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Powder Shelf Life

2K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  VegasTech702 
#1 ·
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.
 

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#2 ·
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
 
#5 ·
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.
 
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