need help identifying old Hercules powder

[threepdr]

A co worker of mine bought a five pound canister of Hercules powder recently.  It came from the estate sale of a reloader.  The red fiberboard container was in good shape and was marked Hercules with a lot number of T-439-A.  However, the label with the powder type had dried and fallen off long ago.

Alliant Powder, who bought out Hercules, does not have records of old lot number so they can't tell what powder it is.

It looks just like Unique.  Is there any way to determine what this powder is by appearence or density?  If not, I guess it will get discarded.

Thanks

[DalesCarpentry]

I would say throw it away to be on the safe side. That really stinks though but it is better than some thing bad happening. Take care Dale

[DANNY-L]

I would say throw it away to be on the safe side. That really stinks though but it is better than some thing bad happening. Take care Dale

2nd that opinion

[Old Syko]

Strange lot # for Hercules powder?  I just looked at about 2 dozen different canisters from the 60s, 70s, and 80s and just as I thought I remembered, all their lot numbers begin with the initials of the type powder it actually is.  Herco numbers begin with H and a #following.  Blue Dot begins with BD and so on.  The only thing I see that begins with a T is 2400 and I have 3 different cans with different lot numbers that all begin with TF.

That being said I wouldn't use it either without proof of what it really was.  If the canister had been opened before I got it, it wouldn't matter any how, because it would get dumped.

[threepdr]

Thanks Guys,

The info Syko gave about lot numbers is especially helpful.  Out it will go.

[john keyes]

I would try to see what it would work in...maybe try 5 gr or so in a 44 mag to see if it acts like a pistol powder and go from there. 

[Graybeard]

NEVER EVER try to ID a powder that is questionable with an intention of using it. There is no safe way to do such a thing. Use it as fertilizer as it has a high nitrogen content and will be good for your veggies or flowers.

[securitysix]

NEVER EVER try to ID a powder that is questionable with an intention of using it. There is no safe way to do such a thing. Use it as fertilizer as it has a high nitrogen content and will be good for your veggies or flowers.

Or dump it in a pile in your driveway away from any trees or anything else flammable and light it for a big, pretty fire.

[BCB]

3pdr,

Pics of the canister and powder might help...

There are ways to determine the density through volume methods...

The only problem is the fact that the canister was open when you got it.  No way to know if it is the original powder...

john keyes has an idea, as even the fastest powder made would not cause a problem at that charge level in a good quality 44 Magnum. YET, I am not sure I would go that route.  Or at least I wouldn't "2nd the idea" in writing!!!...

I guess I am just curious as to what it actually might be...

Good-luck...BCB

[mcwoodduck]

NEVER EVER try to ID a powder that is questionable with an intention of using it. There is no safe way to do such a thing. Use it as fertilizer as it has a high nitrogen content and will be good for your veggies or flowers.

Or dump it in a pile in your driveway away from any trees or anything else flammable and light it for a big, pretty fire.

Don't ask how I know but a 2 Pound pile of gree dot on asphault with a crack in the asphault will actually catch fire.

[Reed1911]

Trash it. Use it as fertilizer or burn it in small piles no more than 1" deep and 5-6" around.

I'm not sure how much you like your body parts, but if you like them and do not wish to be hurt, dispose of the stuff and buy new powder. There is no, I repeat NO way to identify powder positively by the layman. The only true way to identify and unknown powder is to pressure bomb it and compare the results to known lots. Ask any powder company and they will tell you the same. Unless you have access to a proper lab (I think there are only 4 here in the USA) then you are out of luck.
I hear all the time that you can put powders side by side, measure a given volume and then compare weights to know and vice versa, small amounts in a large case and compare to know loads, yada-yada. All of them are BS, complete and total. If you don't believe it, I can pull a fast one on you and show you a rifle powder intended for the .338 Lapua that will mimic one of the SR pistol powders. Volume to volume, weight to weight, and they look identical. Sure would be a good way to make a fine gun into a grenade. Look at the dot powders, there is a huge difference between red and blue but they look a lot alike, huh! wonder why they use those little pieces of colored paper in them? Please just trash the damn stuff.

  Okay, Rant over.

[BBF]

I would presume it is the fastest powder Hercules made and try loading a suitable cartridge with it. Depending on the results I'd go from there.

[BCB]

BBF,

I agree with that also, as I did with john keyes...

Assuming it is the fastest powder available, the 5 grains in a 44 Mag would not be a problem with a light bullet.  Check data for Bullseye, Clays, or even Red Dot--they are all fast burners...

If the powder is a much slower burner, well no damage done--hopefully not a bullet stuck in the barrel though!...

With this method, you might find a single application for it...

BUT, to try to determine it's actual burning rate for use in bottle neck cases of larger capacity would be a very very bad mistake--too much volume for a fast burner, if that is what it is...

This is just my thoughts and NOT my recommendations...

Get rid of it may be the most prudent and safe advice...

Good-luck...BCB

Reed1911--What powder are you talking about?

[Sweetwater]

GB +1!!!!

UNLESS I was at war in my neighborhood, all other powder was depleted and life or death depended on it. Don't think I am quite there, yet...

Dump it in the garden, or on the lawn. Burning it can create varied responses, especially from the neighbors, given the quantity of 5lbs. Could get a bit exciting and too much of a good thing is a bad thing.