I had the same question that I asked on another message board. I have a bunch of powder that I've had for many years, stored in an outbuilding.. in not the best conditions. The consensus was that unless it's turning red or smells bad, it's fine. No red, and it all still has the familiar light gunpowder scent, so I figure I'm good to go. I still haven't gotten my reloading stuff all set up yet, though.