Propellant: Using old Winchester propellant

[ronas]

I have some old Winchester propellant that is probably about 17 to 12 years old, can not find the reciept to confirm. Has been stored in cool dry place, my air conditioned house. The metal cans are unopened and have seals in place under the caps. I would think it is fine, unless it deteriorates in the sealed cans as it ages.

Has the mixture of this powder changed over the years? I do have old reloading manuals 1981 and 1989 that give me information about loads.

[otteray]

Absolutely fine!
Sounds like it was stored correctly.
Of course, every batch of powder is slightly different.
I would compare the current data with your old data.
Current data is available here: http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp . Pretty cool!
Winchester Powder is now owned by Hodgdon.
Call and speak to their reloading technician (913) 362-9455, if you are still in doubt.

[Santa Cruz Armory]

I have the same can of 231. I'll take it all off your hands...

[anyracoon]

Should be fine. I have a couple of Winchester 8#s in 296 in same style can and a square 8# tin of H-4350. Even had a 8# cardboard keg of Unique from the 80s that I was still using up to couple of years ago.

[ronas]

would compare the current data with your old data.
Current data is available here: http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp . Pretty cool!
Winchester Powder is now owned by Hodgdon.

Should be fine. I have a couple of Winchester 8#s in 296 in same style can and a square 8# tin of H-4350. Even had a 8# cardboard keg of Unique from the 80s that I was still using up to couple of years ago.

I also have some old Unique, Bullseye, and Blue Dot. As I recall I went with Winchester because it burns cleaner. Does it burn any cleaner?

[otteray]

If you have a chronograph, check/ compare the velocities of those max loads.
My opinion is that the powder companies have "lawyered up" and reduced many loads out of fear of lawsuits from reloaders that may blow the firearm up because of foolishly starting with a max load, instead of a reduced load.
I never use max loads, anyway. The gain is usually minimal or nil, for my purposes.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=168564

[pdq_wizzard]

NO !!! don't use it! give it to me.

as long as it don't look rusty or smell like cat piss it will be ok.

[xrMike]

Open the cans, stick your nose in there, and take a whiff. If they smell bitter, vinegary, or acidic, don't use them.

It they smell pleasant, or no smell at all, they're still good.

[WileyWilly]

I'm using some 40 year old Red Dot and Green Dot in my .45s & 9mm reloads and it chronos out fine. I love free powder!! I was given an unopened(!) 8lb keg of Red and a 3lb can of Green along with some other reloading components. As it's been said before, it should be good as long as it doesn't smell like ammonia or vinegar.
WW

[Gator Monroe]

I'm using some 40 year old Red Dot and Green Dot in my .45s & 9mm reloads and it chronos out fine. I love free powder!! I was given an unopened(!) 8lb keg of Red and a 3lb can of Green along with some other reloading components. As it's been said before, it should be good as long as it doesn't smell like ammonia or vinegar.
WW

I have a line on lotsa powder (Various brands & size cans ) mostly opened & used and after this thread I'm gonna jump on it !

[freonr22]

sharing is caring

[ronas]

What does that Winchester 748 and 231 sell for a can which is 1 pound?

None of mine is for sale. I'm just curious.

[freonr22]

https://www.natchezss.com/category.cfm?category=6&startRow=376

[otteray]

A buddy just gave me a pound of Alcan AL-7.
That goes way back.
I'm gonna have to dig through my old reloading manuals for data and what calibers. I think my dad used to use it for .41 mag, just thinking back a few decades ago.
Free powder is a rare treat; sure hope I can use it...
for something other than fertilizing the lawn.