powder question

[RacerX7]

What is the shelf life of powder? How can you tell if the powder bad and should not be used?

[meaty-btz]

indefinite. Smokeless Powder is stable.

As long as the powder is not contaminated, exposed to moisture, and remains sealed the period is indefinite.

While powder from 20 years ago is often slightly different formulation than today the powder is viable unless otherwise damaged.

Remember many people shoot mil surplus that goes back to the 40s, some even older and it goes bang every time. In fact it is the primers that are usually bad in the dud rounds or the powder has been contaminated/exposed to moisture in the intervening years.

Mine you I have used 20-25 year old primers with not a single misfire, thousands of them. Keep your powder dry and clean and it will last. Same goes for primer. The oldest powder I have used was a bottle of 21 year old Red-Dot. Bang every time.

[M27]

I have bullseye that was given to me, I don't know how old it is but it is in a metal can and says hercules powder on it. Works fine.

[foxtrotuniformlima]

as long as it is kept dry and sealed, it will last for a very long time. 50 years is not uncommon.

[noylj]

The things people worry about...

Still shooting Unique, Bullseye, and Herco purchased in the '70s. All in great condition.
It has all been stored in garage condition--dry but no temperature/humidity controls.
The Unique and Herco are in cardboard drums.

[DarkSoul]

I read an article from one of the major manufacturers (sorry I can't remember which), but Anyhoo, they have a container of powder that is like 100+ years old, and every year they take out an ounce and test it, apparently it has only lost approximately 5% of its strength. So as was stated above, stored correctly, will last your lifetime.

[RacerX7]

Thanks for all your input... I bought an 8 pounds 4 or 5 months ago.. haven't been reloading anything lately..

[M27]

Thanks for all your input... I bought an 8 pounds 4 or 5 months ago.. haven't been reloading anything lately..

just keep the cap tight

[thomashoward]

What is the shelf life of powder? How can you tell if the powder bad and should not be used?

pour some in a shot glass if it looks rusty.do not use.should be shiny and black and smell like chemicals.
Powders last indefinitely if stored right
I made a mistake and bought used, open containers at a gun show once.
looked like rusty nails compared to some new powder of the same maker.I dumped it