old H4350

[ratherbefishin]

I picked up what appeared to be an unopened can of H4350 at the gunshow-when I opened it the powder was quite free[no clumping]and did not stick to my finger[someone told me that was a test]But it did not have any smell-I was told by another guy that powder that was still good should have a ''solvent''smell to it-this had no smell.I put a small teaspoon down and lit it-it burns freely.
How do you know if powder is still good?.What are the implications of using ''old'' powder?
I'm loading for my 9.3x57 using privipartizan 286 gr bullets and 270 gr speers.My first loads were 46 gr of IMR4064,good accuracy and no signs of pressure

 

[308BAR]

When the powder turns colour or physically looks different. Then it's gone. I believe if the powder turns redish or exposed to moisture it will change colours. Meaning it's gone bad. Otherwise powder will last a very long time in a sealed container.

 

[mg34]

i have used old powder with no problems at all, stored in the original container and put in a dry cool location it will last for years.

 

[ratherbefishin]

the container was original but old[cardboard]-and although tightly sealed,I had to pry off the plastic stopper ,there was light rust on the tin lid.When I opened it-there was no smell-but it didn't appear any diferent than any other powder.

 

[H4831]

I just got done using some old Hodgdons 4895, that was in one of the cardboard boxes you describe. I had bought the box in the 1960s and used part of it. There also was the light rust on the metal lid that you describe.
The powder worked perfect, with no discernable difference between that and the new 4895 I had been using.

 

[Ganderite]

If the power goes orange or emits orange dust it has gone bad. Gets a stong order at same time.

otherwise, just start low and work up just like any other powder.

Powder has a moisture content. As it dries it gets faster. This is the big variable from one can to another.

 

[Rick]

Not so much a comment on this particular can of powder, but buying powder at gun shows.

I don't buy powder at gun shows - I just don't do it. First, on new powder gun show pricing is rarely significantly better than what you'll pay at the gun shop or distributor you might want to see stay in business. Second, I have seen too many people mix powders, reuse powder containers to use other powders, etc, that I refuse to buy pre-owned powders unless I personally know who the powder came from and their practices regarding powder and it's storage.

The potential for disaster from mixed/mislabeled powders when buying previously owned powder is not worth the risk to myself and my firearms, in my view. Others, of course, may have a different view of the risk.