What do you do with Old/Unknown Powder?

Ganderite said:
When I did some consulting with a powder manufacture (the maker of IMR powders) the chief contact for me was the head of R&D. He was a PhD chemist. I mentioned the garden disposal idea to him. He assured me that it would take 20 years for the powders to break down. I have always assumed he was right.

As for what to do with the powder. I would start a few jugs to hold the good reclaimed powder. From the ammo, you have an idea as to what speed range the powders are. I would label the jugs accordingly and then try to fill them with reclaimed powder.

I would then take a jug of powder and calibrate it by shooting the appropriate type of load with it in various powder charges (starting low) over a chronograph and then make a note that it is 3031ish, or 4350ish. etc.

If you can get 8 to 20 pounds of reclaimed rifle powder, once it is shaken up and calibrated, it would be useful powder. I would then destroy the powder, about 45 grains at a time....
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LOL this reminds me of a stand-up comedy bit I saw like 20 years ago discussing how cops dispose of marijuana... Something along the lines of "We burn it. A little bit at a time!" (was a much more risque joke 20 years ago mind you...)
 
Where on earth did you get all of these junk cartridges? gun shows? Since you've got them separated into lots, i would keep the powder separated, dry it out on trays, then probably use it in blanks, fireforming loads, etc. For the stick powders I would feel comfortable starting at 4198-level loads. I would not attempt to do anything with ball powders because it's impossible to tell rifle and pistol ball powders apart. Just my two cents, definitely don't do anything outside of your comfort zone.
 
Craig0ry said:
Well since I started reloading I've accumulated probably 4-5 lbs of powder from pulled reloads, all just mixed together in a container. And as it sits right now I have a TON of reloads to pull that I didn't make myself, I plan to keep the bullets brass, and I will recycle the primers now days and re use them given the current situation, That leaves the powder. Just Burn it off? I heard some people spread it in their gardens? any other things that a person can do with it?
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Have you been to a Scouts Canada Mug Up ??
I'm sure one or two x-scouts could help you decide how to dispose of this powder effortlessly.
Rob
 
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