Reloading Dupont Pistol Powder Number 5
I have a couple of cans of OLD Dupont Pistol Powder Number 5. Does anybody have any old loading data for what would be conservative (plinking) loads for:
38 special
9MM
45ACP
44Mag
JR
38 special
9MM
45ACP
44Mag
JR
0
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My reference says that Dupont quit making #5 prior to our entry into W W II. Perhaps it's not the most prudent thing to do, trying to reload with 65 year old powder?
The cans if their in good shape are probably worth fair money to a collector. Just flush the contents and you'll be better off, no telling how 65 years has affected the chemistry of the powder.0 -
Good advice, ditch the powder and auction the cans, I wouldnt mind having one.[:)]email me if your interested. I am not a collector and have no idea what it would be worth.
"SOCIETY PREPARES THE CRIME, THE CRIMINAL COMMITS IT"0 -
Just tried to sell the powder in the unopened cans with the paper seal still on it at Tulsa Show and was told the cans weren't old enough to be collectable.
I've reloaded some 9MM and 45ACP rounds for it and they seem to function normally, I had no idea the powder was so old.
JR0 -
I would not dump the powder. The sealed cans are worth more than the powder value, even if they didn't sell quickly at the show.
According to Sharpe, Du Pont Pistol #5 was introduced in 1920 and discontinued in 1940. However it was still available for several years, (into the '40's at least). It is single based nitro cellulose, and a good tolerant powder with a balance point of around 15,00 lbs, and good from 6000 lbs to 17,000 or 18,000 lbs.
Regular cannister powders this young are not likely to pose any loading problems.
With a 158 grain lead bullet in the .38 Special, Du Pont lists 5.0 grains for 920 fps and 17,200 psi.; 3.5 gr for 650 fps. Those loads were doubtless in balloon head cases.
It would be interesting to chronograph your powder to see if it has weakened any.
Cheers from Grayest California,
Ross0
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