with a dryer sheet first.
But DON'T use a wooden spoon. The coating (graphite for most powders, green stuff for Varget) takes too many runs through the dishwasher to come out.
I recommend a long mix. Those granules don't "flow" like liquids.
Blend.
I rubbed a 5-quart ice cream jug with a dryer sheet first.
But DON'T use a wooden spoon. The coating (graphite for most powders, green stuff for Varget) takes too many runs through the dishwasher to come out.
I recommend a long mix. Those granules don't "flow" like liquids.
Re: Varget Powder Question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigMahi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I there a reason you shouldn't use a laundry detergent bottle for your drinking water?
Even if you can't think of any reasons, common sense leans towards no.
Yes, powder containers are generally anti-static. </div></div>
common sense also says you shouldn't be a condescending dick.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigMahi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I there a reason you shouldn't use a laundry detergent bottle for your drinking water?
Even if you can't think of any reasons, common sense leans towards no.
Yes, powder containers are generally anti-static. </div></div>
common sense also says you shouldn't be a condescending dick.
Re: Varget Powder Question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Grump</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Blend.
I rubbed a 5-quart ice cream jug with a dryer sheet first.
But DON'T use a wooden spoon. The coating (graphite for most powders, green stuff for Varget) takes too many runs through the dishwasher to come out.
I recommend a long mix. Those granules don't "flow" like liquids. </div></div>
interesting. the powdered protein jug I have is HDPE2, the same as the 1-lb original container. I like the dryer sheet idea. I'm also going to toss a eMail at the mfg's site (but i assume due to liability they will say no alternate containers)
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Grump</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Blend.
I rubbed a 5-quart ice cream jug with a dryer sheet first.
But DON'T use a wooden spoon. The coating (graphite for most powders, green stuff for Varget) takes too many runs through the dishwasher to come out.
I recommend a long mix. Those granules don't "flow" like liquids. </div></div>
interesting. the powdered protein jug I have is HDPE2, the same as the 1-lb original container. I like the dryer sheet idea. I'm also going to toss a eMail at the mfg's site (but i assume due to liability they will say no alternate containers)
Re: Varget Powder Question
found a lot of information but mostly on pyrotechnics sites... all say what you recommended, HDPE containers and a dryer sheet massage. They all say it must be unscented, but never provided a technical reason why.
i've also fired off a eMail to hodgdon asking if the containers have any special properties.
found a lot of information but mostly on pyrotechnics sites... all say what you recommended, HDPE containers and a dryer sheet massage. They all say it must be unscented, but never provided a technical reason why.
i've also fired off a eMail to hodgdon asking if the containers have any special properties.
Re: Varget Powder Question
An optimal load is one that the barrel crown is round as the bullet exists. Once a bullet is fired the sound waves crash at the end of the barrel at 18,000 fps. When the waves hit the end they distort the shape. If the bullet leaves when the sound waves are at the muzzle, the bullet exits an oval and not a circle. You want the bullet to leave when the hole is a circle and optimally when the sound waves are back at the chamber (as they bounce from chamber to muzzle until they dissipate). Optimal loads may not squeeze the greatest accuracy but they don't produce fliers and are generally stable across lots.
I'm paraphrasing from something Bryan Litz wrote. Apologies for my crude explanation. Don't have the article but it was a good read as all of Bryan's articles are.
An optimal load is one that the barrel crown is round as the bullet exists. Once a bullet is fired the sound waves crash at the end of the barrel at 18,000 fps. When the waves hit the end they distort the shape. If the bullet leaves when the sound waves are at the muzzle, the bullet exits an oval and not a circle. You want the bullet to leave when the hole is a circle and optimally when the sound waves are back at the chamber (as they bounce from chamber to muzzle until they dissipate). Optimal loads may not squeeze the greatest accuracy but they don't produce fliers and are generally stable across lots.
I'm paraphrasing from something Bryan Litz wrote. Apologies for my crude explanation. Don't have the article but it was a good read as all of Bryan's articles are.
Re: Varget Powder Question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TwoGun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">An optimal load is one that the barrel crown is round as the bullet exists. Once a bullet is fired the sound waves crash at the end of the barrel at 18,000 fps. When the waves hit the end they distort the shape. If the bullet leaves when the sound waves are at the muzzle, the bullet exists an oval and not a circle. You want the bullet to leave when the hole is a circle and optimally when the sound waves are back at the chamber (as they bounce from chamber to muzzle until they dissipate).
I'm paraphrasing from something Bryan Litz wrote. Apologies for my crude explanation. Don't have the article but it was a good read as all of Bryan's articles are. </div></div>
I read that article and understand the concept, i guess I was just thinking that differences in the lots would impact the OCW if the rate of burn was faster or slower. I doubt it would ever be by much so you are spot on, find the OCW and tweak adjustments lot to lot. I still think I'd like to mix all 8lbs so at least for the next 8 lbs I won't have to tweak much.... but in all reality I think all this pontification is well past my shooting abilities at this point anyway. I've developed a pretty consistent load and ran out of my first lot of powder which prompted this thread.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TwoGun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">An optimal load is one that the barrel crown is round as the bullet exists. Once a bullet is fired the sound waves crash at the end of the barrel at 18,000 fps. When the waves hit the end they distort the shape. If the bullet leaves when the sound waves are at the muzzle, the bullet exists an oval and not a circle. You want the bullet to leave when the hole is a circle and optimally when the sound waves are back at the chamber (as they bounce from chamber to muzzle until they dissipate).
I'm paraphrasing from something Bryan Litz wrote. Apologies for my crude explanation. Don't have the article but it was a good read as all of Bryan's articles are. </div></div>
I read that article and understand the concept, i guess I was just thinking that differences in the lots would impact the OCW if the rate of burn was faster or slower. I doubt it would ever be by much so you are spot on, find the OCW and tweak adjustments lot to lot. I still think I'd like to mix all 8lbs so at least for the next 8 lbs I won't have to tweak much.... but in all reality I think all this pontification is well past my shooting abilities at this point anyway. I've developed a pretty consistent load and ran out of my first lot of powder which prompted this thread.
Re: Varget Powder Question
German Salazar has an article out there that proposes a method to determine Optimal Charge Weight. It's a good read also. Searching for it, I found this. May be of some use.
http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/
German Salazar has an article out there that proposes a method to determine Optimal Charge Weight. It's a good read also. Searching for it, I found this. May be of some use.
http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/
Re: Varget Powder Question
Called a few places and got a consistent answer, as well as talked to some people in the pyrotechnic industry via forums. Note I said a consistent answer, I have no way to validate its the right answer (other than consistency)
HDPE plastic is used for commercial powder canisters, as well as for loading tubes (auto loaders, powder throwers, etc..) and none of them have any special materials impregnated in them to control static.
Storing powders is anything other than the container they came is will be the industry standard answer, especially from manufactures due to the liability factor, however there is no more risk in putting a bunch of 1-lb containers into a single HDPE container other than that your powder volume is now larger.
Most powder containers are black to prevent ANY source of light from getting thru; for any long term storage the container should be light proof.
unscented dryer sheets will prevent static buildup and can be used to reduce any static and it will also help with consistent powder throwing (due to lack of static)
Static concerns can also be handles by utilizing a grounding mat.
Called a few places and got a consistent answer, as well as talked to some people in the pyrotechnic industry via forums. Note I said a consistent answer, I have no way to validate its the right answer (other than consistency)
HDPE plastic is used for commercial powder canisters, as well as for loading tubes (auto loaders, powder throwers, etc..) and none of them have any special materials impregnated in them to control static.
Storing powders is anything other than the container they came is will be the industry standard answer, especially from manufactures due to the liability factor, however there is no more risk in putting a bunch of 1-lb containers into a single HDPE container other than that your powder volume is now larger.
Most powder containers are black to prevent ANY source of light from getting thru; for any long term storage the container should be light proof.
unscented dryer sheets will prevent static buildup and can be used to reduce any static and it will also help with consistent powder throwing (due to lack of static)
Static concerns can also be handles by utilizing a grounding mat.
Re: Varget Powder Question
Short answer...mix it up. Big container. (Use a big stainless steel mixing bowl if you have one...very anti static.) Then, put it back into the original containers. Problem solved. JMHO
Short answer...mix it up. Big container. (Use a big stainless steel mixing bowl if you have one...very anti static.) Then, put it back into the original containers. Problem solved. JMHO
Re: Varget Powder Question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: savage12</div><div class="ubbcode-body">dump all 8 of them in the dryer and turn it on for 5 mins.
mix them all up and have your own lot number. </div></div>
Come on man!
The dryer!
Put explosives into the dryer for 5 mins?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: savage12</div><div class="ubbcode-body">dump all 8 of them in the dryer and turn it on for 5 mins.
mix them all up and have your own lot number. </div></div>
Come on man!
The dryer!
Put explosives into the dryer for 5 mins?
Re: Varget Powder Question
If you mixed them together, would the new lot number be the average of the original lot numbers? As for using the dryer, a friend of mine got some asphalt on his jeans, soaked them in gasoline, and then threw them in the washing machine. Blew the doors off the laundry closet, blew the sliding door off the track, and burned some carpet. Otherwise, he's a pretty smart guy...
Seems to me that if you do take the time and effort to mix them, you would need to mix them thoroughly without causing too much abrasion, so perhaps a lifting action in the big bowl is the ticket.
If you mixed them together, would the new lot number be the average of the original lot numbers? As for using the dryer, a friend of mine got some asphalt on his jeans, soaked them in gasoline, and then threw them in the washing machine. Blew the doors off the laundry closet, blew the sliding door off the track, and burned some carpet. Otherwise, he's a pretty smart guy...
Seems to me that if you do take the time and effort to mix them, you would need to mix them thoroughly without causing too much abrasion, so perhaps a lifting action in the big bowl is the ticket.
Re: Varget Powder Question
Any suggestions on the best way to mix? Sounds like taking a spoon and mixing like you are making cookies for five minutes or so is about the best you can hope for. Anyone try putting your container or bowl on top of a vibratory tumbler and get any effect? I'm guessing that it wouldn't do much for mixing because you don't have the tumblers bowl shape to help turn over the powder, but I could be wrong.
Any suggestions on the best way to mix? Sounds like taking a spoon and mixing like you are making cookies for five minutes or so is about the best you can hope for. Anyone try putting your container or bowl on top of a vibratory tumbler and get any effect? I'm guessing that it wouldn't do much for mixing because you don't have the tumblers bowl shape to help turn over the powder, but I could be wrong.
Re: Varget Powder Question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TwoGun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">German Salazar has an article out there that proposes a method to determine Optimal Charge Weight. It's a good read also. Searching for it, I found this. May be of some use.
http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/ </div></div>
I just searched all 8 pages of the article - nowhere does the term "lot" appear, and nowhere does it suggest that this method addresses the OP's question.
Mix 'em - I do it all the time for the same goal you are trying to achieve.
Yes, put all 8 in something plastic, like an old 8 pound powder jug (which mysteriously resembles a gallon jug BTW), and turn the jug over slowly for say 5 minutes. You'll be sufficiently mixed.
Good luck!
Patsreloading BTW sells its repackaged powders in an opaque white plastic gallon jug. I don't believe color or composition much matters as long as it is opaque and clean. My guess is theirs are food grade.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TwoGun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">German Salazar has an article out there that proposes a method to determine Optimal Charge Weight. It's a good read also. Searching for it, I found this. May be of some use.
http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/ </div></div>
I just searched all 8 pages of the article - nowhere does the term "lot" appear, and nowhere does it suggest that this method addresses the OP's question.
Mix 'em - I do it all the time for the same goal you are trying to achieve.
Yes, put all 8 in something plastic, like an old 8 pound powder jug (which mysteriously resembles a gallon jug BTW), and turn the jug over slowly for say 5 minutes. You'll be sufficiently mixed.
Good luck!
Patsreloading BTW sells its repackaged powders in an opaque white plastic gallon jug. I don't believe color or composition much matters as long as it is opaque and clean. My guess is theirs are food grade.
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