i have been reloading for over 40 yrs have a couple of containers that are that old and still work the same as when new,,as long as they have been stored properly, ie,, damp areas,,no large temperature vatiations,, and in original undamaged containers,, powder should be ok,, open the container and smell it , as long as it doesnt have a bad strong smell as in rancid heavey chemical oder it should be fine, if in doubt, someone at your local gun shop should be able to help.