OLD, OLD smokeless powder?

G

ginnz

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100 miles north 100 miles south, manitoba
Hi guys,

just a quick question here.... Does anyone here have any experience with an old smokess powder called OLIN WC 585 (BALL)? I found a half of an old container full, that ive had for years. I think its about a half a pound worth. Its stayed sealed and appears to still be perfectly fine. Its in a light green cardboard type square can, with a metal top and bottom and a friction fit lid. Its says "Re-Packaged by Higginson Powders, Hawksbury, ONT."

It looks like shotgun pwder, but it could also be handgun powder? theres somewriting on the can in pen, looks like it was maybe used for .40 s/w...

would this stuff still be good? (not that id use it!) LOL... Maybe in my .308, or .223! Any idea how old it might be? I Don't recall when or where I got it from, just curious what you may know?

Ginnz.
 
Email Higginson.
They may have records dating back that far as to what powder was what.

If you don't want to shoot it, again, use it in anthills - lotsa fun!
 
Could be still good if your storage has been ok (not too hot, humid) ... if you shake it and see an orange powder ...its bad. If it has a funny smell (distinct and sharp and unlike known good powder) it is probably bad. Higginson often advised what equivalent load data to use on his bulk packaged powders .. not to say it was exactly that powder .. but very similar in burning characteristics. Sould be easy to see if it is extruded, ball or flake .. they look quite different (usually). As recommended above - call Higginson for best advice/guidance


Edit to add .... you sure its not WC785 vis WC585
 
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It definitely was not used for .40 S&W... .40 S&W was not event invented when those cans were being used.

See if the underside of the lid is rusty; if the powder is going bad, it will be; if it's not rusty, that's a great sign.

Contact Higginson for loading data.
 
Really old powder repackage by Higginson Powders would have read repackage by Ammomart. 1/2 lbs of unknown powder in unknown condition sound like something to sprinkle on the lawn.
 
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