[Gunslinger686]

have not reloaded for awile just wondering how lond it'll last

[Werewolf]

From everything I've read the anectdotal evidence points to the shelf life of Smokeless Powder being essentially unlimited if stored correctly (tightly sealed, cool and dry place). People shoot ammo manufactured during WWII with no problems. The key is keeping the powder away from moisture.

Having only reloaded my own cartridges for less than a year I can't verify the above by personal experience.

For Blackpowder shelf life is limited but how long I don't have a clue.

[HankL]

I've been reloading for over 20 years and just recently had my first experiance with powder going bad. I had a half full can of IMR 7828 that emitted a rust colored dust when I poured powder into a measure. The lid was tight and the powder had been stored inside my home. I opened a fresh can that I had bought at the same time and it was fine. I bought the powder around four years ago. I checked some cans of seldom used powder that were much older and they were fine. Go figure.

[labgrade]

By all accounts, powder stored in a "cool, dry locale" & it'll last longer than you will.

I've still some stuff put aside in the early '60s & it shoots as good as the day loaded - better than the shooter these days anyway. :p

[Antlurz]

Fear not. If it has been kept cool and dry, it will last a long time. I load from my old stash all the time with great results. Some of my hoarded components are around 35 years old and performing as good as they did when new.


Ron

[Ala Dan]

I think with today's technology in the use of plastics,
the storage of gunpowder over long periods of time
isn't a problem. Years ago, I bought a 4 lb can of the
old Hercules 2400 that was packaged in a small metal
drum. If I still had it, I can only imagine what type of
condition the powder would be in today.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Hook]

H'lo Gunslinger,

I've got powder and primers that are over 20 years old and work as good as new.

However, If you have powder that's over a year old and not sure about it, Just ship it all to me.:D :D


Hook

[Gewehr98]

It's in a pretty red metal can, dating back to the early 1900's. I'll take a pic of the can and upload it. I loaded a couple .45-70 rounds with some of it a while ago. They fired off just fine, using a large rifle magnum primer. I thought humidity and temperature extremes over the decades would've degraded the stuff, but perhaps not.