How to Determine Indications of Powder Deterioration?

[Broncazonk]

I've got 4 unopened cans of IMR-4831 that may have been stored improperly: exposed to 80-85 degree heat for a unknown number of months and 2 cans of the same that I know for certain have been stored properly.

Besides firing two (2) 5-shot test-strings across a chronograph to determine the comparative velocity (and SD of the velocities) between the two strings, what else can I do?

Also, if there is a difference: is mixing the "good" IMR 4831 with the "bad" IMR 4831 a possible solution?

Bronc

 

[groupshooter22]

I dont think the temp was high enough to do any harm. Take a sealed can and smell it then compare it to the other. From what I have heard if its bad it will smell bad.

 

[expiper]

dont ever mix the "good" with the BAD!!!!!

if you determine the questionable powder to be bad then it is only good for fretilizer on the lawn.....would you pour good milk in with sour to make it better!!?? ....Roger

 

[Skeeter]

Modern Gunpowder has the ability to last a very long time without deteriorating. If the powder is stored out of direct light, excessive temperature and moisture it should be fine. You can open it look at the color and texture. If it looks normal... gray to charcoal in color and granular/flaky in nature (not brown or powdery) it is probably fine. Also smell the lot for any additional signs of deterioration (will have a strong acidic odor to it). If it passes these tests I would load a couple rounds and test fire it.

I have some lots of powder more than 20 years old and only load these rounds about once every few years and they shoot consistently and without excessive SD.

I also remember an ad that Alliant used to put out that showed some old Dupont Powder in a glass jar full of water. They would on occasion take a small portion of the powder out of the jar, dry it and shoot it out of a shotgun shell. Still fired fine after 125 years or something like that.

Skeeter

 

[Broncazonk]

I just gave Roger a headache...

Thanks Roger for the corrective wiffle bat upside the head and thanks Skeeter for the details.

Bronc

 

[Johnboy]

if its bad it will smell like vinegar.

 

[BenPerfected]

For me, the powder’s age or different lots of the same powder is easy to manage. Just mix it all together and now you have one new large lot.
Ben

 

[dstoenner]

If it is fresh it will smell like ether. No smell means it is good but in between good and bad

 

[Webster]

dont ever mix the "good" with the BAD!!!!!

if you determine the questionable powder to be bad then it is only good for fretilizer on the lawn.....would you pour good milk in with sour to make it better!!?? ....Roger

Not good for fertilizer. It is not water soluble.