Think 20 year old N135 would be ok?

[Lefty Trigger]

I had a load worked up for my 6br with N135 and ran out. A Friend sold me a old 2lb bottle of it but it's 20 years old. Looks like completely different powder so I'm thinking best not to use it. I trust him that it is indeed N135 just an older version of it. I hate to waste bullets and primers reworking a load with it since I'm sure VV has changed the formula since then.

 

[Big Mc]

I had a load worked up for my 6br with N135 and ran out. A Friend sold me a old 2lb bottle of it but it's 20 years old. Looks like completely different powder so I'm thinking best not to use it. I trust him that it is indeed N135 just an older version of it. I hate to waste bullets and primers reworking a load with it since I'm sure VV has changed the formula since then.

If it was kept dry it will be ok. I have some GREEN DOT bought in 1963 still works fine.

 

[JimPag]

I have at least 50 pounds of N135 dating back to the late 90's. It's different than today's N135. The new stuff is slower than the old stuff.

 

[DiffEQ]

Seems you answered your own question.

 

[nakneker]

If the powder was stored properly the age isn’t a factor. If looks different than what you’ve been using that would be the red flag for me. If you had 8 pounds it would be worth developing a load but two pounds goes fast.

 

[Bill Norris]

If in doubt about it being up to par, leave it in the bottle.

 

[Catfur]

Does it smell bad? Does it look reddish or off colored? Was it recalled? If the answer is no, it's far, far more likely than not still good.

Doesn't mean what N135 is hasn't changed enough in the meanwhile to make working a load up for only 2# worth it, though.

 

[divingin]

I came back to shooting after about a 25 year break. Had a partial 12 lb. carboard cask of Win 452AA that had been kept in the garage the whole time. Worked fine despite being discontinued, what, 20 years prior?

With rifle powder, I'd check it for obvious signs of decomposition, then start at the lowish end and work back up. Same as you [should] do with any different lot of powder.

 

[M-61]

I trust him that it is indeed N135 just an older version of it

So it was an 'open' jug. Personally not a chance I would use it.
I keep only the powder I am using at the time on the bench. Why? I am not even trusting myself to have more than one open or even on the bench.
Then the thought 'I trust him it is indeed N 135. Well does that mean additionally it is not in a jug marked as such?
No. Bottom line is simply 'not for me.'