50 yr. old RL 11 still shoots.

[Joe Maisto]

I have read all the inputs on this forum about dumping out old powder and using it for fertilizer etc;
I used some of my RL 11 in my ppc at a match in Michigan Last saturday. I didn't know what to expect touching my trigger, but it burns as well as it did in my .35 Whelen back then. It was also clean, and went off without a hitch. People were gawking at me. One Canadien wants the empty can, and I still have 2 full ones plus most of this one.
I'll use it up considering what I saw the past w/e.

 

[jghoghunter]

When my pap died in 97 he was still using out of a old cardboard 50# keg he bought in the late 50's. It was as tall as a 30call gal drum and a little bit bigger in diameter. It worked fine. He loaded for alot of people in our little valley, there was alot of Deer killed each year out of that keg.

 

[ShootDots]

I never saw any RL-11 But I used to use RL-12 alot in my .223 and .22-250.. RL-12 used to make the 50gr pills out of my 22-250 sail over 3800f.p.s.

 

[jonbearman]

I still have several re21 pop top cans full.I should use it up.

 

[Raythemanroe]

lol


Ray

 

[ShootDots]

I still have several re21 pop top cans full.I should use it up.

Jon, I don't have any notes that go that far back or I would give you my load data.. However, if my "guesstimate" is correct, I would say that it burns right at IMR 4895, Varget "area" of burn rate.. I am assuming that that RL-21 is a typo and you meant RL-12..

 

[snert]

I have a pound of 3031 that came from a 35 pound canister that was purchased in 1952 for 9 cents a pound. (I paid my elderly friend $20 for the pound and he laughed till he nearly fell over). The 35 pound canister is still mostly full, and it shoots fine. No issues, no smells, well cared for and makes me giggle every time I use it...just because it once cost 9 cents! My friend told me I could return any time...maybe he needs the cash?

Snert

 

[Raythemanroe]

I can't relate to powder from the 50's but I have had powder that is 3-4 yrs old shoot some of my best groups..


Ray

 

[amlevin]

I can't imagine powder sticking around my shop 1 year much less 50 years. I've been averaging 30+ lbs per year over the last 10 years.

 

[langenc]

I spend quite a bit of time, my wife says way too much, time online.

Ive never heard or read about RL 11 and 21..

I use a couple of todays RL powders. I see they have a couple 'new ones', 33 50 and 17 which I know has been around for some time. I have the 15 and 19 so I wont get 17 probably ever.

 

[Joe Maisto]

I can't imagine powder sticking around my shop 1 year much less 50 years. I've been averaging 30+ lbs per year over the last 10 years.

Actually, I also used 3031 in the .35 Whelen and only hunted with it or fired a few rounds before the season. That said, 3-4 lbs. would last almost a life time if just used for the purpose I used it for.
If any of you gentlemen would like to see pics of the cans, maybe I can figure out how to do it on here. If not, shoot me an e mail and I'll do it that way.

 

[snert]

That old tub o' powder was sold to a friend who then packed it away, and about two years ago he passed on. At the "estate sale" it was purchased by my elderly friend's grandson, who brought it to "Pops" who recognized it by HIS OWN handwriting on the label. Went around, came around and now is getting shot around!

Small community...

snert

 

[Road_Clam]

Post some vintage container pics please for us "young-uns" to enjoy !

 

[Joe Maisto]

Post some vintage container pics please for us "young-uns" to enjoy !

I did. You can look on here for "Hercules Nostalgia". There is a photo.

Snert;

That is quite a story...

 

[Raythemanroe]

Post some vintage container pics please for us "young-uns" to enjoy !

I did. You can look on here for "Hercules Nostalgia". There is a photo.

Snert;

That is quite a story...

It was a good pic.. My era doesn't go much before the plastic containers..lol

Ray

 

[Webster]

The original post wasn't about dumping old powder it was about dumping old deteriorated powder.