The Shelf Life of Gunpowder

[.405]

Just wanted your thought and experience on this subject.

 

[JD338]

I have a couple cans of powder that are 25+ years old. Its been stored in a cool dry place and it is fine.

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

What JD said

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

Same here.
I'm still using my Grandfathers powder.

 

[.405]

Unfortunately I am not able to store all my powder in a cool environment.It gets hot during the summer,and freezing cold in the winter.

 

[Guest]

It will last almost indefinitely if kept dry (no moisture) and out of extreme heat. Ammo lying on the dash in direct sunlight with the windows rolled up is a no no. I have shot and killed doves with 25 year old shotgun shells.

 

[Bruce Mc]

I've got some H-870 that is over 40 years old and still shoots good.

 

[.405]

I wonder how hot is too hot?My room gets to 95 or 100 in the summer months. I have stored powder there for years and haven't noticed degradation or breakdown.I try to store some of it in the airconditioned part of the house ,but my wife bitches about it if she finds it. :lol: I tell her it is not like sleeping on top of a keg of black powder but you know how women are. :roll:I store my Black powder in a seperate building from the house.

 

[Divernhunter]

405........I would not worry about it much. I have powder I got in 1962 and it is still fine. I have ammo from 1938 and before that still works. My powder has been stored in my garage and it gets over 100* in the summer and freezes(not usually below the mid-high 20*'s) in the winter. It all is still good. Just keep it dry and under 200* + or- as well as in a sealed container(original is best) and you should be good As long as it smells like good powder(like new stuff) and has not started turning brown it will be fine. I have mil surplus stuff that who knows how it was stored and it is probably old before I got it. Same goes with primers. Have primers from 1962 and they still work.

I do have some 1960's black powder I am alittle worried about. Probably will not try to use it.......heck I am alittle worried about just moving it :shock:

Mind you when possible I use the old stuff for plinking/fun ammo. I do try to use fresher powder/primers and new brass for my big game hunting loads and the final sight-in loads for said firearms. However if you aare worried(or anyone else) just send all your old powder and primers in the original containers to me and I will see that they are properly disposed of at no cost to you. :grin:

 

[.405]

My personal opinion is that powder hold up really well.I started reloading in the 60's and still have some of the powder from the era.I have opened a can and found brown dust, but not from the stock that I bought in the last 30 years.I agree it would be best to store it all in airconditioned places , but I am still getting good groups from powder that I bought in the 80's.The ball powder seems to really hold up well.I have some Unique that is so old I am scared to use it.A lot of my powder has to be stored in the heat. :evil:

 

[Greg Nolan]

Ditto to what has been said. It's not dynamite and as such it doesn't sweat. Start your loads low and work up. Yes I have IMR 4350 from 1965 and I'm sure the elk I shoot with it hopes it will cause my gun to explode but so far only the elk have had that problem. I lived in L.A. and it was Hooot there. The only issue is to load to minimum and work your way up. Just like any loads. Batches of powder will differ more than the age if kept dry.
I hope my thoughts supplied some confidence in at least trying. If you only have a half pound left or are that concerned just throw it on the lawn on the 4th of july and have a mini fireworks display. :grin: Oops, sorry about the grass
Greg

 

[Divernhunter]

Bad powder makes good fertlizer for plants and lawn. Sprinkle in on and water it. Good source of nitrogen.