How to determine if powder has expired?

[gamestalker]

I found an old partial can of Longshot the other day, and when I opened it up the odor was nasty! It smells nothing like my recently opened can of Longshot. Actaully, it smells kind of like poop, litterally. I loaded a few rounds with it for the 9mm, middle of the road, and it shot OK. But even though that confirms it is probably OK, is the unusual odor a deffinitive sign of it possibly on the way to going bad?

I'm going to get it loaded up and shot up, being that there isn't but maybe a 1/4 lb. remaining. But I'm just trying to determine what bad powder might smell like. I have a lot of extremely old IMR-4350 that is at least 40 yrs. old, and it still smells the same as other newer, more recently purchased stuff.

 

[buck460XVR]

I've always been told that odor is the main determining factor for home reloaders. A 1/4 pound of powder is worth what, $4? If it smells as bad and as different as you claim, I'd dump it.

 

[rcmodel]

Powder going bad smells acidic, like car battery fumes only not as strong.

Good powder smells faintly of ether solvent.

But I agree.
If in doubt, throw it out.

rc

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I also agree, if in doubt just dump it. It's not worth your time or effort.

 

[gamestalker]

You decribed it to a tee RC, car battery acid! I'll just dump the rest of it on the yard.

 

[rcmodel]

Well all right then!

You done the right thing for sure!
Your lawn will reward you next spring, by more frequent mowing being called for.

My work is done here!

rc

 

[1SOW]

My work is done here!

 

[Captaingyro]

Do you have kids? The old "burning powder trail leading to a pile of powder" is always a crowd pleaser.

 

[gamestalker]

Well I live in a very rural area, so a lawn isn't in the mix. But what I do like to do is make a powder trail that leads to a large ant hole filled with the remainder, roasted red ants!
Thanks again ya all!

 

[fecmech]

I'm surprised that Longshot would go bad, it's a relatively new powder. I've got Bullseye from the 50's that chronos identical to a new 4 lb. jug I have. I wonder what caused it to go bad.

 

[Slamfire]

How old was this powder? Was it stored in a hot area?