Powder Shelf Life

[bookworm]

Any rules of thumb for how long powder will will keep before it changes enough to affect accuracy?

 

[Moman]

I recently talked to Hodgdon about this and they said 30-50 years if it's stored appropriately.

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

Wow that is good to know thatks for the post.

 

[JeffVN]

I agree with Hodgden. I'm still shooting powder my father in law bought in the 50's (NOT a typo). Its a tad bit slower than new bought (I tested some throught my chronograph), but it works just fine - so do the primers, but they are likely corrosive so I stopped using them.

Jeffvn

 

[Lookinforlunkers]

I've been told that it is good as long as it smells strong, regardless of age

 

[J E Custom]

I've been told that it is good as long as it smells strong, regardless of age

That is correct and if it smells like acid it's bad.

The new powders in plastic jars stores very well .The cardbord type containers don't.

Keep it in a climate controlled room off the floor and it will last almost indefinitely.

I still have some of the original H 4831 that Hodgon started with buy pulling WW2 20mm
bullets and packaging it to sell.

J E CUSTOM

 

[Alfred Crouch]

I am using some that I know is 40 years old. As long as it is protected from moisture and excess heat it will keep.