Old primers and powder

jailerman

May 05, 2006 05:14

I used to do lots of reloading over 20 years ago then got married, started a family, new job and lost the time for much shooting so the reloading was put on hold until now. My question is I have lots of powder and primers from the early 80's and was wondering if I should destroy it or use it? I've heard when powder goes bad it has a strong smell? Anything to this? What about primers, any way to know if they are good with out loading up some rounds? I really don't want squib loads and lodge a bullet in a bore. Thanks

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  JustC

  May 05, 2006 08:08

  as long as the powder still has the ether smell and has not changed to a rusty brownish/reddish color, it should still be good unless it was stored in high heat environments etc.
  
  Primers will be fine.

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  Remington52865

  May 05, 2006 09:08

  I had about 4 pounds of powder from about 15 years ago and it works fine

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  Highball

  May 05, 2006 19:09

  I have some 4831 that is at least 40 years old. Had no crono back in those days...but the powder 'seems' to have lost just a little edge...However, with the price of powder..you can bet I am using it.
  
  As stated...and I will repeat it. Powder going bad is rusty/red color.Spread it over your lawn, or some such...GET RID OF IT !! Some types of powder can self-ignite....a bad scene all around.

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  sig232

  May 06, 2006 10:41

  I have recently used up the remainder of my Bullseye powder and old winchester primers from back in the 1970's. Got back into reloading after acquiring a Dillon 550. Powder and primers worded like a charm.
  Amazing how well that stuff holds up.

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  Ross

  May 06, 2006 18:20

  I have a couple of ounces of SR80 that I use every few years just for old time's sake and nearly a half pound of Orange Extra Sporting. I can't detect any deterioration.
  Cheers from Darkest California,
  Ross

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