Hello. If a gunpowder "N550" or any, has been left in a electronic powder dispenser for over a year or more, is it safe to use "not completely airtight"?
Thanks in advance for answer's,
Thanks in advance for answer's,
Powder storage.
- Thread starter Northfromhere
- Start date
If it looks good and is not clumpy, the only way to tell is to try it.
Thanks. It doesn't look bad.
I would not use powder left in an electronic powder dispenser for anything I reallly care about (ie competition, load tuning, hunting, etc). Perhaps the best use of it might be foreforming or fouler shots. I wouldn’t even use them for sighters.
Ned Ludd
Silver $$ Contributor
Before doing anything else with the powder from the dispenser, you might load a few rounds with it and determine velocity for them alongside a few rounds loaded with the same Lot# of powder that was not stored in the dispenser, or at least the same exact type of powder that had not been stored in a non-airtight container for a year. If the velocities of the two sets are markedly different, then you know. Likewise, if they're very close, then the powder apparently didn't suffer too much during its year-long exposure. My guess is the former scenario (i.e. noticeably different velocities) might be more likely, but only testing can reveal the answer. It likely depends on the relative humidity the powder in the dispenser was exposed to over time. Regardless, comparing velocity for a few loaded rounds will give you the answer. If the velocity of the dispenser powder is makedly different, I don't think I would mix into a "good" Lot# of powder. Load it separately for some non-critical purpose, or just toss it.
Ok I have to ask.... How did it get left in there for over a year..???? If it's not clumpy and looks and smells ok I guess it would be fine to shoot for practice loads... I would at least hope it was kept inside the house in a climate controlled environment or I would just throw it out... I would be interested in how much it changed being in a non air tight environment...If you shoot some compared to fresh powder please post the results...
WyleWD
Silver $$ Contributor
Carefully reading your post I picked up on the "year or more". So depending upon all the factors that could come into play, one thing sticks out to me. That is that the storage conditions could very probably not meet the manufacturer's recommendations. Which brings me to recommend, when in doubt throw it out. JMHO.WD
Sounds just about right for the tomato plants. I never use any questionable components.
The real concern for me is leaving powder in dispenser for a "year or more." You need to revisit your safety procedures for reloading.
To void problems and a potential catastrophic event, only one powder should be on the bench when reloading and it should be returned to its original container when you are finished with that reloading session - no exceptions - get into a habit of doing that.
As far as the powder in question, personally, I wouldn't use it.
To void problems and a potential catastrophic event, only one powder should be on the bench when reloading and it should be returned to its original container when you are finished with that reloading session - no exceptions - get into a habit of doing that.
As far as the powder in question, personally, I wouldn't use it.
jepp2
Gold $$ Contributor
Two largest concerns I would have:
1. what if it isn't the powder you remember it to be?
2. the chemical reaction with the measure clear tube and how that changes the deterrent coating applied during manufacture.
I "used" to leave powder in my measures. Then I had to replace all the measures due to the chemical interaction with the powder, now I follow the advice offered by @K22
6.5 forever
Silver $$ Contributor
If it was in the dispenser for a year how can you be certain which powder it is? Dump it.
I have several electronic powder dispensers and this one was kept in a locked cabinet. I already threw out the powder and the reason for leaving it in the for so long.... I just don't know, but I will not repeat this.
Before I had a Dillon XL-650, I put a pound of TiteGroup inside the Chargemaster 1500 dispenser, and it started eating/corroding the plastic after about 1 week.
The Dillon powder throw dispenser on the XL-650 doesn't have the same reaction. I leave Titegroup and other powders in other dillon xl650 dispensers without any worry. They are stored in the basement and I seal the cover with duct tape when I'm not using it.
Not a good habit at all but I have left a small amount in the bottom of measures several time but have never seen the chemical reaction that some have seen. Again, a bad habit and just an observation. I put a piece of paper in the measure with the powder and charge written on it even if I am only leaving it in there for a few minutes. I've never left it for a year but a couple of weeks, multiple times, bad habit or not.
searcher
Gold $$ Contributor
I once left some Unique powder in my hopper for about six months (I was 14 at the time). Loaded up some .44 Specials and it looked like I was shooting black powder with all the white smoke. Lesson learned. And I live in a rather dry climate where it rains only a few times a year. I'd not shoot it in a rifle because it is hard to anticipate what the change in dynamics of the powder might do. I'd destroy it.
bozo699
Gold $$ Contributor
Really easy!… in my loading room only one can of powder is ever on the bench so the stuff that’s in my dispenser belongs in the can sitting right beside it.
Wayne
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