Old powder, How long will it last?

[Red Label]

I've got some old PB powder that I used to use for my 20ga target loads. I haven't used much for quite awhile and still have several pounds of it left. I think that it could be 20 yrs old. I know that powder starts to smell funny if it gets bad but this stuff still smells like the new powder that I have. I have been using it in some 12ga loads to get rid of it and it seems to be working OK but when does it actually wear out?

 

[cheygriz]

If it's been stored in the original container in a cool dry place, it could last 50 years or more.

 

[Mal H]

Yep, I agree. I have some old DuPont IMR powders that are still working fine and they are pushing 40 years at this point.

Heat, light and an endless supply of oxygen and moisture (i.e., a non-airtight container) are some of the worst enemies of smokless powder.

 

[Red Label]

Well its been dry, airtight and in the dark so i guess I'll keep using it

 

[Shoney]

I'm still using Red Dot that I purchased at a reloading demonstration in the mid 1960's. Paid $0.40 a pound and took it home in paper grocery bags. Immediately transfered it to quart jars sealed with electricians tape. Still use the same loads I worked up in the 60's with excellent results.

Shoney

 

[PaulS]

Red label,
Moisture is real bad for Black powder. If its kept dry and cool it will last longer than you. When it does deteriorate it just gets weaker and leaves more residue in the barrel - it never becomes dangerous.

PaulS

 

[stans]

Bad smokeless powder can be detected by smell, it goes from the normal solvent smell to bitter smell, and by the formation of a red colored dust. If it looks like new and smells like new, then it should be just fine.

 

[Johnny Guest]

Some 30 years ago, our Chief Deputy bought a huge drum of 4831 rifle powder (40 lbs? 60 lbs? Don't recall.) He'd decant out a few pounds into smaller cans now and then and re-seal the large container. He loaded vast quantities of varmint and deer fodder for his .25-06. Completely shot out one barrel and was well into the second one when the final two or three pounds becan smelling funny. He rather regretfully destroyed the last bit. He kept it in his loading shop, inside his house, so it was as well temerature controlled as his family.

Best,
Johnny