reloading question

[westernsky20]

My dad gave me is reloading equipment to use. I am loading 9mm ruger.
120 gr. Hard cast bullets.
Hodgdon HP-38 powder.
Federal small pistol primers
Brass is one time used.
3.9 grains powder.
They shoot well the problem I am having is that a lot of smoke is getting produced when I fire them.
The powder is quite old. I was hoping somebody could tell me why?

Thankyou
Mark

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[Bend]

The smoke is probably from the lube used on the cast bullets. Not a big problem.

 

[Hotwheelz]

The smoke is probably from the lube used on the cast bullets. Not a big problem.

True , I have had some luck using diff. powder with diff lube but all lead bullets smoke a little and some alot. Titegroup and vitavouri 340 powder seem to run the cleanest with a wide range of lead bullets for me.

 

[johnboy]

Smell powder and check to see if it has oxidized or degraded(red color or dust) Store cool/dry

 

[Throckmorton]

It's more than likely the lube,which is why a lot of indoor ranges only allow jacketed bullets.

 

[PhysicsGuy]

It's more than likely the lube,which is why a lot of indoor ranges only allow jacketed bullets.

Actually its because the lead bullets put off lead particulates that increase the amount of lead in the air, which is a health hazard when you're in a not so well ventilated place like indoors.