Reloading Question

[GSPHunter64]

I have acquired some old Gun powder IMR4198 and from the price tag it looks like it is from 1987. Is this still safe to use? Will it burn hotter or colder? I have no idea how it was stored it was given to me in an ammo box, it seems to be dry. This is all the information that I have.

[DiabeticKripple]

It should be alright.

If in doubt start low and work up. Powder keeps a long time.

[6.5 shooter]

If the powder smells ok and there is no red "rust" dust you should be ok but as poster above stated start low and work up.

[GSPHunter64]

There is a bit of red"rust" dust, what is that from, and what does that mean?

[silver]

Originally Posted by GSPHunter64

There is a bit of red"rust" dust, what is that from, and what does that mean?

It means the powder has started to deteriorate. Poor storage conditions can cause it.
I had an older can of 3031 start to show red dust. It still worked, still fired. I tried a new can of powder and accuracy improved. I thought about using up the old can but dumped it instead.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by GSPHunter64

There is a bit of red"rust" dust, what is that from, and what does that mean?

If there is red dust, and the powder smells different, it has started to break down, and it is better suited to be used as fertilizer. I have used 40year old powder, and it was fine, but it smelled and looked normal.

The red rust is supposedly caused by nitric acid gas being given off, and attacking the metal can.

[360hunt]

I experienced older imr 4198 with red dust.

I tried loading 5 rounds in 45-70 to see how it would work.
I had no problems with it shooting 300 grain speer hollow points.

But as said start with a test try first.
Mine might have just started to deteriorate.
Cheers

[silvertip]

I found this on line about powders a interesting read
as this question has been
here before.


http://www.thegunmag.com/using-dispo...ading-powders/

[Dean2]

If the powder shows rust and has an acidic smell I would toss it in the garden. A pound of powder is not valuable enough to risk poor performance or pressure excursions. We reload for performance and accuracy, deteriorated powder doesn't further those aims.

[huntinstuff]

Originally Posted by Dean2

If the powder shows rust and has an acidic smell I would toss it in the garden. A pound of powder is not valuable enough to risk poor performance or pressure excursions. We reload for performance and accuracy, deteriorated powder doesn't further those aims.

X2

[Markl11]

If you do use it be careful when you buy a new tin. Most likely the old stuff has lost or gained some potency and the new stuff wont burn the same.