Powder Life?

[lobo]

I have a question about powder life.

I reload in a spare bedroom, and keep all my components in there as well. The room is upstairs, and pretty much stays around 70*F year round (central H/AC). I have powders that range from 1 year to over 20 years old.

Am I good to go or?

Thanks,

- Chris

[gnappi]

Some of my powder is 20 years old.

[jack]

I just used up a batch of IMR 4895 from 1978 and it worked dandy. I am also using some 231 from the Early 80's that I still have 5 cans of and it works just as expected. It takes a lot to make powder get stale.

[bula]

What they ^^^ said. Watch yer topknot and keep yer powder dry Pilgrim. 

[contender]

In those conditions,, it'll last a LONG time. Generally, if I'm using an old can of powder,, I smell it first. Even though it's been properly stored for decades. If it has a stinky acidic smell, then it's turning bad. (If you aren't sure about the smell, try a few cans of fresh powder to sniff to see the difference.)

[iwsbull]

Have an 8lb cardboard keg of Hercules 2400 that was given to me, the man said it was from the early 80’s or late 70’s and it functions great.

[leftysixgun]

Sept 12, 2023 7:31:15 GMT -5 iwsbull said:

Have an 8lb cardboard keg of Hercules 2400 that was given to me, the man said it was from the early 80’s or late 70’s and it functions great.

Oh man! Good score Bryan! Are you able to utilize it in your 500L?

[iwsbull]

Only used it in the 44 special and mag so far. It was stored in an outbuilding with not heat or air for years before it was given to me. I will probably relegate it to the 44’s just to honor history.

[lobo]

Thanks so much fellas for the great information. I kinda had an inkling, but wanted to hear it from sources I trust. With todays prices, I'm glad that it's good to go. First I heard about the smell test though.

[anglia48]

Sept 11, 2023 23:59:59 GMT -5 gnappi said:

Some of my powder is 20 years old.

[anglia48]

Sept 11, 2023 23:59:59 GMT -5 gnappi said:

Some of my powder is 20 years old.

I have powder from back in the 70's that I am using now.I have had zero issues

[kooz]

I am using WW452AA from the 70s and it is just fine

[Fowler]

I remember a couple years ago Taffin tested some old powder that was 75+ years old with no issues. The main thing is has it stayed dry and in a dark place all that time?

I have an old footlocker of old powders that I was given, I need to try some out against the modern stuff. So many projects of pure curiosity to try if I ever find the time.

[lobo]

Sept 12, 2023 20:22:47 GMT -5 Fowler said:

I remember a couple years ago Taffin tested some old powder that was 75+ years old with no issues. The main thing is has it stayed dry and in a dark place all that time?

I have an old footlocker of old powders that I was given, I need to try some out against the modern stuff. So many projects of pure curiosity to try if I ever find the time.

I have the one window covered, but it still lets some light into the room. No where near as much light as an uncovered window would allow though.

[Deleted]

Over the past few years,I used up an unopened 15lb red metal keg of Herco powder.It had to be old. It was great. I liked the old stuff better than the more recent mfg I used up after that.