Negligent powder mixing

Pitch it.
"...they are both very close on the burn rate..." Burn rates are decidedly and totally different. HP38(#28) is considerably faster than CFE Pistol(#44).
 
Alexcue touched on it . . .

You need to review your processes; and more specifically, what is known as your "Critical Control Points." Something in your process/routine allowed this to happen.

Normally, I empty the hopper once I'm done loading a batch (unless I'm going to load something else right away, using the same powder). But I have left powder in the hopper. I did it earlier this year, in fact. But once I noticed (CCP: I always look in the hopper before I pour any powder into it), I took the second powder back in the house (CCP: I never have more than one powder on my bench at a time - ever), and put it back in its place on the shelf; and then brought the first powder (CCP: I have a log book; which I checked to ensure what was the last powder I used) back down to the garage to empty the hopper. Point is, my CCP's were in place and I corrected a problem before it became a problem.

P.S. Toss the mixed/contaminated powder
 
Since velocity and pressure are not always directly related, there's really no guaranteed dependable way to work up a load with this mix.
Relying on just what the chronograph shows might not be an accurate assessment.
The powder manufacturers constantly check both pressure and velocity when making their reloading charts and recommendations.
But if you're determined to save a few bucks and use this mix, I'll hold your beer, (from a safe distance, of course). :)
 
If you're going to play, go buy a Hi-Point. If it explodes you're out a little money. Also, the Zamak is lighter than steel. Shrapnel from an exploding Hi-Point will shed it's velocity faster posing less risk to the surroundings.

All the Best,
D. White
 
You leaned a lesson , nothing blew up and you sure will not do that again and you have some fertilizer or firecracker powder.

I keep a scrap can that I toss the powder in that is not enough to load with. When I get enough it will either be fertilizer or to make something for stgump removal.
 
I am not being rude in any way, just an honest question. How would it cause a dangerous level of pressure if starting below the minimums of both powders? what am I missing?
 
Well, as I admittedly do not fully understand internal ballistics -- I can't sit here & tell you for certain that it will or won't create "dangerous levels of pressure."

What I am certain you will have is an unpredictable "mix" of two powders. We'll have to agree that EACH cartridge will have "some" random mix and it's lottery odds that you even make two cartridges out of 50 with the SAME mix. Add in the idea that if more of one burns first or burns later...?! No clue.

And what if your pressure turns out to be extremely LOW and you stick a bullet?

At the end of the day, the very best you can hope for is inconsistent (crap) ammo where you can't replicate the last round with the next round. Besides noise and smoke, what good is "saving" the powder? Let's not forget capping off these junk cartridges with (not free) bullets and lighting them with (not free) primers sure isn't going to justify multiple boxes of crap ammo.
 
I don't know.....you see I could actually enjoy shooting through a few boxes of inconsistent ammo, probably only a few......so long as there isn't any detriment that is possible. As for a stuck bullet, obviously that's the major concern which is easily alleviated. But a whole pound of powder is likely going to turn out more of that "crap" ammo than I'd be willing to mess with, but a quick experiment could be interesting and could make for an informative thread.

I could be totally wrong and maybe there is something very bad that could come out of it, I honestly do not know. but just wondering about makes me think a delayed fire or a stuck bullet would be the danger, not blowing off your fingers, so long as at minimums of both powders.
 
How would it cause a dangerous level of pressure if starting below the minimums of both powders?
Click to expand...
Because you might get 2 "peak pressures" separated by a very small time interval & no-one has ever tested that combination. Plus its variable as you can't get a truly even mix.
 
While two similar compounds alone may react in a certain way, we have very little information as to the reaction when mixed...
 
Better yet?

Rather than just toss it, burn it!

We've all wanted to, and have occasionally burned small quantities.

But here is a chance for a real mega show!
 
If you decide to burn it do NOT "just make a pile"!
It needs to be a trail, not too deep or you are back in uncharted territory.:eek:
 
A small pile will be just fine - it will make a controlled burn that will be over in about 3 seconds or so - BTDT
 
Dropping a match on a small pile may be OK if the powder is the slow burning type, but stand back just the same. But for the fast burners, best to spread in a line, even if only a small amount. The burn rate and flame jump are definitely noticeable between the two--contrary to what might be anticipated in the open air.
 
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Toss it.

I'm closing in on 60 myself.
I keep a packet of dessicant in the hopper.
Stapled or rubber-banded to the dessicant packet is a piece of paper with the current powder type. When I refill or change powders, I can verify/update the info on the piece of paper as required.
 
Tip for you if you should decide you want to burn it, see the pretty (fast!) flame and lovely colors:

do not burn it on your driveway or the sidewalk.

Unless, of course, you want those places TATTOO'D. :confused::D:p

It'll put a scorch mark on that surface that will maybe outlive you. ;)
 
No exceptions, get rid of the powder!

Do the smart thing scatter the powder around your yard, chalk it up to one of the things you will never do again, always return powder to the original container that you removed it from.. I would not use the powder, learn from your mistakes, if you discard the powder no one gets hurt.. William
 
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