Old Powder?

[Tom-ADC]

I found a can that I dated 9-9-78 its been stored on a shelf in a insulated workshop I'm sure its fine or should I just toss it? The can's do have light surface rust around the top but I can't recall ever opening them.

[bigbossman]

Open it up and inspect. I use a lot of "old" powder. If it was stored right, it works fine.

[ironhorse1]

Powder can last decades in containers or ammunition. How much WWI and WWII ammo is still GTG?

If there is no rust inside and it doesn't smell acrid then the powder can still be used.

We should get together soon and check it out.

Ready when you are finished with your inventory check.

irh

[Tom-ADC]

Powder can last decades in containers or ammunition. How much WWI and WWII ammo is still GTG?

If there is no rust inside and it doesn't smell acrid then the powder can still be used.

We should get together soon and check it out.

Ready when you are finished with your inventory check.

irh

Next week for sure. hoping for a dry day.

[ironhorse1]

A bit of dry weather would be great!

Looking forward to looking at some old powder.

irh

[NapalmCheese]

Cue a post with about 8 pictures of corroded ammunition in 3, 2, 1...

[bigbossman]

Cue a post with about 8 pictures of corroded ammunition in 3, 2, 1...

LOL.

In truth, it is out there. I pretty much stopped buying milsurp ammo way back when the Korean 30-06 split though through to the primer pocket (twice!) when I was shooting it in service rifle a match with a 1903A3. A face full of hot gas and debris was a fun experience. No harm done to me or the rifle, but it cost me an alibi and a match because of the involuntary flinch I developed while shooting the rest of the match (with surplus Greek, but still....)

[Tom-ADC]

Cue a post with about 8 pictures of corroded ammunition in 3, 2, 1...

Not ammo just some old powder in can's.

[Madpyro]

I’m just finishing up a keg of Bullseye I bought in the early 80’s. Still works fine.

[Tom-ADC]

Couple of the can's.

[bigbossman]

Couple of the can's.

I've still got 2 cans just like that, only with W540 and 748. It's not really old unless it comes in a cardboard container.

[JackEllis]

I have 3 cans of IMR 3031, a can of IMR 4198 (all paint thinner can style metal) and a couple others that have price stickers for just under $4. I figure they date back to the 1970s or 1980s. The 3031 and 4198 smell fine so I've loaded up some .223 rounds and will be checking them out this weekend.

[whutsup40]

Dibs on your guns!!

[Tom-ADC]

I still have a couple of pounds left, had so much I found some light 12 ga loads using it I shot a lot of skeet with it was a little dirty but the OU didn't seem to mind.

[JagerDog]

Old powder needs to be disposed of properly.

Best practice is to put the proper amount into primed brass reusable cylinders and cap with a lead seal. Install said cylinders in the appropriate firearm. Discharge rounds in a safe direction.