Powder shelf life

[dreever]

A friend and I were just having this discussion so I thought I'd ask for input.
I just picked up some VV N540 from another friend that is five or six years old. Now assuming it was stored in a cool dry dark place what is it's condition.
My fried said he wouldn't have bought it because it's his opinion that after a year or year and a half powder degrades and he wouldn't use it. He said oh it will shoot but it's potential for top accuracy has diminished.

What's your thoughts?????

Danny

 

[garyw]

DANNY
IV JUST LOADED SOME VV135 THAT IS 2YRS OLD FOR MY 17 REM THE 20VMAX SHOOTS TO SAME POINT AND SAME VELOCITY AS WHEN THE CAN WAS NEW.IT IS STORED IN ITS ORIGINAL CAN AND LOCKED INSIDE A SMALL FIRE PROOF CABINET.MAYBE SOMEONE OUT THERE WILL KNOW ABOUT POWDER DETERIATION.
GARYW

 

[DaveBrokos]

The shelf life of modern smokeless propellant is virtually indefinite, given proper conditions. Improperly stored, however, powder deterioration will occur. If you suspect that powder has been improperly stored, it should be checked for the following signs: 1) An irritating acidic odor, not to be confused with the ether odor common to most forms of smokeless powder. 2) A reddish dust, or a “clumped” appearance. 3) An oily or sticky substance in the powder. If the powder in question appears to have deteriorated, it should be destroyed at once. We recommend that it be burned out in the open in small,not exceeding one pound) amounts. The powder should be spread out so that it is no more than one inch deep at any point, and provides an ignition train allowing it to be ignited from a safe distance.

 

[DaveBrokos]

Danny,Just found this article on the internet.

Storage of smokeless powders is always a consideration for handloaders. Many question the safety of storing such a flammable material around the home, an understandable concern. In reality, modern smokeless propellants are much safer to store than gasoline, flammable aerosols, and many other chemicals found in the average garage. It does, however, deserve a healthy respect, and proper storage conditions must be adhered to. The following recommendations will greatly reduce the risks of storing powders, as well as ensuring that the powder stays in good condition.

1) Always store powder in a cool, dry place. The location should be shielded from direct sunlight, and not subjected to extreme temperature variations.

2) Stocks of powder should be limited to that which will be used in the near future. The powder kept on hand should be rotated, to assure its freshness and performance. Consult with SAAMI and your local fire ordinances regarding storage of large amounts of smokeless propellants or black powder.

3) Powder should always be stored in its original container, clearly labeled as to its identity, and kept tightly sealed. NEVER transfer powder to another container. Many types of smokeless propellants are hygroscopic, that is, they attract and absorb moisture. The original packaging is properly designed to keep the powder fresh and in good condition. Take advantage of it.

4) Place “No Smoking” signs prominently if the area is open to guests or other visitors, and demand absolute compliance at all times.

The shelf life of modern smokeless propellant is virtually indefinite, given proper conditions. Improperly stored, however, powder deterioration will occur. If you suspect that powder has been improperly stored, it should be checked for the following signs: 1) An irritating acidic odor, not to be confused with the ether odor common to most forms of smokeless powder. 2) A reddish dust, or a “clumped” appearance. 3) An oily or sticky substance in the powder. If the powder in question appears to have deteriorated, it should be destroyed at once. We recommend that it be burned out in the open in small,not exceeding one pound) amounts. The powder should be spread out so that it is no more than one inch deep at any point, and provides an ignition train allowing it to be ignited from a safe distance.

st found this article on the internet

 

[dreever]

It smells good, it looks good, and it dosen't feel oily, so there's one sure way to find out. I'll buy a new two pounder of N540 and when the weather breaks I'll load and chronograph the old stuff and the new stuff, and group both of them on paper also. If I can't find a difference then the old stuff has got to be ok.
Thanks for the explanations, I did find and read similar stuff on the net also.

Danny

 

[tightneck]

It smells good, it looks good, and it dosen't feel oily

Ahh, but how does it taste???

 

[Bobs243Ackley]

Hi Danny,

I am still using powder that my dad had bought over 20 years ago. He liked buying large lots of powder for loads that we used a lot. It has been properly stored, as prescribed, and the loads that we reloaded all those years ago, still perform as expected as I load them today for my use, even though powder has outlasted him. He told me shortly before he passed away to "Have one last blast on dad". I will not disobey such an order from "dad"! Enjoy your N540!

Cordially,
Bob Blaine

 

[SHERMY]

Last year I used my final two unopened cans of DUPONT IMR-4895.
I purchased this powder in the 1966-67 time frame.
When opened it smelled just like new stuff and shot very well.
I think the key is to keep it sealed and cool.
I wish I had more of that vintage, it was very consistent.

Mike Sherman

 

[Preacher]

I am still burning up 20 plus year old powder, and in the old 22/250 AI it still shoots as accurate as it did when I opened it. I also have some 700X that is well over 30 years old that still smells like it did when it was first open and it still busts claybirds with a vengeance.... As long as it smells good, and tastes good, use it 'O)

 

[USAPatriot]

I've got powders that are 5-6 years old and that lovely solvent smell is still there and there's no discolorations. I always keep an old 1 pound jug on hand with a red label on it. The last dregs of any powder go into that jug, usually enough for 10-20 rounds. When the jug gets to about 1/4 full,years...) I dump it into a coffee can and burn it. My last burn was just last week as a matter of fact and was pretty amusing. I don't drink coffee anymore, ergo no large can, so grabbed the 16oz olive can out of the recycle bin and lit it there... at night on the concrete pool deck. Well, seeing as how the can's diameter was maybe 3" instead of 8 or 9, it both looked and sounded like a rocket engine, shooting flames about 10-12 feet high for 3-4 seconds. I really wish I'd had my camcorder running for that show -Rod-

 

[JeffT]

I still use some IMR 4198 that my dad bought in the late 60's, and have some H110 that the price on the container says $2.00 I have no Idea how old it is??