Old Powder - Use vs Toss

[ktm450]

Rokslide,
I recently inherited a chest full of “new” powder from grandpa. The issue is that it’s from the early 70s, sealed, and smells fine. Would you use or toss?

For reference, it’s about 40 pounds of various rifle powders in metal containers.

 

[DB29]

Use it if it doesn’t smell. I’m still loading some powder from my grandpa with no issues.

 

[A382DWDZQ]

I would check the recalls and make sure there isn’t any of the ones that were recalled. Theres an IMR orange one and I think either No. 5 or maybe No. 2. You probably can get a replacement for them. All others, I’d use it. One caveat is that if there is any that isn’t made any longer, and there isn’t enough to do much beyond the load development, might toss that. It sucks to go through load development and then realize you don’t have enough for actually shooting that load.

 

[RockAndSage]

Check for any orange hazing on the lid or inside the cans. As long as I don't see that, and it doesn't have an ammonia smell, and as long as it's not clumping, I'll usually shoot it. When powder and ammo are kept in a cool, dry, dark place, the military says its lifespan is more or less indefinite.

That said, it seems some formulas and cuts have changed over the years, so research each of the powders for that. Even better is if you can also use the loading manuals your grandfather was using from that time - those charges should match up with his specific powders from that same era.

 

[ktm450]

Thanks all. It’s “normal” stuff still made today 4350 etc…I am curious to see how it may be different (velocity wise) or not

 

[RockAndSage]

Thanks all. It’s “normal” stuff still made today 4350 etc…I am curious to see how it may be different (velocity wise) or not

Good stuff. To be clear, even H4350 and IMR4350 have had formulation changes over the years. I honestly don't know how much of a change, or how much it matters, but be aware that the differences have been enough for people to note it and discuss it over the years.

 

[Nine Banger]

4th of July is around the corner.

I always wanted to try something like this with powder I don't want to reload and no one else I shoot with wants.