OLD powder

[Bend]

Here is a thread on Arfcom some may be interested where an old 8# jug of powder self-combusted.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=42&t=281373

On the otherhand, I opened a 1# canister of Unique last night that was given to me a few years ago. The old owner bought it at least 2 decades ago. The powder was black as coal and had no smell. I put a match to 5 grains worth and it went right up.

All 15 rounds of 45LC I loaded up shot great today.

BTW, the price tag on the canister is $5.60!

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[Huntbear]

Other than the color and if it burns, I have been told that old powder smells funny. What kind of smell am I looking for when I open a lb. of older powder??

 

[Bend]

Just very different from a freshly opened cannister. The color will be rusty.

 

[Huntbear]

Cool thanks, I have a couple of canisters that are a bit older than I would like, so am wanting to make sure they are good before using them to load up some handgun rounds.