IMR 4166 bad batch

[HammerliSP20]

I loaded 50 rounds of 308 win 2 years ago using a new container of IMR4166.
The reloads and the container sat on a shelf (indoors cool basement) until a couple of nights ago when I was going to reload more 308 win.
I removed the cap on the container and the ammonia smell almost blew me away. The powder was a bright rust colour.
I dumped the powder on my lawn then started to pull the bullets.
All of the bullets were corroded. The primers were corroded. The cases were corroded.
The powder in the cases was still black but in clumps.
I checked the rest of my open containers of powder (various brands) and all were fine.

 

[jamesharrison]

Maybe that's why all of the Enduron powders were discontinued.

 

[Longwalker]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll check my loaded ammo too.

 

[todbartell]

Maybe that's why all of the Enduron powders were discontinued.

I just loaded some 4166 I bought in 2015, no issues

 

[OldDude]

Something to watch out for, in any case.

 

[bearhunter]

Maybe that's why all of the Enduron powders were discontinued.

It's possible the manufacturers ran into some issues with this powder, such as the OP mentions.

I believe it had more to do with the markets, regulatory limitations, and the buy out of IMR by Hogdon's, who make similar powders, so they either renamed them or just shut down commercial cannister grade line. Money is behind most of it.

I've had brand name cannister powders go bad in the container after a year. Doesn't happen often these days, because most manufacturing practices are so tightly controlled by their Quality Control sections.

OP, your can of 4166 is IMHO a one off, but it would be interesting to hear from others who've had issues with the powder.

 

[Longwalker]

That powder, and all IMR powders was made in Quebec at the plant owned by the USA company General Dynamics. They are a major international military contractor, and have no interest in producing new versions of powder for the retail trade while struggling to produce enough powder for large scale military contracts. They can't keep up with the demand for the old IMR powders either. So the entire Enduron line was dropped, and it seems unlikely that they will be resurrected while the world is in the current mess.