Safety question about old pulldown powder

[Mike Powers]

I inherited old reloaded ammo from my late father's estate that my brother has stored for 38 years (don't ask). These are 300 H&H magnum rounds reloaded according to his labels in 1957 with 4350 powder I'm assuming is IMR. The brass looks good, the 168gr FMJ bullets look good and I'm shoocked by how good the powder looks (no clumping or odor). Is it fertilizer or should I take a chance and try using the powder in some test rounds? Thanks in advance.
Mike

 

[GLShooter]

I'd shoot it. Being sealed up in the cases helps keep it usable. That is assuming the powder load is correct.

Greg

 

[Jager]

You're not taking a a chance... you've already done the right and proper thing in pulling a round or two and seeing what's what.

Enjoy shooting this legacy ammo crafted by your dad. He'll be there smiling behind your shoulder.

 

[Webster]

I inherited old reloaded ammo from my late father's estate that my brother has stored for 38 years (don't ask). These are 300 H&H magnum rounds reloaded according to his labels in 1957 with 4350 powder I'm assuming is IMR. The brass looks good, the 168gr FMJ bullets look good and I'm shoocked by how good the powder looks (no clumping or odor). Is it fertilizer or should I take a chance and try using the powder in some test rounds? Thanks in advance.
Mike

It cannot be used as fertilizer just because it contains nitrogen. It isn't water soluble. 4th of July make a long trail and lite it.

 

[GONRA]

GONRA sez sometmes you can be "extra safe" and shoot suspect ammo /
unknown ammo / new reload developnents in the winter.

Rain and sunlight WILL decompose powder on the lawn
even though its NOT water soluble.
"Pricy Sloooow Release Fertilizer".

 

[Twicepop]

It cannot be used as fertilizer just because it contains nitrogen. It isn't water soluble. 4th of July make a long trail and lite it.

Nitrogen make a wonderful fertilizer promoting top growth of most all green plants. Corn farmers use it to make the crop grow in nutrient poor soil. They use it in three different mediums that I'm aware of, maybe more. There's 28% liquid nitrogen, pearled urea and anhydrous ammonia. I'm using a high nitrogen fertilizer this year on my sweet corn, tomatoes and peppers, In addition to promoting plant growth it helps to eliminate blossom end rot on the tomatoes and the peppers. Put nitrogen on your grass and get ready to several times a week.

 

[Webster]

Nitrogen make a wonderful fertilizer promoting top growth of most all green plants. Corn farmers use it to make the crop grow in nutrient poor soil. They use it in three different mediums that I'm aware of, maybe more. There's 28% liquid nitrogen, pearled urea and anhydrous ammonia. I'm using a high nitrogen fertilizer this year on my sweet corn, tomatoes and peppers, In addition to promoting plant growth it helps to eliminate blossom end rot on the tomatoes and the peppers. Put nitrogen on your grass and get ready to several times a week.

From the Hodgden website:
Disposal instructions If material becomes a waste, it may be treated by controlled burning in small quantities if permissible by relevant regulatory agencies (such as in a RCRA permitted open burn unit or incinerator). Material should be spread into thin layers and ignited from a safe distance. Dispose of in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Do not discharge into drains, water courses or onto the ground.

I know it's a small amount but it contains more than nitro gylcerin and nitro cellulose. It contains 10-15 other chemicals. True it may not be water soluble but it can deteriorate into other chemicals. Who knows what they are. Burning is concidered the safe disposal method even thou it releases a lot of chemicals into the air. How much lawn can you fertilize with 1 lb. I buy 2 50 lb. bags to do my lawn.

 

[D-4297]

Some of the best ammo ever made for the Mosin - Nagant was the Bulgarian Lead core Heavy Ball , 182gr . Manufactured in 1955 . Heard all the rumors and inter-web talk about this ammo , and finally got my hands on some . It came in a wooden crate , paper boxes , and looked every bit to be 1955 mfg. , or older . But it was the closest thing to a handload I've ever seen , except Russian 7N1 . It's not the age , it's the way it's been stored . Shoot it , and enjoy it .