When in Doubt, Throw it Out? A Second Opinion

[robertvarner]

Hey, I need a second opinion.

Recently I came into possession of a 1-lb (full) can of IMR-4227 of unknown vintage. The can has a little bit of rust on the top corner, but the rest of the can is intact. I sniffed the powder and it has a slight smell of powder, but no moldy smell.

When I poured it into my powder measure, I noticed a medium brown powdery cloud wafting out of the powder measure canister. That made me suspicious so I poured it back into the can.

I've gotten some advice from a co-worker, but am looking for a second opinion before making a decision. Can powder separate as it gets older? What advice do you have for further use?

I've attached a few pics. Notice the brown "dust" on the side of the plastic container.

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[Xrperry]

I would get rid of it. Not worth the trouble of pulling bullets out of bad ammo

 

[Flymph]

Save it, but not for reloading. Old powder used to reload can have a funky smell to it when burned. There are plenty of uses it could still be applied to. I'll let you figure it out.

 

[titsonritz]

Mark it "fire starter" with a Sharpie and drive on.

 

[Member 34319]

Lol. Good for home made fireworks.

 

[Certaindeaf]

The can says "smokeless powder", not "dustless".


lol, I'd shoot it

 

[DizzyJ]

That brown powdery cloud is a clue. Get rid of it.

 

[Mikej]

Lol. Good for home made fireworks.

And a "Hold my beer and watch this".

 

[robertvarner]

The "throw it out" statement was figurative. I was told that smokeless powder can become more potent when it breaks down. Another friend shared about a family event where they were sitting around the fire pit telling scary stories. He was able to surreptitiously fling some powder into the fire at the perfect moment and scared everyone.

With appropriate safety measures in place, THAT is great use for this powder!

 

[Caveman Jim]

I've got this stubborn stump in the back 1/2 acre.... Hmmmmmmm.

 

[Greenbug]

Rust from the inside of the steel can maybe?

I say it is fertilizer, scatter it on the lawn.

 

[Gray Wolf]

How much is your firearm worth? How about a hand? What about an eye?
Sometimes it's not the risk, it's what is at stake!
For the price of a pound of powder vs the risk, I would not reload ammo with it.

 

[41mag]

My vote: what's potential advantage vs not such good idea?....wait....is that a vote?

 

[nammac]

Rust from the inside of the steel can maybe?

I say it is fertilizer, scatter it on the lawn.

Agreed, this is most likely just fertilizer now... It'll give you nice thick, green grass...

 

[JRuby]

Dump in your garden or yard is a safe way to get rid of it

 

[robertvarner]

Well, that's not very much fun, though!

 

[HighlandLofts]

For $30 I'd toss it.

 

[Capn Jack]

So...What's the difference between reloading with powder that's several years old and shooting Com Block WWII Ammo?

I do both.

 

[Flymph]

So...What's the difference between reloading with powder that's several years old and shooting Com Block WWII Ammo?

I do both.

Well, I know with western forces the seal is much better than a tin can... can't say the same for commie stuff tho!

 

[P7M13]

I use Universal, stored in the 8# plastic jug, that has that same rust. It's the powder stabilizer breaking down.
I use mine for cheap 308 loads (110gr slug at 1600FPS) that are a hoot to shoot. I don't see any performance difference between that and Unique, but they are both bunny-fart loads.

Considering you're prolly going to shoot it through a nice revolver, I'd turn it into pyrotechnics instead, or have other fun.
For example, I used old powder to show my kids the concept of flame speed propagation.

Here's a good post on Highroad about that very issue.

red dust from 1990's powder

I opened an ammo can (with a good seal) and broke a seal on a "new" can of IMR 4320. Red dust comes from the powder when I dispense. The powder smells good but I understand this (red dust) may be a sign of old powder and I should not use? I'd sure hate to toss out a can of powder I just...

www.thehighroad.org