Storage life of powder

[Glenn]

After a long, long absence (20 years) from reloading I am finally getting back into it. This may be a stupid question, but I have 7 or 8 pounds of powder that has been in storage all this time. Some of the cans are still sealed. Is this usable? If not how do I dispose of it?

Thanks

Glenn

[Guest Mugster]

I'll take of it for you...one shot at a time.

Do a visual inspection I'd say. If it looks good it probably is. Do a good workup with it. You can google around for what ruined powder looks like. There is also a distinctive aroma.

[Guest Mugster]

Oh yeah, and the storage life of powder is indefinite.

[Glenn]

Thanks Mugster,

The cans I have looked at look fine. I haven't opened the sealed cans. I think I will start with a little lighter than normal load and see what happens.

Glenn

[Guest david_g17]

The general consensus is that if it has an "acidic" smell, toss it.

Otherwise, use it. From what I've read, the only things that will affect it are moisture (unlikely if it's still sealed) and heat (hopefully it wasn't stored in an attic).

[glockster157]

In my experience the powder usually gets a little weaker rather than stronger with age. You can download and work up as that is a wise procedure with any new lot of powder but I would not worry about it increasing in strength.

[Glenn]

Thanks. I will use care.

[I_Like_Pie]

The general consensus is that if it has an "acidic" smell, toss it.

Otherwise, use it. From what I've read, the only things that will affect it are moisture (unlikely if it's still sealed) and heat (hopefully it wasn't stored in an attic).

Yeah..if is smells caustic is may be bad.

It should, however, still have a chemical smell to it...not unlike the one when opening a new roll of 35mm film or sealed computer part.

If kept from moisture it lasts a long time.

[DWARREN123]

If you are not sure about using it spread it on your lawn, makes the grass grow pretty good!