Old powder: New or Old Data?

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I found these in the same box as an old brick of WLP primers and some other stuff I put away for a rainy day:

It’s all still sealed and when I opened them the powder looks fresh and smells “right”. I know what I’m going to do but I’m curious how others would handle it.

 

[dgod]

I have the same issue. Min is 4 bottles of Red Dot

 

[CQB45ACP]

I picked #3 but that still doesn't quite describe my circumstances.

Meaning, so far in my reloading life, I have only bought new batches of the original powders I first used--Bullseye, W231, Sport Pistol, & BE-86. So is that old or new? Or both?

Regardless, I use the original load data from the time of first purchase and any newer data up to and including the very day I'm using it.

If I bought or "found" something I'd never used before, I'd likely use current published data only.

Interesting poll.

 

[Soonerpesek]

The oldest powder I have is from 2017……
I don’t think that’s the definition of old that you are speaking of…..

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

The oldest powder I have is from 2017……
I don’t think that’s the definition of old that you are speaking of…..

If the lot number of your powder is in Roman numerals, it might be old.

If the price tag on your powder is in Shekels, it might be old.

If the warning label on your powder includes the words, “thee” or “thine,” it might be old.

 

[CQB45ACP]

If the lot number of your powder is in Roman numerals, it might be old.

If the price tag on your powder is in Shekels, it might be old.

If the warning label on your powder includes the words, “thee” or “thine,” it might be old.

That wasith mirthful.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I found these in the same box as an old brick of WLP primers and some other stuff I put away for a rainy day:
View attachment 1189699
It’s all still sealed and when I opened them the powder looks fresh and smells “right”. I know what I’m going to do but I’m curious how others would handle it.

DANG that’s old! Was it stored in an outdoor shack or not climate controlled?

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

DANG that’s old! Was it stored in an outdoor shack or not climate controlled?

Top of the closet in an old paper box. I must have put it up there not long after we moved here in ‘96.

 

[Artg56]

Number 3. I knew there was a reason I’ve kept my reloading manuals going back to the 70,s

 

[2ndtimer]

I checked No. 4, at least for the powder shown. I have loaded with W-296/H-110 so long that I still recall the original Winchester load recommendation: 16.6 gr. DO NOT REDUCE that was with a 158 gr jacketed bullet.

 

[JmacD]

Well, I still have an old 15 pound cardboard tub of red dot that gets dipped out of. Runs great in 9 mm.

 

[Charlie98]

I picked 'the most current data,' but that is not true. I actually use ALL the data I have at hand, and compare it all together. You can obviously tell where older data has been changed in the newer verisons... but very often it IS better data, with pressures in PSI vs CUP, with modern bullets, tested with modern equipment. I use older, and other, data to validate the newer data.

 

[Random 8]

I would have to vote BOTH, or all 3 perhaps. I will compare new and old data. In some cases it has changed very little. In other cases, there have clearly been some OOPSIES corrected with modern pressure testing data if you compare new and old. Compare some early 80's data with the newest data and you'll quickly find some differences in maximum charge.

We used to find those the hard way, with pressure signs. My time in reloading has spanned the period when the copper or lead crusher was replaced with a transducer, and I found some of those the hard way myself. If I have no other reference (some of the new data is in fact old data as indicated by CUP pressure figures) I will use it. If I have modern data and old powder, I will use it with a little extra caution. For the most part, other than a couple of specific and known cases such as IMR 4320 and the AA ball powders, the powder has changed very little.

 

[243winxb]

https://stevespages.com/page8a.htm

I compare all data, new and old. Online & off. 1970s to current. Go from there.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I Voted the “Who needs a Manual” ! Lee Dippers with a Mack-O-Moe and hammer!

 

[Blue68f100]

The Win 296 powder is from the 70's-80's. I shot a lot of it back then. Yes for do not reduce when 1st released. A couple of years later they said you could reduce a max of 3%. I still have those old manuals. If I recall the W296 was $6.30 back then.

 

[Random 8]

I Voted the “Who needs a Manual” ! Lee Dippers with a Mack-O-Moe and hammer!

You're overcomplicating the process. Dontcha just fill 'em up with "rifle" or "pistol" powder and cram in a bullet?

 

[Mark_Mark]

You're overcomplicating the process. Dontcha just fill 'em up with "rifle" or "pistol" powder and cram in a bullet?

Black Powder YES!!!

you can tell what members fell off the wagon by how they post!

 

[AJC1]

I like data old new, I like every brand of manual. I also like current modeling software. The more I have the better, more informed decision I can make.
Does one use old or new data with old primers....

 

[JmacD]

I like data old new, I like every brand of manual. I also like current modeling software. The more I have the better, more informed decision I can make.
Does one use old or new data with old primers....View attachment 1189733

Good question

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

View attachment 1189737
Good question

A very good question.

 

[Blue68f100]

either or

I don't have any primers younger than 1970's. For those I've found no difference between current production.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

either or

I don't have any primers younger than 1970's. For those I've found no difference between current production.

Are the new WLP still good for magnum? The packaging I saw didn’t have the standard/magnum line. Not that I could see (I didn’t buy them - too expensive)

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

I actually use ALL the data I have at hand, and compare it all together.

That is what I have done.

I inherited nearly two pounds of H240.
Yeah, old manuals came in handy.
The powder was fine and Dad had taped a note to one powder measure that said 21 grains.
I knew his favorite load was an old Keith load for .44 magnum. (his favorite!)
I did my research and every thing shot just fine.

What I am getting at is check all info you can. And start low!
No one needs to be hurt at our hobby!

 

[tominboise]

I checked No. 4, at least for the powder shown. I have loaded with W-296/H-110 so long that I still recall the original Winchester load recommendation: 16.6 gr. DO NOT REDUCE that was with a 158 gr jacketed bullet.View attachment 1189708

LOL, I just loaded up 50 of this load, using my old Winchester pamphlet.