ammo box has a strong smell

[Willoughby]

I opened a ammo box of 223 yesterday and upon opening noticed a strong smell of powder ?, I assume because it was stored for 8 years ?

 

[DShortt]

You could pull a couple down and inspect the powder to make sure it looks OK. Might save you a lot of trouble later on.

 

[Willoughby]

I will pull some down tomorrow and inspect the powder -Varget

 

[Big Mc]

I opened a ammo box of 223 yesterday and upon opening noticed a strong smell of powder ?, I assume because it was stored for 8 years ?

I think it is gone. Pitch it . Tommy Mc

 

[itchyTF]

Depends on what it smells like.

 

[RegionRat]

Sometimes you are catching a whiff of organic solvent that is normal, but sometimes you are catching a whiff of trouble.

You would have to describe the smell. If the smell is acrid you may want to investigate further.

If you are not used to identifying the different smells, ask a friend who reloads for an opinion before you count on that ammo for anything other than plinking.

 

[unodemo]

Generally speaking, propellant smells sour. If it doesn't, then that's when there can be problems. I've seen WW2 ammo run just fine 70yrs later.

 

[Zero333]

I shoot Chink 7.62x39 from 1973 and it has no weird smell. Always goes bang and hits the gongs at 300 meters. Only reason why it might smell weird is maybe not enough neck tension and moisture to inside ???
Any open can of powder I have I always use 4+ layers of saran wrap between the lid and can to make sure is air tight.

 

[Catfur]

I shoot Chink 7.62x39 from 1973 and it has no weird smell. Always goes bang and hits the gongs at 300 meters. Only reason why it might smell weird is maybe not enough neck tension and moisture to inside ???
Any open can of powder I have I always use 4+ layers of saran wrap between the lid and can to make sure is air tight.

Whether or not your powder is exposed to air doesn’t really affect how it degrades. The degradation is an internal process, and the greatest external variable that effects that process is temperature.

 

[Willoughby]

I pulled some down today and they appear to be fine , the powder looks just like it did when I loaded them -I do have a very keen sense of smell , as soon as it quits snowing Ill go shoot some of it - I would like to thank all of you for your insight and responses-