Powder Questions

[BoomFlop]

I am new to reloading. Am I better to buy multiple 1 pound containers so that an 8 pound isn't opened from day one?

Also, I don't shoot as much as a lot of you, however, what is your recommendation for how much powder to buy? Should I base it on how long it will last (rounds shot per year) or buy once?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Ckleeves]

These days I buy whatever is available, but If I have a choice I prefer 8 one pounders over a 8 lb jug as long as the singles are all from the same lot.

Its a whole lot easier to trade/sell unopened one pounders if you stop reloading a certain cartridge and it can't hurt having sealed containers for storage.

 

[338LAPUA]

I like to buy 8 pound jugs but it probably depends on how much you are going to use. If you keep it cool and dry it will last a very long time. Also if you find a powder you like and you have a lot of it you don't have to worry as much when there is a shortage like right now.

 

[cdherman]

Single pounders will almost never be anyway close in cost to 5 or 8 lbs, per unit cost. I try to buy 8lbs these days generally. Resale value of powder is LOW, though if you are in a hotbed area of reloading and have friends/connections, you can at least share for a fair price.

Whatever you do, I would not buy a 1 LB can of powder anymore. Just too frustrating to work up a good load and then run out of the powder, only to find that the new can (lot) is different and I have to start over. Powder is actually cheap, and stores well.

I have multiple 8lb kegs of powder in my locker. I need to share more locally, as I don't shoot some of them much anymore. But I am happier seeing that powder sitting un-used than I would be (and have been) sitting frustrated that I cannot get anymore of a good powder or needing to re-work a loading......

 

[BoomFlop]

To be clear. I'm not talking about buying 1 pound of a powder, I'm asking if it makes more sense to purchase multiple 1 pound with same lot number vs an 8 pounder. 8 pounds will probably last me an extremely long time and they are much harder to find as well.

The savings is only $3 dollars per pound, I realize if you are shooting a jug a year or a month it is an issue. For me, cost in this situation is a non-issue.

Thanks all
Steve

 

[LVJ76]

Get the big jug. I keep mine in a dry place and with silica packs, I have one that is almost 8 years old that has provably one or one and a half lbs left and it shoots as good as when it was new.

 

[Tiny Tim]

If simply "trying" one out that isn't "proven" by general consensus, I buy one or two. If its something I have found to be good in my rifle and I shoot it ALOT, I buy enough for the life of the barrel. If I don't use alot but don't want to deal with storing an opened container for a few years, I buy 1 lb canisters from the same lot. Right now, powder situation what it is, I take what I can get in 5-8 lb quantities in either form so long as I can obtain them from the same lot. I don't mind load development, but I like to shoot more. This topic is very situational.

 

[Plinker147]

In Your case I would buy multiple 1lbs jug. It will store better than 1 that keeps getting opened. Don't know if it's a big deal I used powder that I've stored for 15 years without issue. 8 liners are cheaper so that's what I do. I save old 1 lbs and break up the eight pounds in smaller so they can stay sealed. Don't know if it helps but it makes me feel better

 

[just_jon]

Being new to reloading, I think it would be to your advantage to begin load development with multiple powder options rather than fewer. I general like to have four or five powder options when loading for a new cartridge or different bullet/weight. This favors the 1# bottle from a coat/risk perspective. By that, I mean you will not end up with a large quantity of a powder that dies not meet your expectations. Once you have developed a final load for a particular cartridge that you shoot in volume, I would then consider buying in larger quantities.

 

[BoomFlop]

just jon

What about lot differences then? With powder hard to find these days, getting same lot number at different times would be nextto impossible.

Thoughts on lot differences you've seen? I'm looking to purchase Varget for 7mm-08, 308 win and possibly 223 Rem (using Benchmark now).

Thanks
Steve

 

[cdherman]

What about lot differences then? With powder hard to find these days, getting same lot number at different times would be nextto impossible.

Exactly. You will never get the same lot. So you find a good combo, and then promptly run out of powder and have to more or less start over with a new lot of powder. My time is too limited. This is an EXPENSIVE hobby. I have thousands of dollars in scopes and guns. What's another 1k in powder stash? It keeps. Mine is a relatively cool basement, in a locker with multiple re-usable desiccant packs (the ones you refresh in the oven).

When I start with a new cartridge, I review my notes about how much I have of my various stuff. I look at what powders I am burning through fast (cause I load for a gun I shoot a lot) and try to avoid them. Then, if I have a good amount of something not being used that someone says works, I'll try that first. I have a load for a 6.5x55 Tikka using Ramshot Magnum that is quite accurate. The Ramshot didn't do well with my other chamberings, but the Tikka likes it. So there......

Life is too short for 1lb bottles!

To be fair, I have a fair number of them, in various stuff. But given the choice, I'd always buy a larger quantity. I tend to buy bullets by the #500 count as well. Same concept.

If I die suddenly, my family will be ****ed off as they try to get rid of my stash. Luckily, my hunting buddies will help out!

 

[Varmint Hunter]

I like your idea of several 1lb cans of the same lot number. This way you don't need to buy an 8lb jug that may last forever or you may change gears and not need it all. The closed cans should stay fresh longer too.
Coincidently, I did the same thing when RE26 finally became available. I grabbed about 10lbs, gave 3-4 to my buddies and kept the balance for myself in the original 1lb cans. And ...... if in the future you want to sell some of it you'll have closed cans rather than part of an 8lb jug.

 

[bullet man]

Find one you like then get an 8lb jug of it. I'm still using an 8 lb jug of aa4350 that I paid 59.00 for from the 80's early 90's still shoots fine. Buy it cheap and sit on it the price always goes up.

 

[basinman]

I have powder that is 30 years old or older that still shoots as new. As long as you keep it in a conditioned area it has an indefinite shelf life.