Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles How long will powder last.

I reload with IMR 4831. I am curious as to how long powder will be good in usable form when kept in the original container in a controlled environment .

I found my answer in another post.. Thanks

I rarely have it last more than a year, and then the can is empty. Not sure where it all goes, however.

It depends on what the burn rate is. The slower the burn rate, the longer it lasts -- within reason, and depending onwhether it is extreme powder. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Damn near forever. PROVIDED it is stored inside a house, out of direct sunlight, in it's original,(tightly sealed), container, and kept at or near 70 degrees. Any variation from the above conditions, could result in rapid deterioation. Bad powder has an acrid smell,(not to be confused with the ether/acetone smell), and usually has red dust on the individual granuals.

Burning rate has NOTHING to do with shelf life! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I still have some of the surplus H4831 that has to be 40 years old. Always kept in house and controled temp. Loaded some 280's last night with this powder.

I have WW2 surplus powder in my .340 Weatherby.

AGW