Open cans of powder ?

[newdrenalin]

Just wonder what everyone's thoughts are on using powder that has been open for extended periods of time. I have a couple cans that i haven' used for about 5 years, that have been stored in my cool basement. Ok to use or throw them out and buy some new powder ?

[DiabeticKripple]

As long as it stayed dry it’ll be fine.

My cousin is losing with IMR4350 that he found in a cardboard keg that was his grandpa’s in the 60’s

[elkhunter11]

If it looks and smells normal, it should be fine. If it looks rusty, and the smell changes, it has started to break down.

[silvertip]

check out this website, very good information on

smokeless powder and storage

also to keep as a reference site

https://saami.org/wp-content/uploads...ess-Powder.pdf

[bat119]

I found a can of IMR 4350 in a box I completely forgot about, the price is $19.95 I assume it's mid 90's looked and smelled okay loaded up some 300 win mag worked just like the new stuff.

[brewster29]

Not to worry…a lot of Hodgdon powder sold up until the 2010’s was WWII surplus.
If it is kept cool and dry it will be fine. I have powder I bought in the 1980’s and it is still good. Only powder that I have seen that has gone bad was a couple tins of IMR 4320 I had…got the rusty colour and vinegar smell. That became lawn fertilizer.

[silver]

I had a can of 3031 that I bought in the 60s, due to one thing or another it had been stored poorly. It still fired but the brown powder made me suspicious. I bought some new powder, the groups shrank, the old powder went into the burning barrel.

[fordtruckin]

I've got cans that have been opened for over 10 years, one was around 13 and I used it without issue. Store properly in dry and cool place.

[Madcow]

I have had some powder stored over 20 years, as long as it’s stored in a dry area. Still works fine.

[Stinky Buffalo]

Is it advisable to store a dessicant pack with your powder? Or is that a bad idea?