Tests in the LKAB Experimental Blast Furnace (EBF) were carried out under different pre-set process conditions. The choice of injection coal, an HV coal and an LV coal, affected the in-furnace conditions, which was assumed to contribute to the differences in reduction degree in pellets taken out with the upper shaft probe. A higher pellet reduction degree was attained during operation with the HV coal compared to injection of the LV coal. The differences in pellet reduction degree receded through the shaft and no correlation between pellet reduction degree and pre-set process conditions was observed in samples taken out with the lower shaft probe. For the HV coal, a higher pellet strength and an increase in Fe and C losses with the top gas were observed compared to operation with the LV coal. Blast-furnace-simulating laboratory reduction for simulated PCR, based on measurements in the EBF, was carried out. The increase in reduction potential and temperature level resulting from an increase in simulated PCR compensated for the decrease in reduction time between the simulated low and high PCR. Laboratory reduction under isothermal conditions showed an increased reduction rate at increased temperature as well as with an increased H2 content in the reduction gas.