Does Smokeless Powder Deteriorate?

[us920669]

I've used powder from the WW II Era that looked and worked perfectly.  On the other hand, some IMR 4198 purchased in the 1980s must be starting to rot.  Pouring it out gives a cloud of orange dust which sticks to the funnel.  It still seems to work but I'm not going to use it anymore.

[SHOOTALL]

it can depending on storage , age and type I have heard. I also have heard if it gets an strong acid smell it can be defective. It makes good fertilizer if you dump it.

[LaOtto222]

IMR powders from that era were stored in metal cans. The metal cans can and do corrode. I had a can of unsealed IMR 4227 that did the same thing. I had some Unique that was open and some that was unopened. I used up the one can and opened the other in the last two years and there was no problem with them The powder did not "rot", the can holding the powder did. Powder must be stored in a dry, cool area and be stored in a sunlight free container.

[us920669]

I think that's it.  The can is rusting inside.