6 yr old Norma powder from Powder Valley

[MSS]

I know powder lasts a long time if stored correctly. However, I have no idea how this was stored and one container is bulging. I store all my powder in a humidity controlled basement. Anyone else buy this? I really don’t want to open yet and sniff check.

 

[Kurz]

The proper method of determination is to contact Norma by sending them a cogently worded e-mail along with clear, sharp, descriptive photographs.

Without support from Norma, the only alternative is to use the sniff test.

 

[LGKLAS]

What is the 'sniff test'?

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

What is the 'sniff test'?

If it smells like gun powder its still gun powder, if it smells like ammonia/vinegar its fireworks

 

[WyleWD]

Have you used this powder before? And if so what (is) was the date on it? And perhaps a call to PV would be in order if you're very concerned and unfamiliar with the Norma 203B.(?) WD

 

[MSS]

Sorry, I should have been clearer. I just purchased this from PV. The date on the powder is 8/27/15. I got it as an RL 15 replacement but have never used it and was going to store it for use after my Varget runs out. I’ll load up the jug in question 1st I guess. It’s probably fine.

 

[Don Shelton]

Sorry, I should have been clearer. I just purchased this from PV. The date on the powder is 8/27/15. I got it as an RL 15 replacement but have never used it and was going to store it for use after my Varget runs out. I’ll load up the jug in question 1st I guess. It’s probably fine.

I ordered the same,I’m almost out of RL15,,,keep us informed please

 

[LGKLAS]

If it smells like gun powder its still gun powder, if it smells like ammonia/vinegar its fireworks

Thanx, never heard of smell test. Appreciated. lg

 

[jonbearman]

If it is bulged get it the heck out of your house. Dont sniff it closely. Wave your hand over the top to bring the odor to you. If it doesnt smell right get rid of it. Smell a couple cans and you will know what it is supposed to smell like.

 

[JimPag]

I know powder lasts a long time if stored correctly. However, I have no idea how this was stored and one container is bulging. I store all my powder in a humidity controlled basement. Anyone else buy this? I really don’t want to open yet and sniff check. View attachment 1242638

When Vihtavuori offered their N130 in 12 one pound cases in 2017 PV got it's hands on some and it went flying off their shelves. The package date was 2-2-2011. Who knows where it was. Could of been in a warehouse in Finland or in the states who knows. Stuff like that happens quite frequently. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[cheek9075]

What do you mean as a bulge? Compared to other powder containers the 8lb jugs if vv new seem to have a bulge to me. Maybe I'm the only one who thinks that....

 

[Nick Caprinolo]

My rule on powder is this. If I have any doubt, it becomes garden fertilizer.

 

[bobm]

An elevation change from KS to New England can and will cause pressure in a sealed container to increase. One of your containers may have not been sealed as tightly as the other resulting in pressure bleed off.

Your concern has the attention of many of us here. Open that container ASAP and smell for deterioration. A pleasant odor like ether with no irritation to your nose says powder is OK. If you get strong chlorine bleach like odor with severe nasal burning irritation it has gone bad. You may see discoloration of contents, clumping and a reddish dust present. The container may also become brittle in places. Press your thumb on the plastic to see if pliable or brittle and cracking.

Do this exercise outdoors. My bet is your powder is fine. LET US KNOW!!

 

[MSS]

Powder is fine guys. What I meant by bulge is one of the jugs is sucked in like it was vacuum packed and the other had a slight bulge to it. It didn’t look normal to me. Anyway, no discoloration and it smells like powder! Will work up some loads with it when my barrel is ready. I am building an Impact 737 sa with prefit and ag stock.

 

[Woofie]

I believe 203B and RE15 are actually the same powder, lot-to-lot variations aside... Good catch on the purchase

 

[searcher]

That photo isn't too good - but I've never seen a powder container that appeared to have bulged from expanding where the powder was still good. If the bulge looks like it could have happened from the container being being struck - like dropped - that is a lot different from a bulge that looks to have manifested itself from within the jug. If it looks like the latter, I'd really take a good look at it - no matter what it smells like. If you see ANY signs of degradation, I'd not use it. Seriously - powder wouldn't expand enough to do that unless something bad is up.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Sounds like its good to go. Be careful sniffing powder- do as jonbearman said above. If its bad itll have a red fog inside and the fumes are poisonous so dont sniff it unless it smells sweet

 

[SWF Shooter]

I bought 203B about the same time from Powder Valley, it looks like my powder is 2016. It is fine, and it seems the thin-walled container just bulges a bit with the weight, not from pressure.

 

[dc.fireman]

What is the 'sniff test'?

If it smells like 'ether', its probably still OK.
If it smells like 'pepper', it's lawn fertilizer.

 

[MSS]

I bought 203B about the same time from Powder Valley, it looks like my powder is 2016. It is fine, and it seems the thin-walled container just bulges a bit with the weight, not from pressure.

Agreed. The issue is the container.