Unique powder: is it safe to use

[ronas]

I have some old Unique powder. It probably 15 or 20 years old. It's in the old style cardboard like container. I previously asked about this in another thread. I'm only bringing it up again because a guy at local gunshop said it may be unstable or that it's just more dangerous than other powders because it contains nitroglycerin.

He related a story about a guy having reloaded 9mm rounds in his pistol. He used Unique. The guy said the fellow with the gun left it laying in the bright sun in Arizona while he when down to change some targets. Well supposedly the guys gun exploded because the Unique powder go so hot causing the pressures to drastically increase. Can this really happen?

I did look at the container and it does say nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, ethyl centralite, rosin, and polyester. All the Hercules powders I have mention at least nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin. Do all powders contain nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin?

[sorensen440]

I say if in doubt don't use it

I believe all smokeless powders are made with nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin

[anyracoon]

Give it the sniff test. Sealed containers or opened? I used Unique that was in a cardboard keg that was probally 30 years old. Kind of hard to explain smell but once you have smelled over the hill powder you will not forget it.

[gunboat]

Unique is a very stable powder --- not prone to gas off like some others -- "Guy" at the local shop is in business of selling you new stuff, not having you use up old stock -- I suspect the story of gun "exploding" is just that - a story- There are multiple reasons something like that might happen, not the least is a double charge -- seeing is believing -- He probably heard the story from his brother-in-law , who heard it from his cousin, etc, etc -- I would load it, starting with a lighter charge and see how it compares --
--- I am still using some unique that is in the neighborhood of 40 years old - my ha-penny --

[Fjold]

The gunshop guy is a retard.

I just gave away an open canister of Unique that was purchased in the early 80's and was fine to use. If you open up the can and it has a strong, sour smell and/or a rusty red color then it has started to break down and should be disposed of.

[Beelzy]

Malarky!

Powder stored correctly will last many decades. My old can of "Hercules" Uinique still smells like the day it was made.....30yrs ago.

[BD1]

Deterrent coated smokeless propellant, (Unique fits this description), is very stable and gives obvious signs when it's gone bad. These signs include a sour, acrid odor and the formation of a reddish dust on the granules. If you open the can and it has that familiar faint acetone smell, and looks clean and dark gray as usual, it's good to go. It's primarily exposure to high temps over long periods that will spoil smokeless powders.

The bulk of what I use is surplus, much of it over 40 years old, and I have no issues with it's age at all.
BD

[lazuris]

I cal BS Unique is just that unique. Its great stable powder thats great to med+ loads

[scrat]

Its bs what bds1 posted is correct. also it sticks together when its old. take a small amount a 1/2 teaspoon make a line of it and put a match to it. it should go puff like throwing a match on a BBQ you just soaked with lighter fluid. if it burns slowly like a candle. Well do it again should go pufff. IF it does the other and has the signs then go pour it on your lawn and water it down. or the flower bed or something as it makes a great fertilizer

[GW]

I call BS on the gunshop owner as well. FUD

It would be quite easy, however, to double-charge a pistol case with Unique and that would definitely ruin your day

[ronas]

It would be quite easy, however, to double-charge a pistol case with Unique and that would definitely ruin your day

Double charge, that's what I thought happened. Fortunately for me I have that powder check die station on my 650. With only 4.3 grains of Bullseye for 115 g 9mm bullet I want to be sure there's only 4.3 grains in there.

[jyo]

If Unique powder was stored in cool dry place, in orig container, should be perfectly OK. When I used to reload, I used Unique in 9mm, 38spec/357 mag, 44spec/44 mag with good results in all---follow reloading book info!

[cassius]

Gunshop BS on the powder. If stored reasonably, kept cool and dry, or at least not HOT, powder will last as long as you will.

As to detonation on the range, such is possible with ANY powder if you are already running a near-max charge and leave your ammo in the hot sun. Or leave a round in a hot chamber while you change targets (terrible idea for other reasons, anyway).

[CamW]

I've been using some Bullseye and Red Dot that I got at an estate sale, the containers had "1974" written on them.It didn't smell bad, the powder is working great in 9mm and 40S&W loads.

[tankerman]

The gunshop guy is a retard.