Author Topic: Powder Shelf Life (Read 1061 times)

BrushBuster · « **on:** November 13, 2003, 12:15:30 PM »

Questions for long-time Handloaders.

Assuming this handloader does everything right in regards to storage of modern smokeless powder, what longevity could be expected before any deterioration occurred? Do some brands stand up better than others, and does the type of container enter into this?

I ask because I want to get in a good supply, but as a hunter, not a target shooter my consumption rate will be low.

savageT · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2003, 12:47:35 PM »

Brush Buster,
Generally, the smokeless powder manufacturers recommend checking powders routinely for deterioration by removing the cap and smelling the contents. An acidic odor indicates breakdown has begun, usually due to being exposed to high heat. Don't mistake solvent smells such as alcohol for acidic ordor. If the individual manufacturers don't say in their informational e-sites, write to them asking for specific storage life under ideal conditions. I honestly don't recall reading any shelf life claims, but handloaders have used their powders for years I'm told.

Jim

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2003, 06:20:38 PM »

If it is stored properly, meaning in the original packaging, tightenly closed in a cool, dry and dark place the shelf life of the powder will likely exceed your shelf life. :-D Unopened cans have been tried and found good over 50 years old.

GB

Duffy · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2003, 08:07:22 PM »

My wifes grandfather had some old H4831 that was in the cardboard container that still looked good and didn't show any signs of deteriation. We figured it was bought in the 50's and just stored in his basement.....right next to the dynamite!

The Shrink · « **Reply #4 on:** November 14, 2003, 01:41:53 AM »

Duffy

OK, but how did it shoot? Any added umph from being stored next to nitro?

I've used 20 year old powders with no loss of performance noticed. I don't think you will have a problem. Probably your children will use up your left over powder.

BrushBuster · « **Reply #5 on:** November 14, 2003, 05:15:12 AM »

Thanks fellows;
Thats all good info. and leaving my supplies to my son's is exactly what I wanted to hear. Many Canadians are still determined in their own way to maintain 'THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS", and are convinced more restrictions are on the way.

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 16, 2003, 11:30:55 AM »

http://www.imrpowder.com/safeinfo.html

Give this link a try.

Duffy · « **Reply #7 on:** November 16, 2003, 04:30:15 PM »

Shrink;
Actually he stored the dynamite in an old wood stove of all things and his rifle powder was in a cabinet next to it. Don't think it picked up any nitro along the way.

The Shrink · « **Reply #8 on:** November 17, 2003, 01:27:29 AM »

Brushbuster

If you do buy large quanities of powder you mught also want to buy empty 1 lb. cans and transfer some or most of it into them. This will reduce the air contact as the level in the larger container goes down. When you are storing chemicals for years this will become an issue in the breakdown of those chemical compounds. Oxygen is really nasty, corrosive stuff, after all.

Dand · « **Reply #9 on:** November 17, 2003, 04:49:03 PM »

Howdy Barry,

I just loaded some IMR 4831 last night that I bought in 1993. Tested the loads today and they worked great. I write the date on each can when I buy it to keep track. I think leaving new sealed cans alone until needed is a better idea than opening them and risking exposing the powder to humidity etc.

That stuff is new compared to other stuff I was given that was at least 20 years old - and worked fine - though it might have had a little less zip. Accuracy and performance were fine.

I've also read that some ball powders have special coatings that make their shelf life almost forever. I suspect that the current powders available have very good shelf lives and much longer than those made 20+ years ago. Check out those links offered above and maybe read the web sites of some of the powder makers.

BrushBuster · « **Reply #10 on:** November 18, 2003, 05:24:26 AM »

Ok. Guys;
Here's my plan! I buy in bulk (5 lb. containers); this gives me a price advantage and I save on the exorbitant "Dangerous Goods" shipping charges. Then I open up the containers and create 1 lb. Vacuum-sealed bags that are labelled, opened and used as required, and resealed between loading sessions.

Overkill perhaps, but from what I've been told I can forget about deterioration in this lifetime.

Thanks

triggermortis · « **Reply #11 on:** November 18, 2003, 09:45:48 AM »

Hello boys,
I used to collect antique powder tins. and often they still contained a lot of powder. I never tried to load any of them, but I've emptied some 100 year old dupont on the ground and lit it with a fuse, and it made smoke and fire like it was still VERY explodable. Also, i'm currently using green dot and unique that's 20+ years old, and it's fine.

T. Mortis

bfoster · « **Reply #12 on:** November 18, 2003, 04:56:15 PM »

The only caution is that the powder be in good condition.

Powders made prior to the introduction and common use of stabilizers can be tricky. But this has been roughly ninety years in the case of U.S. made powders. Very old powders (roughly, those made before WWI) are best stored under water, then dried prior to use.

I purchase many powders in bulk quantity, some in non canister grades. There is a very significant savings to be realized provided that you have a magazine which fully complies with the appropriate codes in which to store them. Don't leave significant quantities of powder in inappropriate storage.

Bob

Duffy · « **Reply #13 on:** November 18, 2003, 07:04:35 PM »

Brushbuster;
I would try and find better containers than just vac bags to put your powder in. For one they aren't the best for durability (puncture easily, transfer moisture, deteriate with the solvents ect.) And it's just a better idea to to store it in a DOT approved non sparking, anti static canister. I'm sure you can find some extras around. Wouldn't want you to save some money only to have it spoiled by bad storage.

Ryan

BrushBuster · « **Reply #14 on:** November 21, 2003, 07:47:16 AM »

Your right Duffy;

I won't be leaving the packages unprotected. I should be able to find containers that qualify and put the bags into these. I have lots of room in my basement that are "cool and dry" and will clearly mark the final container as to its contents.

The Shrink · « **Reply #15 on:** November 22, 2003, 06:32:42 AM »

I agree with Duffy, I'm afraid that the plastic in those shrink wrap containers would deteroriate. I would also recommend DOT approved hard plastic or metal containers for the smaller amounts. I would want to do some research on the effect of Nitrates on the plastic in anything else.

Wayne the Shrink

BrushBuster · « **Reply #16 on:** November 22, 2003, 01:24:09 PM »

Well guys and gals, this has been very enlightening. Admittedly, there's no sense trying to save money only to lose the product or endanger oneself.

New Plan:
I buy in approved 1 lb. containers initially; then after using up the supply, I buy in bulk and re-use the original smaller containers for long-term storage. Am I on the right track now?

Duffy · « **Reply #17 on:** November 23, 2003, 08:36:58 AM »

I should have mentioned this earlier but what I do on bulk powder is to save a one pound container (I like Hodgdons) and simply transfer my bulk to it when needed. It doesn't matter what was in the oringinal as long as you remove the label and CLEARLY mark it with what is in it. Then store your bulk in a proper place. If you carefully peel the top of the label off it will leave a nice white base on the bottle to write on with a marker. They will also hold more than a pound if you fill them up, as if you ever noticed they arent full from the factory. I also use them for my buckshot and smaller shot. Makes handling easier and less messy.

There's enough natural aggravations in life I don't need to create more!

Ryan

The Shrink · « **Reply #18 on:** November 24, 2003, 01:49:32 AM »

Brushbuster

Yeah, that sounds appropriate, or you could buy both at once if you're afraid of the supply drying up. I would also poll friends who reload and see if there are any almost empty containers around, I know I have several.

I would also be careful what I buy in bulk, make sure that it is useable in several calibers, or am I attempting to teach my grandmother to suck eggs? (Believe it or not, I actually know what that means!) Personally, I would also want it in a ball form if possible, both for ease of loading and for greater stability in long term storage.

The Shrink · « **Reply #19 on:** November 24, 2003, 02:01:25 AM »

Brushbuster

I was just reading the Primer thread and had a thought - for your purposes yoy'll also have to store primers. Original boxes in militery ammo cans would be my suggestion. Just in case you hadn't thought of this.

BrushBuster · « **Reply #20 on:** November 24, 2003, 04:50:44 AM »

Shrink, that's an excellent suggestion and I hadn't thought of it. I have several of different sizes and their seals are still good. I don't know if they qualify in respect to "anti-static" requirements, but if no one else comes up with a good reason for not using them, that's the direction I'm going with this. Thanks.

Dand · « **Reply #21 on:** November 24, 2003, 07:52:03 AM »

I have my shot gun primers in a sealed ammo box, but I wonder if that is wise. Since it is recommended that powders be stored in a container that doesn't seal - what about primers? If an ammo box full of primers got real hot it might be quite a hazard wouldn't it? I keep my rifle and pistol primers in a plastic utility box with the lid down but not latched shut. Better go read my Lyman book - I think I saw a sub title about storage.

BrushBuster · « **Reply #22 on:** November 24, 2003, 01:05:58 PM »

Yeah Dand, after I reflected awhile, the thought of a piece of ammo can shrapnel sticking in my butt gave me further pause for thought.

This brings me full circle, I'll just store sensibly in small amounts, unconfined, cool and in their original well marked containers. Not a big deal, and of course, there's always Lady Luck to consider no matter what I do!

BrushBuster · « **Reply #23 on:** November 24, 2003, 01:29:08 PM »

Yeah Dand, after I reflected awhile, the thought of a piece of ammo can shrapnel sticking in my butt gave me further pause for thought.

This brings me full circle, I'll just store sensibly in small amounts, unconfined, cool and in their original well marked containers. Not a big deal, and of course, there's always Lady Luck to consider no matter what I do!

Duffy · « **Reply #24 on:** November 25, 2003, 05:08:27 PM »

BrushBuster
On the primers I usually buy 1-5000 at a time depending on the deal. I simply remove several hundred of the ones I need from the box and then vac-seal the rest of them. If you leave the bag long enough on the sealed end you can reseal them after reopening the bag to fetch more out. Sealed like this they should survive a flood.

Ryan