[BigFatKen]

A neighbor gave me a sealed black plastic jar of H335 along with some very rusted items. Great stuff once! RCBS press with locked up ram. Powder meter also froze up. Rusted dies in the RCBS box that may be 30-30 but I can't find a marking. A 1992 Barnes reloading book. I am not willing to spend the time to clean up the press only to find out the rust that was steel and is gone now makes it a useless press. I do not intend to get a 30-30.

I am going to try the powder as it is sealed. Can anyone tell me when a pound of H335 retailed for $15.99?

[trueblue1776]

Probably less than two years old. Use it, it ain't that old. I have some cans from 2-3 years ago, most are around $16.

[BigFatKen]

I just restarted loading last year so I am used to the $22 price.

[RustyFN]

Check with RCBS about their lifetime warranty. They might clean the press up for free or cheap.
Rusty

[orionengnr]

But I was under the impression that if it is in a sealed container, it should be good for a long time.

I have an interest in this, as I "inherited" several cannisters of 231 and 748. They are marked with 1995 dates. As they are still factory sealed (never opened), and have been kept indoors (no great temp/humidity swings) I plan on using them, as soon as my reloaging setup is complete.

If this is not a good idea, please let me know.

[trueblue1776]

True, sealed powder, if stored at mild temperatures, is good for a looooong time.

[ftierson]

I am currently using some IMR 4320 that I purchased in 1970.

It's just fine...

Forrest

[BigFatKen]

I bought a 45 Colt with 2 boxes of handloads marked 1983. So far all have fired.

[dmftoy1]

I think I'd hit that press with some liquid wrench or pb blaster and see if it free's up. It's be a fun project and not cost you much of anything. (FWIW)

You don't know what model it is by any chance do you?

Regards,
Dave

[BigFatKen]

I will put on some old clothes, hit it with a sovent and see what comes out of the rust.

Single stage press

[redneck2]

I work for a chemical company. We sell inhibited phosphoric acid that's made to clean rusty metal for painting. Dilute 3-1, immerse the item for about 30 minutes to a couple hours (depending on condition), and paint. You could also try Naval Jelly, which I believe is a version of the same type product in semi-solid form.

I doubt petroleum solvent will dissolve the rust. If it does, it's gonna take a lot of work. I'm into the dipping thing and let the chemical do the work.

Actually, some bathroom cleaners (maybe The Works) are also phosphoric. If you're gonna throw it out anyway, you've got nothing to lose. Try it on a bolt in a small container if your want to test.

[BigFatKen]

Actually, some bathroom cleaners (maybe The Works)

I tried searching this but it is a very common pair of words even when added to pumbing product and/or others

Where can I buy "The Works" or the acid?

[Crazy4nitro]

Be Careful of any Aluminum Parts that the Acid contacts. You Might end up with Swiss Cheese.
I personally would Scotch Brite and exposed rusted Parts to clean up. Then I would Oil it and work the action to expose the parts you could not get to then repeat as needed. Lost of cleaner to remove the rust and Oil to lube...Good Luck..
If you dont want the Press I will Gladly pay shipping to my house..

'Nitro

[silverlance]

you know, you don't actually need to get all the rust off to get it to work.. ive seen quite a few rusty presses (and guns for that matter) that functioned just fine. the rust only needs to be off the important parts.

[BigFatKen]

I noticed the press has a bycicle handle grip instead of a round ball. More later.

[dmftoy1]

My first RCBS press (A JR3) had that. FWIW. I loaded quite a bit of ammo on it and it was VERY used when I got it. My best friend is still going strong with it.

Have a good one,
Dave

[rcmodel]

You can swap out the old handle for the new ball style.
It's very much worth the small price too, in speed & comfort.

Give RCBS a call. They might just send you one free if you whine right!
They are an awful good company to deal with!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/1224.gif
rcmodel

[SDDL-UP]

Check a reloading guide, they have clues to look for if you think it might be bad.

Does it look or smell funny? Is any of it a strange color? Most likely you're okay.

I've got some IMR-4831 that is probably at least thirty years old, no problems for me, but we don't have much humidity here either.

[BigFatKen]

I will open it when I need it. I have full confidence it is good.

[iiranger]

If the powder smells normal, petro solvents, ether, alcohol, acetone (nail polish remover), then it should work fine. If it smells bad, like vinegar, acid, and has the red flakes in it, then it may not be worth working with. This is what "rusts" the metal cans once used... It is loaded with nitrogen. Sprinkle it on the lawn or garden. Incomplete, but good fertilizer for the "N" especially. luck (I have fired ammo from the 1920s and used powder at least 40 years old [from my youth, not misspent enough]... you should be o.k.)

[351 WINCHESTER]

My brother used to reload and had a lot of powder. He moved to Atlanta and left his powder and other assorted stuff in an old shed down on my parents farm. It stayed there for about 15 years when I found it. I gave it to a friend who does a lot of reloading. All of the powder was fine and he still uses it. The shed had no a/c or heat and fl is know for its humidity.

[SilentArmy]

I still pay under $18/lb for H335 from a local shop! I have seen it @ crazy $20+ places though. I would say 1-2 yrs old though.