old powder

[TOOT44]

i just was given 2 old cans of HODGEN'S 4831, dated NOV. 12TH. 1973. it still smells good no acrid smell, in the old cardboard cans with metal top and bottom and pop top. my question is can i use IMR- 4831 loading data with this powder, is it compatible?

 

[fxvr5]

Ask Hodgdon.

https://www.hodgdon.com/company/contact-us/

 

[FLIGHT762]

NO,NO,NO, do not use IMR 4831 data with H-4831. IMR 4831 is a FASTER powder. While you won't will hurt yourself, Use H-4831 data with your old powder. If you were to use H-4831 data with IMR 4831, you would be way over pressure.In the early 1970's IMR decided to come out with their own powder with the same name. I don't know why they did this and it causes confusion.

I have a few cans of the same powder you have from the late 60's- 70's in the cardboard cans. They have a price sticker of $1.97. The powder works fine using current H-4831 data. As long as the powder smells fine and is not rusty, it will work fine.

Original H-4831 was a surplus WWII powder used for 20 MM cannon ammo. When that supply ran out, Hodgdon contracted with other powder manufacturers to produce the same powder. I have a can of H-4831 from the 1980's that was manufactured in Scotland. Current H-4831 is made in Australia.

 

[243winxb]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hodgdon_Powder_Company

in 1973 when supplies of surplus H4831 were exhausted.[9] Hodgdon then acquired newly manufactured H4831 from Nobel Enterprises in Scotland. The Nobel formulations offer similar ballistic performance, but substitute centralite deterrent coatings for dinitrotoluene used in United States formulations.[5] Handloaders were advised H-prefix powders were not the same as IMR-prefix powders of the same number.[3]

Any information on the cans? Look up loading data from 1973 and compare. I think i have data that old?

My first 4831 came in a paper bag at the place of purchase.

 

[jeeptim]

Shoot it!

 

[warnerwh]

If it smells ok and there's no rusty color it's likely fine however I'd definitely load on the low side. There was a recent thread where someone who is very knowledgeable here came up with examples of powder that went bad that was not nearly that old.

 

[JimKirk]

I have a can of 4831 that dates back in the 1960's .... I shoot a few load every so often ... It shoots fine ...

 

[TOOT44]

thanks for the reply's. i called the HODGEN web site and left a message with them. there message said that they will get back to me. i will get the oldest reloading book i have and use the HODGEN-H-4831 load data. again thanks guy's. BTW- I am only going to load cast with it. hope it is a good cast bullet powder? any one used it with cast?

 

[FLIGHT762]

H-4831 is a very slow rifle powder. It is not the best choice for cast bullet loads, but it can be done. You need to really read up on this if you're going to attempt this with cast bullets. If this H-4831 doesn't suit your rifle calibers, give it to someone who can use it.

 

[TOOT44]

FLIGHT762, thanks for the info. makes scene. i will pass it on to some one who can use it. BTW. HODGEDONS got back to me, spoke for half an hour, great people. do not cross reloading info. with other powders!! bottom line! no matter what it is.

 

[hillman23]

My dad recently gave me an old paper can of H4895. TOOT44, you mentioned your can is dated to 1973. Where does one find the date on the can?