Can I use this old powder?

[Dsgnr_81]

Okay folks. Setting up for 5.56 reloads on my trusty lee progressive. and guess what I found. . . a new, sealed, can of IMR 4895 (with a price tag of $15.95 on it. It's been sitting in a sealed ammo can in a dry basement. My inclination is to use it. Your advice would be? . . . Relatively new to reloading this cartridge. I've reloaded a lot of 9mm but this is admittedly a different beast.

Let me know your thoughts, and I appreciate your feedback.

 

[indyjohn]

Use it. I would.

 

[jwh20]

Powder lasts a long time when stored under reasonable conditions. In a dry basement where the temperature is relatively constant and in a factory-sealed container, this powder is probably as good as new.

 

[SEIndSAM]

It's probably junk. Let me have it and I will dispose of it in several small 25gr batches.

Seriously, I think it would be fine. Use it. If not sure, load a small batch and test it.

 

[giovani]

Send it to me I will test it in a couple of hundred rounds and send you my findings, along with the remainder of the powder.

but seriously use it, I just finished a can of rel 15 that I bought in the early 1990s

 

[Dsgnr_81]

Sweet. thanks guys! Figured i'd test my gut with the experienced re-loaders.

 

[IndyGunworks]

already got your answer, but I concur use it. But be advised, modern data in modern books may not be equivalent... recipe's change. If at all possible find data from the same timeframe the powder was made, OR start lower than normal and work up.

 

[Dsgnr_81]

Modern recipe calls for a start of 25gn. I was thinking to start at 23.5-24 thereabouts. Thoughts?

 

[giovani]

I have a lyman manual from 20+ years ago if my memory holds out I will post the data when I get home.

 

[Dsgnr_81]

That would be most excellent. Many thanks!

 

[kboom524]

Did not see what bullet weight so I am assuming 55gr.
My Speer manual from 1979 lists 24.5grs as starting with 26.5grs as max
1987 Hornady manual starts at 25.0grs with a max of 27.7
Hope this helps.

 

[Dsgnr_81]

Sure does. and yes, I've got 55gn fmjbt. (although, they're actually averaging 55.76gn). Many thanks for all the help folks!

 

[xM3RC1L3SS1x]

+1 for using it

 

[giovani]

Ok I remembered to look at my old Lyman manual
55gr bullet and IMR 4895 powder it shows 23 gr as a mild load 2560 fps and 26 gr as a Max load at3030 fps

the 26 gr is a compressed powder charge

 

[shibumiseeker]

FYI, I am using 1962 production H110 that was stored in a closet in an un airconditioned house. These were in little 1lb paper bags. While the load data is a little off of modern H110, it is shooting just fine. As long as powder looks and smells right, it's fine.