Hi Willow! I always use 12% load not matter what the oil. As far as stirring and pouring temp, I'm not all that scientific! LOL! I stir until I think it's well mixed usually 80 times sometimes less.....temp.....probably around 180-185 ish. In my process I don't check the temp before I pour because I go from melter to mixing on a hotplate set at medium! As for cold throw, I don't worry too much about that becasue it's the hot throw that I'm looking for and it has to be strong. As I remember the could throw wasn't so strong on this fo but, the hot throw is great and really surprised me. I have only had one fo that I loved from BW that didn't have a good hot throw. If you want to try one with super cold throw try NG Doney Lav/Van! That one kicks butt cold. Indy PS...try about .51 per 8oz candle and test burn it........also, are you topping off after it cools?