Stored Powder that is 25-30 Years Old--Usable?

[South Pender]

I’ve run across a storage bin of powder that is probably 25-30 years old. It was stored in a dry garage, and temperature swings would have been from occasionally about 30°F in the winter (but more often 35°F to 40°F) to about 80°F in the summer. There are many powders that I don’t use in this lot, but the ones that I’m most interested in are Norma MRP and Reloder 22. The MRP metal cans are unopened with the metal seal still in the lid. So my question is: Will this powder be usable now, after 25-30 years (or possibly 35 years) of storage? Can I assume that it will have the same burn characteristics and energy output as newly-obtained MRP? Will it be completely safe if loaded to the usual MRP levels?

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

Shoot it, friend of mine used MRP a while ago that was 20+ years old and he said it was some of the best stuff his ever used. Characteristics was very close to new stuff he uses

 

[biggun2869]

The only powder I ever had go bad on me was H380. As long as it isn't noticeably changed and looks normal it is fine.

 

[Homerange]

Generally with powders the nose knows. That is if it still smells OK then use it.

 

[Rem06]

Powder Stored Uncovered for years is NOT SAFE

One of our members started a thread about ball powder he had stored uncovered for a number of years. I killed that thread because some forum members, out of ignorance, said, essentially, there was nothing to worry about. That is untrue. The major powder manufacturers all say uncovered storage...

forum.accurateshooter.com

 

[BCBRAD]

I’ve run across a storage bin of powder that is probably 25-30 years old. It was stored in a dry garage, and temperature swings would have been from occasionally about 30°F in the winter (but more often 35°F to 40°F) to about 80°F in the summer. There are many powders that I don’t use in this lot, but the ones that I’m most interested in are Norma MRP and Reloder 22. The MRP metal cans are unopened with the metal seal still in the lid. So my question is: Will this powder be usable now, after 25-30 years (or possibly 35 years) of storage? Can I assume that it will have the same burn characteristics and energy output as newly-obtained MRP? Will it be completely safe if loaded to the usual MRP levels?

The burn rates should not be assumed to be 'same' over such a time span, lot to lot powders can vary in burn rate up to around 5%, most often they are much closer though.
The actual burn rate is pressure dependent so the burn rate will vary dependent on that.
I use powder, primers that are 30+ years old for fireforming with no issues , both stored properly so your mileage may vary.

 

[ssv1761982]

It should be fine. Start low and work up the load as always. A buddy gave me some powder from the early 70s. I found the old WW 760 was about 1/2 grain different that new 760 in a 22-250. The pistol powders I couldn't tell any difference.

 

[Big Mc]

I’ve run across a storage bin of powder that is probably 25-30 years old. It was stored in a dry garage, and temperature swings would have been from occasionally about 30°F in the winter (but more often 35°F to 40°F) to about 80°F in the summer. There are many powders that I don’t use in this lot, but the ones that I’m most interested in are Norma MRP and Reloder 22. The MRP metal cans are unopened with the metal seal still in the lid. So my question is: Will this powder be usable now, after 25-30 years (or possibly 35 years) of storage? Can I assume that it will have the same burn characteristics and energy output as newly-obtained MRP? Will it be completely safe if loaded to the usual MRP levels?

I have been loading Green Dot i bought in 1963 . Still goes BOOM no problem. If you keep the powder dry it will last a long long time Tommy Mc

 

[338 dude]

Upon opening if you do not have an acid type smell or any red dust it should be fine

 

[CJ6]

I just finished up a #100 keg from Herters a couple years back. Bought it late 69' early 70'. That was Mil. Surp pull down so who knows when it was made (I didn't look at the keg for any dates). If it still smells sweet shoot it.

 

[Louisiana Shooter]

Upon opening if you do not have an acid type smell or any red dust it should be fine

^^^THIS

 

[451whitworth]

I have IMR powders from the '70's that shoot fine.

 

[ebb]

Sometimes the metal cans rust on the inside (probably not the ones that have never been opened). An ammo manufacturer i know told me to take the contents and dump in a big bowl and dig through it to see if the can rusted in the bottom and ruined the powder. If not use funnel and return to original can with proper label and use as any other. I got a bunch of Win 748 all in metal cans and none was bad.

 

[varget204]

I Have some powders that are from the 1950's, Still Good,If it Smells like Rotten Eggs it is NO Good

 

[Amp-rat]

Mine had been stored in similar conditions. The primers go pop, and the powder works well. From my experience I'd say go for it.

 

[Surgeonwithagun]

Probably. How does it smell and look?

John

 

[South Pender]

Probably. How does it smell and look?

John

Smells and looks normal.

 

[Surgeonwithagun]

Smells and looks normal.

You are probably fine.

 

[MaxBud]

I was going to start a thread on this myself. I found an unopen 8lbs of Varget that I purchased sometime in 2008. I moved from New Mexico to here in Oklahoma so the powder went through that. I know for the last 6 years its been in my shop which is climate controlled. But before I built this house it may l have been stored in my garage which temperatures get kinda high in the summer. But it was in about three layers of insulation. I forgot I have it. After reading this thread I went out there poured some in a glass pyrodex bowl and it smells good. No red dust so hopefully its good. It smells kinda like acetone but sweet. I can really use it. I'll let you know.