Another powder storage question

[JBT47]

Approximately 5 years ago I took about 80 lbs of powder (various different powders) to a friend of mine for storage at his place. He ended up storing the powder in his shop which is not climate controlled.

I live in Mississippi so it is hot for approx 6 months or more per year. About 2 years ago I got the powder back and it is now stored in the proper climate controlled environment. I have not used any of said powder yet. I am concerned whether this powder is still good given that it sat in a non climate controlled environment for 3 years. Any opinions on whether I should use this powder?

 

[riflewoman]

Only way to know is to shoot it against a “known” sample. You can also pour each pound or 8 pounder out onto a large tray (a Turkey roasting pan works looking for “lumps” of powder and powder that’s gin “rusty”. When shooting agains a “known” powder only about 3 shots are required and you should use a chronograph. Use the starting load and do at least one powder of a “speed range” (fast pistol, slow pistol, fast rifle, medium rifle, and slow rifle). About the best you can do without a propellant lab.

 

[JBT47]

Thank you riflewoman!

 

[Kurz]

Just for your consideration.

Powder is stored at the manufacturer in non-climate controlled warehouses for long periods of time. Then they are packaged and shipped all over the world in trucks and containers without the benefit of any air conditioning or climate controlled atmosphere. ADI powders come by containers and ships from Australia without climate control. Then they sit in warehouses, sometimes for long periods, not now of course but pre-Covid.

Generally speaking, if the containers are sealed, you can guess they should be fine for the most part. Only occasionally will you UNSEAL a sealed container to find an affected batch. In all the years I've been reloading, I found 1-1lb bottle that was bad.

 

[D-4297]

@Kurz has a pretty good handle on the subject , as does @riflewoman . I began loading for my Father in 1964 , in N.E. Ohio . A very humid area . And the only powder I've ever seen go bad was due to a contamination issue at the factory , when mixing . Otherwise ; it is a "OPENED" container , generally not re-sealed properly . Though I now live in Arizona , and my powder is stored in a closet where the temp is 80 degrees , and about 30-35% humidity , I have some that has been opened , and re-sealed tightly , that is five years old . Plus however old it was when purchased . And it shoots the same as it did previously .

 

[Doug Beach]

In central CA (hot summers, mild winters, moderate to low humidity), I have used powder that is decades (40-50 years) old, without issue. As far as I know, it had all been stored in garages, etc. If it looks and smells fine, load a few rounds to test, but you should be absolutely fine.

 

[JBT47]

Thank you guys for the responses. Very helpful. The only powder that seemed affected and was not good anymore was IMR 4007 SSC but I don’t believe it had anything to do with storage conditions since that powder was recalled and for going bad and for other issues (4007 has been discontinued). Anyway, other than yellowing of the labels on H1000 cannisters, the powder that I have examined looks and smells ok.

I will go ahead and begin using the powder in question. Thanks again.

 

[riflewoman]

IMR4007 was recalled I think.