What is powder shelf life?

[frankiejoe577]

My uncle is giving me all of his reloading supplys. Brass, Press, 100 Bullets and Primers and his powder.

Non has been used for around 8 years. Is it still good/safe to use? thx

[CSACANNONEER]

It should be good for +100 years if stored properly. If not stored properly, it could become dangerous very quickly.

[gunboat]

I am still using powders I bought in the '50's and 60's -- bullseye/2400/ballc/ unique. The powders to be extra cautious with are 4831 and similar. When you open the can a yellow cloud is a definite sign of deterioration -- Some black powder substitutes may clump up and go bad ----- my ha-penny

[bohoki]

the only time people ask this is if they get someone elses old stuff this alwasy comes down to what you know about who you are getting it from

my rule of thumb is that if the reloader still has both thumbs they know what they are doing and if they know what they are doing they take good care of their stuff

[Sky_DiveR]

the only time people ask this is if they get someone elses old stuff this alwasy comes down to what you know about who you are getting it from

my rule of thumb is that if the reloader still has both thumbs they know what they are doing and if they know what they are doing they take good care of their stuff

Hmmm. Sane advice. All the reloaders I know do take care of their stuff... and they still got all their digits!

[WileyWilly]

I'm using some Reddot that came in an 8lb cardboard barrel that is 25+ years old. It performs as published. As long as the powder has been stored properly and doesn't smell like ammonia or formaldehyde, or conversely smells like new powder smells it should be good to use. Making a few test rounds and seeing if they chrono within reason would be the real test.
WW

[rabagley]

And for reference, new powder often smells like citrus or another "sweet" smell. If your nose wrinkles cause it smells like a solvent or worse, it's gone and not safe to use.

In order to keep powder good for a long time, keep it at a steady cool to cold (but not freezing) temperature. The less temperature variation throughout the year the better. For those living with a frost line and a deep foundation, a dry root cellar is the perfect spot for powder and loaded ammunition.

[CSACANNONEER]

You guys that can smell are so lucky.

[Beelzy]

Modern Smokeless powder stored properly can be a family heirloom.

[Sabot]

You guys that can smell are so lucky.

You wouldn't say that if you worked with my boss.

[bohoki]

yea smell is a good indicator back in the day they used metal and paper but latley with the plastic containers i just smell a plasticy smell