European Powder Shelf Life

[Far North Hunter]

I just read a Shooting/Reloading writer's comment on the issue of powder storage and shelf life.."certain European powders have a self life as short as 10 years". I had never heard that in 60 years of reading reloading articles. No mention was made in the article about specific brands/manufacturers with short shelf life. Can anyone expand on the comment, and brands of powders referrenced?

 

[Pdyson]

Storage of smokeless powders | How to store gunpowder | Reloading safety | Reload your own ammunition | Gun powder - Vihtavuori

Storage of smokeless powders for shooters who reload their own ammunition. Read here how to store your gunpowders safely.

www.vihtavuori.com

 

[Reelamin]

I just read a Shooting/Reloading writer's comment on the issue of powder storage and shelf life.."certain European powders have a self life as short as 10 years". I had never heard that in 60 years of reading reloading articles. No mention was made in the article about specific brands/manufacturers with short shelf life. Can anyone expand on the comment, and brands of powders referrenced?

Run with it and start posting as fact. The internet will make it true or down to five years. Will help us be able to buy more because it won't last very long.

 

[cdherman]

Yup, Vihtavuori powders are definitely weak. I am worried my stash is degrading. Better not buy more. They are the next IMR. Temp stability has always been questioned....

 

[Seabeeken]

Some of my VV powder is 20 yrs old and looks, smells, and shoots just fine. In 50 yrs of reloading I only ever saw 1 lb of powder go bad. It was a can of IMR-4320 that had been on the shelf a while when i bought it. It was rusty colored and stunk. Got rid of it.

 

[MagnumManiac]

I had IMR powder go bad twice. One was a steel can (1lb) of 4320 and the other was 4198. Both cans started falling apart and the smell was terrible. Dumped them in a bucket of water.
I had some strange shotgun powder go bad, it went a white/yellowish colour and smelt bad. Never knew the designation, or manufacturer, but my Pop used it for years, until it melted the hopper on his shotgun press…

Cheers.