Stabilizing powder.

[Pseudophil]

I was just given some old powder, and a sniff test reveals an acrid "vinegar" smell.

I'm wondering if this stuff can still be used.

If it's deteriorating, is there anyway to stabilize it so it can be stored and used like any other powder?

Anyone know?

Thanks in advance...

[freonr22]

its fertilizer now. sprinkle it on your lawn/garden. Vinegar=bad

[Fjold]

+1,

There's no saving it when it starts to break down chemically.

[5hundo]

How long had the powder been sitting? I've used powder that was 15-20 years old and it's still good...

[ar15barrels]

How long had the powder been sitting?

I think it's more about how the powder was stored vs. the age of it that determines when it breaks down.
If you store it well, it's good for 60+ years.
If it's not stored well, it will breakdown considerably sooner.

[SVRider]

Anyone use any of the Wideners Radway Green 4895? I picked up some....smells like Vicks Vapor rub (like a eucalyptus/menthol smell)...not a "vinegary" smell.

It's pulldown, so probably at least 10 years old. Stuff I've read about it online is all good, but does anyone here have any experience with it?

[FLIGHT762]

I shot 20 rds. using RG 4895 last Friday. 41.0Grs. W/a Hornady 168 OTM in a .308 Winchester. Didn't run it over a chronograph, but it shot fine, same POI as my other match loads. It was accurate; have to do some more testing. I have 8 lbs. I'm going to burn up. So far ,so good. It does smell a bit different than what I'm used to, but I just think it's a different formulation. I'm not worrying about it for now.

[five.five-six]

does anyone know where to get load data for RG 4895? I have not seen any, but it does seem like a great value for a good all around rifle powder

[Pseudophil]

Thanks all.

I've got powder older than this stuff that's just fine, so I know it can last longer. It must have gotten real warm and destabilized as a result at some point.

Fertilizer, huh?

[CSACANNONEER]

Yea, sprinkle it on your lawn and water before someone flicks a butt on it!