Powder Question

[ScubaCam]

Just bought a second reloader MEC. When I got it, it came with tonnes of extras, which is the reason I picked it up. Included was three can of Hercules Blue Dot Powder. All labelled 1992 on the bottom. So here are the questions:

1. Will this powder be good? Cans seem to be sealed still.
2. Where do I find reloading data for it? All I find is Alliant Blue Dot, did the company change names?
3. If you are or have used this powder what are your receipes, I would like to put it behind 1oz of 7.5 shot
4. This is just general what do you with you empty cans? Just toss in the garbage? or something special

Any help would be appreciated

Here is what I got $50. I know it's not complete but it had. The universal charge bar. Hope the link worked did it from mobile.

 

[joe-nwt]

1) Depending on how it was stored, yes it is likely still good. Open a can, give it a visual, and a sniff. If it has a strong, acrid odor or looks discolored, don't use it. It's probably good though.

2) Alliant Blue Dot is the same powder. Because of lot variations, start low and work up until you figure out if it behaves as indicated by new data.

3) I don't reload for shotshell, have used it many times for handgun and reduced rifle loads.

4) If they are old cans, some members here collect them. tootall is one.

 

[Snowboy]

I had an old paperboard one with the red cap that you have to pull out of the can to unscrew, if I knew some were collecting them I'd have keep it ?

For Alliant vs Hercules, it's the same powder as you can read on Alliant's website "DuPont's divestiture in 1912 created the Hercules Power Company as an independent entity, and eventually resulted in Alliant becoming America's premier gunpowder manufacturer."

For me, there's no problem for the age of it as long as it stayed in a closed container

Snowboy

 

[Splatter]

If it smells good (kind of a light/pleasant alcohol-solvent-fruity smell) and it looks good (a lot of "rust-red" dust in the powder is a bad sign) it'll be fine.
My Dad is still using powder he bought back in the early 1960's. (50 lb kegs)

 

[M12shooter]

As long a powder is stored cool and dry and protected from sunlight it should last for a century or more. I know oldtimers still using surpless rifle powder from WWII. Blue dot's main application is for full power heavy and magnum shotshell loading. I believe it has some hangun application as well as reduced loads for small capacity centre fire rifle loading. Stick to manufacturer published data and you should be fine.

 

[ScubaCam]

Thanks for the input!