Powder Storage Life

[nixdorf]

I'm wondering how long powder can be stored and it still be good.

Specifically, my LGS has IMR 4320 powder in stock in two varieties: Dupont-produced tin cans and new plastic bottles. The older tin cans are $21 each while the plastic bottles are closer to $28 a bottle.

If you were buying 3-4 pounds to store for near-term use (in the next year or two), would you save the money and buy the older tin cans, or spend more to get newer powder?

 

[Funshooter45]

A couple years is nothing in terms of powder life. As long as it is fairly cool and dry, it will be fine for many many years even in the metal cans. If it was me, I would buy the tin cans.

 

[mineralman55]

I'm still using WC852 surplus. I purchased it 20+ years ago, and it was probably manufactured just post WWII. It is fantastic powder in my M1. As long as powder is properly kept, it lasts a very long time.

 

[dickttx]

I am currently using a 4# keg of Herculese Unique I bought about 1970. It has always been stored indoors but in extreme hot and cold temps most of the time. I did single load a few rounds in 41 Mag and fire them in a Redhawk to make sure they didn't just go poof. Couldn't really tell any difference in those and the same rounds loaded with new Alliant Unique.
Be sure the cans aren't rusty. I have some of those I will not use.

 

[USSR]

I would expect no problems with old, unopened powder stored somewhere without extreme temperatures. Save the money and buy the old powder.

Don

 

[mbopp]

I had a 25 year hiatus from shooting and reloading, just got back into it about 3 years ago. My IMR cans say "Dupont" and my Bullseye & Unique say "Herculese."
The only powder I suspected of going bad was some 30 year old Dupont 4198, the odor seemed a bit off and I was getting vertical stringing (no, I don't have a chronograph.) I'm still using everything else.

 

[ranger335v]

LGS? I hate it when people start making up short hand for various things hoping other people will try to figger out what they mean; I don't.

 

[nixdorf]

Wow, it sounds like I'd be in good shape with this powder then. Thanks for the feedback.

LGS? I hate it when people start making up short hand for various things hoping other people will try to figger out what they mean; I don't.

Sorry. LGS is local gun shop/store. I've seen it used quite a bit on these forums (14 threads alone today) and other firearm related stores. Too many years in and around the military with the acronym soup that goes along with it I guess.

I'll work on my acronym use a little more; I hate seeing your panties in a wad.