New lot of powder is clumping

[Moman]

I just opened a new 7 lb. lot of H-1000 and see it has clumps in it about the size of a fist. I think the powder is ok since it breaks apart easily but has anyone had this happen before?

 

[Gene]

"Size of a fist?" Wow, that is a lot. You say it is a seven lb. can; Hodgen makes 1 lb. and 8 lb. containers only, as far as I know. Did you buy it partially empty? I suspect dampness got in it.
I would try spreading all of it on a newspaper in a dry environment for a few days. If you allow the dampness to remain in it, your loads will be erratic, but not necessarily dangerous.

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

Best guess is your powder either got wet at some time or top was open in heavy humidity. Spread it and dry it good. It will still shoot but I wouldn't get real picky with the groups it may produce. Could get some erratic extreme velocity spreads. Good luck. Sometimes I use suspicious powder to blow out brass, fireform, work up load developement, etc so I get use out of it. It could be fine and do well.

 

[Moman]

Thanks guys. I'm going to try it today and see how it does, and yes it is an 8 lb container. It's brand new unopened until now and only about 10 months old. I have hope that it may be ok since it breaks apart real easy. Not clumped real hard and if I touch it with a ball point pen it completely breaks apart. Thanks.

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

If it is a new can I bet it shoots fine. I thought it was an older opened can.

 

[Moman]

Thanks LTLR. It's brand new and has been stored right. Heading for the range.

 

[RockZ]

I had the same thing happen with the same powder! I too had a brand new container and I store it indoors.
It shot great

 

[Moman]

Yeah, it looks like it's good. I shot it the other night and it's shooting very consistent. Thanks for the replies.