Too much or not enough powder?
- Thread starter Kingsgr8
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SPitty
Well-Known Member
I found this when I googled powder shelf life:
When properly stored, an unopened container of smokeless powder has an indefinite shelf life, but once it is opened, the stabilizers it contains begin to slowly but surely weaken. Even then it can still last for a very long time.
When properly stored, an unopened container of smokeless powder has an indefinite shelf life, but once it is opened, the stabilizers it contains begin to slowly but surely weaken. Even then it can still last for a very long time.
I’ve still using IMR powders that sold for $14.95 a pound. Works great.
As long as its stored correctly….. I have powder that was left by my grand dad, and lets just say that’s a long time 
, works great! Keep it out of the sun and away from humidity….
, works great! Keep it out of the sun and away from humidity….
You know the other thing that I had to start doing in todays crazy world, since you can’t buy large quantities of the same lot, is keeping 8lb jugs and then mixing like powders from different lots (Let’s say H4350) shake them up really well and then put it back in the empty jug.. now you have your own lot!
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OldElkHunter1961
Well-Known Member
I concur with the foregoing remarks. Stored properly your powder may well outlast you. I have an older friend up in the mountains who is still loading rounds out of metal cans. Price sticker on one is $6.95. Tear up some when I see it.
cornshank
Well-Known Member
To bad the whole shipping powder thing is so complicated I have some powder in the metal cans that I will never use, but giving it to someone who uses a bunch of powder isn’t a simple thing .
Maybe taking it to the rifle range is the best thing to do.
OldElkHunter1961
Well-Known Member
Surely somebody at the range will need it. If they have a notice cork board you could post it.
Or hanging onto it for that crazy day when you need to feed your family or defend against the invading bad guys…
Nitrocellulose and Nitroglycerin - SMOKELESS POWDER
I spoke with contacts at Hodgdon on several different occasions and was told as long as the powder is stored out of the sunlight and outside weather, it will last for many many years - a lifetime. Powder manufactured from WWII is still good. Not to say that all Smokeless Powder doesn't break down over time it depends on the manufacture and the condition it is stored.
I spoke with contacts at Hodgdon on several different occasions and was told as long as the powder is stored out of the sunlight and outside weather, it will last for many many years - a lifetime. Powder manufactured from WWII is still good. Not to say that all Smokeless Powder doesn't break down over time it depends on the manufacture and the condition it is stored.
cornshank
Well-Known Member
Where you bee hiding?
PBR driver
Well-Known Member
I have 8 BALL C-2 in pink Hodgdon card board cans with a shipping papers dated 1969, still is doing fine.
memtb
Well-Known Member
I have some Korean War surplus, which was not always stored in perfect conditions......it’s still just fine. At least it was the last time I checked it!
memtb
cornshank
Well-Known Member
, I think I also have some small, square metal cans of Italian powder to .
