Powder shelf life

[Milamber]

A buddys father in law died and left a bunch of reloading supplies. He asked if I would be interested in them. I said I would but here's the catch. These powders are at least three years old. What is a safe shelf life?

 

[Magnum Shooter]

I have powder from 1984 it is still fine. It all depends on how it was stored, if kept dry and cool, it should be good for 50 years or so.

 

[editingfx]

None of it's any good now. But I'll do you a favor and take it off your hands. Give it a good burial n' all.

Much much longer than 3 years, as long as it's properly stored. (Original jug, tightly sealed, normal temps.) Primers, about forever.

 

[jcwit]

I should luck into such a deal! Use it with no reservations.

 

[rcmodel]

Powder shelf life??

Hmmm???

I still have some Alcan shotgun powder in a factory Alcan paper bag I purchased in 1964.

I haven't used any of it in 45 years.
But I am 100% confident if I did, it would still work perfectly.

Your 3 year old powder is for all practical purposes, brand new powder.

rc

 

[X-Rap]

My only caution would be to classify it by type and then use moderate data to make as certain as possible that it is what it is labeled as. It wouldn't be the first time someone stored powder in the wrong container, problem is you can't know for sure if the cans have been opened.
As far as shelf life goes unless it was sitting in a hot window I wouldn't worry but still would use reduced loads initially just to be sure.

 

[Milamber]

Thanks guys, just the answer I was looking for.

 

[303tom]

Powder is good forever & a day, get it & use it, or pour it on your yard for fertilizer..........

 

[Marc257]

I've been loading up some 45 AR with Unique from the old square metal can, and rifle loads with IMR 4320 marked @ $3.99. No problems.

 

[Hondo 60]

I've still got some "Hercules" 2400.
(Hercules was purchased by ATK, the parent of Alliant, in 1995)

 

[medalguy]

Yeah, I'm working on a big cannister of Hercules 2400 for .22 Hornet but I thought that was the new stuff. I still have some Hodgdon powder in the 1 pound cans with green and yellow labels, still works as it should.

Powder seems to last a very long time as long as it's been stored in reasonable consitions.

 

[Kingcreek]

I'm trying to remember if I have any powder as young as 3 years.

 

[jdownj]

I must not keep enough on hand... My oldest is 3 weeks

 

[4895]

Check it for discoloration (red, rusty color and/or dust) or a bad chemical smell. Not the good chemical smell. A very acrid odor. Also, check for clumping of material like cat litter after Morris makes a poopoo. Of course, if any of it is labeled H-110, send it to me for proper disposal.

 

[Milamber]

I get my hands on it Monday I will update you.

 

[Taroman]

Now using Red Dot that was given to me.

I guess its at least 30 years old. Was a bit doubtful about its potency so I chronoed loads made with this and the same load with Red Dot from a new can. The old stuff showed a higher average velocity (~30 PS) and much smaller spread from fastest to slowest.

Convinced me.

 

[DoubleMag]

I have some 1999 BlueDot that the blueish dots have lost their color does that mean anything? Starting to slide a bit instead of pour, but not clumped.Stored in a 2cndary container, tight seal, constant dehumidifed area (basement). Down load it a few grs?

 

[Taroman]

My Red Dot, mentioned above, has dots that are so faded as to be barely red.
The dots are a taggant (plastic, I think) not part of the combustibles.
My guess that the dots just fade.

 

[rcmodel]

The "dots" in Alliant "Dot" powders are not plastic tagents.

They are actual powder grains died whatever color they need to be to match the name of the powder.

rc

 

[Offfhand]

For the past twenty some years I've used the same load of OLD WWII surplus Hodgdon 4831 in my .300 Win Mag target rifle. The powder came in an old Hodgdon 20 lb drum and is well over 50 years old. I've found nothing better in this rifle and will be shooting the same load when I shoot in the Wimbledon Cup match at Camp Perry in Aug.

 

[wankerjake]

I said I would but here's the catch. These powders are at least three years old

Haha, some catch! Enjoy the powder

 

[Patocazador]

I have only old powder. I buy it in bulk and I handload for hunting so it takes a looong time to use up 4 or 8 lbs. of powder. I just emptied a cardboard 'can' of H-110 that has a metal pry top in the center of the top. It worked fine in my .44 mag. loads.

 

[Uniquedot]

What is a safe shelf life?

Properly stored...longer than yours.

 

[Salmoneye]

Hey Taroman!

Look familiar?



I too am using up this drum...Pretty sure the date is 1961...

 

[BBDartCA]

I checked FPS on new 4064 verus an open can of 1980's 4064 and new 4895 versus an open can from the early 1970's of 4895 and the data is below. These new versus old powders pretty much performed the same from a FPS and accuracy standpoint.