Was given a can of Alcan 7 powder

[anothernewb]

Friend of mine at the range gave me a can powder. Turns out its a 3# tin of Alcan 7. Still originally sealed. He's never used it and gave it to me since I reload. Wonder how old the stuff is. It's got a label on it that says Smith & Wesson-Fiochi

What to do with the stuff. some quick searching comes back for 38 spl and 357. But I've got all the powder I'll ever need for loading those. Somewhere I think I read the burn rate is between blue dot and unique? maybe a 10mm powder?

Kind of tempted just to list it and see who bites since everyone seems to be crazy for powder right now. If I knew someone that reloaded shotgun I'd just give it to them. apparently that's it's original use.

 

[Blue68f100]

I'm thinking 60's - 70's era. I started loading shotgun around 1965 and remember seeing that powder. Never used it though.

The first thing would be sniff test to see if it's gone bad. Then pour some out on a white sheet of paper looking for dust and vapors. Look in the can for rust. If any of these are present it's fertilizer time or use it as a fire starter.

 

[entropy]

Yes, AL-7 was an excellent hot clays and field load powder. It can be used for .357 also, that's how I used up what was left after my dad stopped loading 12 ga. Your can is late 70's to mid-80's. If the flakes are all black, and there is no odd smell, it's probably Ok to load up.

 

[JT-AR-MG42]

I agree with the early '70's estimate.
AL 7 burn rate is just faster than HS-6. Square flake European powder.
I've shot lots of AL 8 (8 oz. square tins IIRC) in heavy .38 loads in the past and always had best results
with a firm roll crimp.

The Speer No. 9 manual lists it for most handgun cartridges from
.30 carbine blackhawk loads thru .45 acp. No 9mm loads though.

JT

 

[entropy]

I will aver that. I also have a Speer #9 manual.