Powder Age

[Big_J]

Is there a limit to the age of modern smokeless powder. I have quite a few pounds that I bought back around 1990 that's now old enough to vote . My question is, how does age affect powder if at all?

Thanks,

Josh

[skeetshot]

The most important thing about old powder is how was it stored.

Most smokeless powders use solvents in their manufacture.

If they are stored in too hot or open condition, these solvents evaporate.

Thus, if a load is,say 50 grains of a particular powder, then it could be assumed that there would be x % of solvent in that,say 5 grains. Now if there is no solvent left in that powder, then, for one, that same weight for that particular 50 grain load, would no longer be applicable.

High heat can change the chemical composition of a powder, generally degrading its conversion to gas, and this in some measure would compensate for the loss of solvents and hence greater concentration of powder component.

But, if powder is stored properly, it can be used for well over 50 years, so your 1990 stuff would still be good

[NE450No2]

First smell the powder. If it is bad you can tell by the smell.
It should have a "solvent" smell.

Second, pour some of it out into a bowl. If it has red dust in it it is bad...