Powder question

[Kevwyo]

When I finished up all my reloading from last spring I inadvertently left enough Titegroup in my hopper to load up about 75-100 .45 rounds. My reloading gear is in my garage where temps can fluctuate in the garage from "to damned hot" to "wow it's chilly out here" and I am certain humidities do as well. Do you think the powder is a lost cause?

I keep my primers out in the same environment as well but they are sealed in tupperware containers with silica packs that are "recharged" as needed.

 

[qajaq59]

Last spring? That's about 9 months. I think I'd just dump it. Otherwise there's a chance you could have a bunch of duds.

 

[~z]

That'll teach you to load more often!
~z

 

[243winxb]

to be safe i would spread the powder on the grass. It would be interesting to know if the orginal powder charge now is heaver when weighed on a scale. The powder should have picked up moisture if exposed to air.

 

[Sommerled]

What is the cost to dump it? Less than a couple cups of Starbucks and when you refill it for your next session you know that your powder is good.

Besides, if you dump it in the grass like 243WIN suggests you'll have a nice really green patch to remind you not to do that again

 

[~z]

Tomatoes love gun powder!
~z

 

[rodregier]

Concur, small amount, lots of extremes - dump it.

 

[rfwobbly]

To be safe i would spread the powder on the grass.

Unless of course you make a habit of smoking your lawn!

 

[Kevwyo]

thanks guys ... those replies made me laugh a little.

 

[TooTaxed]

Guess I'm just an old titewad! The high temperatures would only weaken the powder, not make it more sensitive or powerful. The cold temperatures would have no effect.

I'd load a sample and test it at the range...probably load it for short range shooting if it's good. You'd gain some knowledge about how that powder is affected by the mistreatment you've given it.

But then, you are dealing with only a very small amount of powder! You're not out anything by dumping it.