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Old can of H4350

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Yaddio

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Oct 23, 2011
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Quick question about an old can of H4350 that's been collecting dust in my cabinet for many years. Now that it's harder and harder to find powder I'm having to resort to using this old powder in my 260 Rem. I believe this powder was stored correctly and has not dried out.
Has H4350 changed over the years? This powder looks darker than my newer can of H4350, (what's left of it). I know that new H4350 is now temp insensitive and is one of the extreme powders of Hodgdon. I'm not sure when they started the extreme version of H4350. Attached is a picture. Notice that the can says "New from Hodgdon", LOL. Any comments, answers or profound statements on using this powder. I would of course start low and work up looking for pressure signs. I have written Hodgdon a couple of weeks ago, but have not yet received a reply. Just thought I'd ask before starting up a new load. Thanks!
 

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The powder you have probably is similar to I 4350; no worries though... both are similar enough if you start a few % back with a few rounds and work up you'll be good.
 
It will be interesting to see your results. My buddy had an old can of H380 and it ran WAY slower than new powder. We assumed that age affected its velocity, but it is possible it just used to be slower . . .
 
varmintH8R said:
It will be interesting to see your results. My buddy had an old can of H380 and it ran WAY slower than new powder. We assumed that age affected its velocity, but it is possible it just used to be slower . . .
Click to expand...

Read it after I posted it - by slower I mean velocities suffered, not slower as in burn rate slower . . .
 
I go by my nose. When you popped the lid, did it smell sort of like vinegar? If it did, it's probably fine. If it had no smell, I'd be suspect.

The newer stuff in plastic opaque jugs should last indefinitely if kept sealed in a cool dark place.

No propellant issues here...yet. My wife often wondered how come I had all those 8 pound jugs under the bed (now in the closet), Now, she knows why.

I believe, I'd sell the empty can on Flea Bay.:D
 
Vinegar means it has suds left.......:D

My nose has never failed me.

It's an odd smell but once you smell it you always remember.

The only thing I'd do is start at the low end and work up some loads with a chronograph and see what it's doing velocity wise, while keeping an eye on the cases and pockets.

I believe powder will start appearing again. Keep in mine that most powder is imported, all Hogdon is, from Australia.

I just bought 1000 308's in Federal OFMB, 500 OF and 500 primed but not loaded, in Federal Lake City. I'm finding Sierra GK'a and MK's in 308 and 338 and I just bought 500 22 cal FMJBT Hornady's from Natchezz of all places. They had a 1000 bullet limit but I only needed 500 to replensih my inventory. Last week I got 5 100 boxes of Hornady V-Max in 22 caliber from Midway and I don't see prices increasing that much.

The V-Max's were the same price I paid a year ago and the 22 caliber FMJ's climbed 2 bucks a hundred while the brass was actually a bit cheaper than last year when I bought some so I don't see the gouging that everyone is crabbing about.

Maybe some AR's and AK's, hell I made a small fortune selling 4 AK's I had (worthless guns IMO) but some folks wanted them real bad, so I obliged. I made enough outright on 4 AK's to order a full custom for myself..... That is actually accurate, unlike an AK.:rolleyes:
 
I suppose that opening up the can and taking a snort here and there over the years either lets out a little moisture or lets in a little moisture, which might make the powder charge a little hot or soft when measure to a specific weight.

Powder that has dried out would have slightly more umph since it would take more to make the desired weight.

That's my un-expert SWAG. Either way, I'll start low and work up.
 
I guess you could put a dessicant pack in with the powder, slica gel is inert, just absorbs moisture and they are cheap.

Years ago I worked for Austin Powder and hauled dynamite, nitro and fertilizer all in one truck....back in the days before Haz-mat and all the regulations, back in the day when I was young and fearless....

Thats why I moved mine from under the bed into the closet. I got worried I might roll over some night and blow myself up.....:D

About the only caliber I load for that takes a lot of propellant is the 338. All my pistol loads are small amounts. So are the 223's and my other big bore rifle is a muzzleloader and that stuff hasn't gotten scarce at all. I have a 308 but I have already developed a load that works well so I load enough to hunt with.

Was talking to another customer at the gun shop last week in the muzzleloader section and I remarked that there wasn't any reduction in inventory of powder or bullets (saboted and bare). He said thats becaue people don't understand muzzleloaders and they only have one shot to which I replied it only takes one. Actually, thats fine with me that I don't have to search for components.

I'd sure like to know where the 22's went. My deck varmits appreciate the fact that I don't have any......:D
 
The new H4350 is made in a different country that that can was. If you are working up loads pitch it and start over. You are wasting your time.
 
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