Old Powder/ Primer and reloading risk question.

[jvpark]

I recently received some primers and powder from my uncle which has been in storage for over 20 years.
Does powder and primers go bad and is there any way to tell (short of loading and shooting).

Second question.
I understand there is always a level of risk when reloading but i was wondering during the reloading process what is the chance of an accidental discharge and if the chance does exist, what phase of the reloading process would it likely happen. (I always wear safety glasses).
If you deprime a cartridge with a un-fired primer, are there any additional precautions?

[AJD]

As long as the powder hasn't been exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture they should be fine. I know people who have used powders and primers that were made much longer than 20 years ago with no issues.

There's always a risk in reloading, but I would read at least one good reloading manual at least 2 times which will give you an idea of the risks and precautions you need to take.

[jvpark]

I have successfully reloaded .308 (I actually find it very theraputic).

I was curious what is the risk.

[XDRoX]

You'll be able to smell if the powder went bad. Most likely it's ok but smell it just to make sure. You'll know right away if it's bad.

[Fjold]

Powder will smell sour or ammonia like and many times it will have a rusty red color when it goes bad.

I've recently shot a bunch of primers that were purchased in the 1960's

[Divernhunter]

I also have powder/primers from the 1960's and they shoot fine. I use new powder/primers for my big game hunting rounds just to be sure. I would not worry about a AD, just be sure your primers are seated all the way. As far as depriming live primers. Some get all worked up and go to great lenghts when doing it or will not do it. It is really no big thing. Just do so more slowly than with a fired primer to avoid discharging it. IF it goes off it is no big deal other than it may startle you. It will not hurt you or the equiptment. I had a 50bmg primer that got installed backward go off at 3AM in a very quiet house once. It got my attention but all else was fine.

[wtkaiser]

Just a question here. Can you POSITIVELY identify the powder? If you can't, the entire question should become moot. Dump it. If it's still in the original containers and all the above conditions have been met, have at it.

There was a thread just recently about de-priming live ammo. I think the consensus was 'go ahead and do it, just do it SLOWWWWWLLLLYYYY'. Divernhunter has it right.