Another Old Powder Question

[PCCUSNRET]

I've read that as long as old powder doesn't smell bad or covered in a red dust that it is probably still useable. I was given an old cardboard can (8 lb) of Hercules 2400 Rifle Powder. The can has been opened and there is about 1/4 of the powder gone. I have not been able to find any reloading data for rifles using this powder. I did find some 44 magnum loads but nothing for a rifle. My main concern is this powder has no smell at all. Should I try it or dispose of it? Really hate to throw away this much powder if there is nothing wrong with it. Any way to test the powder besides smell and being covered in a red dust? Thanks in advance.

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[ReloaderFred]

The cardboard kegs were how Hercules shipped their powder before they went to plastic jugs. I just finished off a cardboard keg of Bullseye, and still have powder in a couple of the cardboard kegs. If you look the keg over, you might find the date of manufacture on it.

It sounds like your powder is still good if there's no acrid smell or red dust on it. Load up a few rounds and test them over a chronograph, if you have one. The good part is powder loses potency when it goes bad, not get stronger or really unstable. Use some mid-range data and see how it performs and that will answer your question.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[rcmodel]

I have not been able to find any reloading data for rifles using this powder. I did find some 44 magnum loads but nothing for a rifle.

The only thing 2400 could be used for in most rifle calibers would be for lead bullet reduced loads.

It has some application in small capacity rifles such as .22 Hornet, .218 Bee, and .30 Carbine.

It is at it's best in Magnum handgun calibers.

rc

 

[PCCUSNRET]

Fred and RC, thank you both for your responses. I will try using it in some light loads in my 44 mag. Ruger Redhawk before I toss it.

 

[taliv]

old powder is not really a problem


now, that pecan pie that's been eyeing me from the counter for a week...

 

[rcmodel]

I will try using it in some light loads in my 44 mag. Ruger Redhawk

2400, even when brand new fresh, doesn't burn so clean with light loads.

It is a magnum pistol powder, and should at least be loaded to magnum starting loads.

In any event, old powder doesn't get stronger, it gets weaker, so there is no real danger of using current load data for the .44 Mag.

rc

 

[Steve Marshall]

Wow! How soon we forget. 2400 has been around for 75 years or so. It was designed as a fast rifle powder for small cases. Think about that for a second. There wasn't even a .357 magnum around yet. Some claim the name was for reaching 2400 FPS with a 45 grain bullet in the .22 Hornet case. If it doesn't show any signs of deteriation try it out. Now, the most likely application is in magnumish revolvers but it can be used as a full power load in cases like mentioned in an above post. It also is quite good in reduced loads for larger rifle cases especially if using lead bullets.

 

[Slamfire]

I have access to an Insentive Munitions expert.

Powder is falling apart the day it leaves the factory. Nitric acid gas molecules are breaking off from day one. When it gets bad, you will smell the nitric acid gas, you will see rust in the old tins, and the powder will turn red. If you detect any of these conditions, the powder should be dumped.

Old gunpowders will self ignite. Just google ammunition dump explosions, and you will find videos.

The Army scraps ammunition based on clock time. Twenty years for double base, 45 years for single base.

The Navy tests their stuff and when the consumable additives are around 12-15% of original they scrap the powder.

Heat and water accelerate powder aging. The best environments are dry and cool.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

a couple years back I visited a cousin whose dad was a real fanatic bird hunter and skeet shooter, reloaded his shells - 20ga. she showed me a bunch of his loading stuff (passed away about '95) she had in her basement and a 4lb paper keg of Red Dot missing just maybe 1/4 lb was in it. upon inspection it's apparently good as new.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Alliant bought Hercules a few years back. For loading go to www.alliantpowder.com