Powder storage problem?

[lilabner]

I had to store my hunting rifle powder - H4350- in the garage for a couple of years. Twelve to fifteen days a year over 90 degrees, never below freezing as furnace is located there. Can I trust this powder or should I dispose of it? Any way to test it besides shooting? I normally keep powder in a cool dry place.

[Catfish]

If the cans were sealed well it should be good. When powder goes bad it smells bad. If your not sure how it should smell smell a can of new powder and if your old powder smell the same it good. I`ve used powder that was much older and not stored in as good a place, but I have found some to go bad in less time. Just smell it, you`ll know.

[Kragman71]

lilabner,

I usea lot of old powder.
I'm currently using a can of DuPont 4350 powder.The can is a 'collectable'.
I get better groups with it then I do with my new IMR 4350 powder.
When powder goes bad it looks bad and smells really bad.
Old powder shows its age by emiting a little smoke when you pour it out. My old 4350 oowder does this. Don't worry.
When the powder smoke turns redish or sorta purple,it's going bad. When the grains stick togther,it's going bad.(like they would do if they were damp).
When you get a strong 'solvent' smell,it's going bad.
When it developes a strong acrid smell,put it on the garden.
Frank