Powder Shelf Life - The Firearms Forum

ironsight65 · 11-24-2006, 04:32 PM

I used to reload about 10 years ago but stopped due to moving
and not having enough free time. Well, I just got back into it
and I still have some powder from years ago. I wasn't sure how it
would fair but it was always stored away from humidity. I have
three different types that were old, so I loaded six rounds of 38
with each powder to test. Each fired fine, but I noticed one
of them left several flakes of unburnt powder when fired.
Does any one have any experience with old powder that has
been stored for a long time? I think the first two powders are
fine, but I am wondering if I should just dispose of the one
that didn't burn completely.

22WRF · 11-24-2006, 05:28 PM

10 years is not even close too old for properly stored powder.

Unburned flakes are not uncommon in pistol powders.

I have loaded powders much older than yours for range fodder.

As long as it goes boom shoot it up

southernshooter · 11-24-2006, 09:49 PM

As long as it is climate contolled and not in a damp basement or so on. It's like 22WRF said 10 years is nothing for powder

ironsight65 · 11-24-2006, 09:55 PM

Ok, Thanks.

VegasTech702 · 11-25-2006, 01:32 AM

When I started reloaded a few months ago. My grandfather gave me about a half of pound of Unique powder in original canister. He told me that it had been stored in a dry climate and had not been opened in 20 years. The graphics of the can definately look it. I was a little hesitant to use it but I tried a few 9mm rounds with it and took it to the range. It all worked fine. I learned that Unique is not too good to use for 9mm so I it has sat on my shelf waiting for the upcoming revolver loads I am going to do. I would not reccomend Unique in an auto loader. It tends to be a little messy. I switched to W231 and have great success with it.

In any case, even powder that was twice as old as yours worked for me.

11-24-2006, 04:32 PM	#1
ironsight65 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 458	Powder Shelf Life I used to reload about 10 years ago but stopped due to moving and not having enough free time. Well, I just got back into it and I still have some powder from years ago. I wasn't sure how it would fair but it was always stored away from humidity. I have three different types that were old, so I loaded six rounds of 38 with each powder to test. Each fired fine, but I noticed one of them left several flakes of unburnt powder when fired. Does any one have any experience with old powder that has been stored for a long time? I think the first two powders are fine, but I am wondering if I should just dispose of the one that didn't burn completely. Attached Images -->

11-24-2006, 05:28 PM	#2
22WRF Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pea Ridge, FL Contributor Posts: 4,255	Re: Powder Shelf Life 10 years is not even close too old for properly stored powder. Unburned flakes are not uncommon in pistol powders. I have loaded powders much older than yours for range fodder. As long as it goes boom shoot it up __________________ NRA GOA CCRKBA Happiness is a warm barrel

11-24-2006, 09:49 PM	#3
southernshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep South Mississippi Posts: 5,943	Re: Powder Shelf Life As long as it is climate contolled and not in a damp basement or so on. It's like 22WRF said 10 years is nothing for powder __________________ Only you can see this

11-24-2006, 09:55 PM	#4
ironsight65 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 458	Re: Powder Shelf Life Ok, Thanks.

11-25-2006, 01:32 AM	#5
VegasTech702 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 360	Re: Powder Shelf Life When I started reloaded a few months ago. My grandfather gave me about a half of pound of Unique powder in original canister. He told me that it had been stored in a dry climate and had not been opened in 20 years. The graphics of the can definately look it. I was a little hesitant to use it but I tried a few 9mm rounds with it and took it to the range. It all worked fine. I learned that Unique is not too good to use for 9mm so I it has sat on my shelf waiting for the upcoming revolver loads I am going to do. I would not reccomend Unique in an auto loader. It tends to be a little messy. I switched to W231 and have great success with it. In any case, even powder that was twice as old as yours worked for me.