Powder decay

[eddyverhoeven]

I use the old Hodgdon H5010 in my 30-378. For a few months I notice upon opening each new can, that the foam plastic seal inside the cap has turned yellow and that the smell of the powder is sharper than before. Thus far I've seen no change in results but it worries me that this lot might be starting to decay. Any thoughts on this subject or with this peculiar powder?,Year of production = 1993)

Ed

 

[Travelor]

Sounds like the powder is starting to break down. Watch for a yellow/brown powder with the powder and if seem - time to dispose of it. pour a little out on a piece of white paper and tilt it side to side and look for the yellow/brown fine powder.

When powder begins to break down it can produce heat - bad do-do.

George

 

[eddyverhoeven]

Isn't that very early, the powder being 15 years old? I know of certain lots which are over thirty years without any ill effects whatsoever. I keep my powder in the original canisters in a cool dry place.

Ed

 

[MOO1072]

Just my .02 but I would junk it. I wouldn't feel confident shooting if I doubts about the powder I was using. I think your personal safety should be paramount.

BTW, if you haven't used all the powder in 15 years then you aren't doing enough shooting!

 

[FroggyOne2]

Junk it! But don't let it go to waste.. I would spread it out all over the yard.. it will be good for it!

 

[CatShooter]

I use the old Hodgdon H5010 in my 30-378. For a few months I notice upon opening each new can, that the foam plastic seal inside the cap has turned yellow and that the smell of the powder is sharper than before. Thus far I've seen no change in results but it worries me that this lot might be starting to decay. Any thoughts on this subject or with this peculiar powder?,Year of production = 1993)

Ed

There is nothing wrong with the powder.

The "smell" of powder is not the powder, but solvents used to make it - ether is the main solvent and has a distinctly pungent oder.

The seal changes color because of age and exposure to solvents.

The problem of powder decomposing came from the war production powders,and their surplus releases)... because of war time production schedules, the nitrocellulose was not washed as long as usual, cuz the powder was going to be used very soon.

When it was released after the war, some of it that was stored began to decompose after many years.

Decomposing powder looks like it is rusting - don't confuse this with rust from the walls of the old Dupont or Hodgdon metal cans - decomposing powder REALLY looks like it is rusting.

Don't throw old powder on your lawn - it does not disolve to feed your lawn,an old urban rumor), nitrocellulose is a plastic and does not disolve in water,which is why they use ether - duh)...

... either burn it in a pile, or flush it down the toilet.


.

 

[eddyverhoeven]

Thanks guys, for now I will continue its use, but will keep a close eye to it. If it develops rust I will recognize it and throw,burn) it away immediately

Ed

 

[Zermoid]

Possibly stupid question, what IS the average shelf life of "modern" powders?
And what about military surplus ammo? A friend has some WWII Vintage 45ACP ammo sitting around, is it safe to use??? Or even have sitting around?