Old Powder

[Ford Truck]

I picked up 2 lbs. of powder today, 1 lb. of Bullseye & 1 lb. of Unique. Problem is they're Hercules rather than Alliant. Seller told me he'd make it right if they don't work. Both are still sealed from the factory. I've been thinking of offering them as collector items rather than trying to use them. Anybody have any thoughts and/or suggestions?

 

[Magyars]

How old? What kind of container?
I have often read that if it smells like powder should it will be good.
If it smells rancid, no go.

 

[Indy574]

I’ve used some Red Dot powder that was 40 years old. It was always stored well and no odd smell.

 

[Bill2905]

Hercules sold their powder business to Alliant in 1995 so it's gonna be 25 years or older. I like the idea of trying to sell it as a collectible. Probably wouldn't take long to figure out what it's worth in that market. Otherwise, do the sniff test and load a few rounds if it smells ok.

 

[Leadeye]

I use 2400 in old Hercules containers all the time, still good.

 

[Trapper Jim]

I’m still using a keg of 2400 from ‘66. If no rotten egg smell or clumps you are good to go.

 

[Ford Truck]

How old? What kind of container?
I have often read that if it smells like powder should it will be good.
If it smells rancid, no go.

 

[Ford Truck]

Hercules sold their powder business to Alliant in 1995 so it's gonna be 25 years or older. I like the idea of trying to sell it as a collectible. Probably wouldn't take long to figure out what it's worth in that market. Otherwise, do the sniff test and load a few rounds if it smells ok.

The containers are still sealed.

 

[Bill2905]

Wish I had a pound of Unique. I can't find that stuff anywhere.

 

[snapping turtle]

Powder makes good fertilizer if bad.

That stuff should work if like everyone says no bad smell and no clumps.

 

[Magyars]

The containers are still sealed.

I doubt they have any collectors value....

 

[Leadeye]

I keep an old empty steel drum of 3031 around on the odd chance people would pay something for it.