Powder Question

[bikr4jc]

How long can powder be stored? I was digging through some old boxes that belonged to my brother and found these..



Check data books and found them on a few handgun loads, not many. I just got my press and no dies yet. Not sure if these are still safe, I do not know how old they are.
Can anyone give some advise on these, I seen them listed under 44Mag, 38spcl+P, 9mm. I shoot all three but like I said there was not too much for them.

[alfred1222]

Go outside, pour some on the ground, and take a match to it. If it lights, and its still black, its probably good.

In all seriousness, if it was sealed and stored properly, its properly good

[rodsvet]

I bought 175 lbs. of Unique and Bullseye along with 50-60 lbs. of assorted Accurate powders back in 1990 and it and the large number of primers I got still perform like new. If the lids were tight and were not stored in high heat or humidity, it will be good. Enjoy, Rod

[knucklehead0202]

probably just fine. open it up and see if it's real stinky. if it just kinda smells, thats' normal, but if it's very pungent, use it as fertilizer.

[74c5]

If sealed tight, you should be ok.
Problems arise if you are in an area with a lot of thermal pumping and humidity. High daytime temperatures, cold nights. Similarly, but to a much lesser degree, hot summers and cold winters.
As long as the seal is good, that is what is important.

[bikr4jc]

Thanks for all the responses, I guess this will change what dies I buy first...

[ireload]

High humidity and high heat are pretty much the powder's enemy. Powders can last decades if stored properly. Same goes with primers.