DUBSY Posted July 7, 2018 Share Posted July 7, 2018 I was given some left over small pistol primers and Hodgdon tite group. The powder has been opened but re closed tightly. Probably nine years old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangerhgm Posted July 7, 2018 Share Posted July 7, 2018 I was given some very OLD Hercules (now Alliant) Bullseye and Unique powder and had questions. I emailed Alliiant and asked about load data and how to tell if the powder was still good. It was in 1lb tin cans and priced at about $2. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here is the response I got from Alliant.....hope this helps Gregg, Use new powder loads for older powder. Powder can be kept for many years if it is kept in a cool and dry environment. As long as these conditions are met it can last 20-30 years, even longer. To determine if your powder is still good there are a few tests you can perform yourself. 1) Smell: If the smell of the powder still smells like a newly opened can of powder it is good. But if it has an ammonia smell to it, it has gone bad. 2) Residue: Take a small amount of powder and place it on a plain piece of white paper. If there is a red residue left on the paper it is bad. 3) Burn Test: take a small amount of powder and place it in a pile outside. Run a trail of powder from the pile and set the end of the trail afire. If the pile burns steadily, its okay. If it spits and sputters it is bad. 4) Can Condition: If the powder is stored in a metal can and you see any signs of rust on the inside of the can, it is bad. If your powder is found to be bad you need to dispose of it. This can be done a couple of ways. Powder can be used in your flower beds as a fertilizer as it is a nitrogen based product. Spread it around the flower bed lightly not in large clumps and your flowers will get a shot of nitrogen If you are uncomfortable in doing this, contact your local fire department and more than likely they will have directions on how to dispose of the powder and may even come to your home to pick it up. Thanks for the question. Shoot Straight DuaneVB CCI/Speer/Alliant 2299 Snake River Ave. Lewiston, ID 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harleychief Posted July 7, 2018 Share Posted July 7, 2018 Sounds like Alliant has a good handle on how to check it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUBSY Posted July 7, 2018 Author Share Posted July 7, 2018 That's good enough for me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted July 7, 2018 Share Posted July 7, 2018 I'd say it turned bad. You can drop it off at my place for proper disposal. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangerhgm Posted July 7, 2018 Share Posted July 7, 2018 12 minutes ago, crockett said: I'd say it turned bad. You can drop it off at my place for proper disposal. haha..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmax Posted July 7, 2018 Share Posted July 7, 2018 If I am closer you can drop it off with me 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 1 hour ago, jmax said: If I am closer you can drop it off with me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ P Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 Fortunecookie45lc was shooting 40 year old 38 special ammo awhile ago. Just saw the video last night on YouTube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBull 301 Posted July 13, 2018 Share Posted July 13, 2018 I just loaded up some 300 WBY with H-4831 that's at least 60 years old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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