Old Powder

[tjbill]

I didn't reload for several years and I have many cans of older powder sitting around that are anywhere from 8 to 12 years old. The powder has been kept dry but has been exposed to extreme temperatures (I lived in Las Vegas for 9 years). First is the powder safe or will there be any change in performance? And second, if it is not, what is the best way to dispose of it?

 

[britz]

I can not say wether or not the powder is good (I just don't know), but I will tell you that I usually soak my powder in oil before desposing it. I think that oil will all but nullify the explosive properties of powder. I would wait for some second thoughts on that before dumping oil in your old cans thought. I have never disposed of more than a few ounces of powder at a time. YOu could always burn it by putting it in a long narrow windrow and lighting it too (not the safest way however).

 

[Craig Dodd]

Like the previous post, I can't tell. However, I have used old powder in a number of reloads. I always start low and chronograph the results. I then look at what I got from the chronograph against what I expected to get. I then adjust the load data accordingly.

If I see rust or a strong odor that doesn't have that ether smell, I now have a can of fertilizer and it is just hand sowed/broadcast on my lawn. No more problem.