Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Rusty Powder? IMR 4198

Recently acquired a can of DuPont 4198, yellow can. Passed all the tests and performed as it should in my 45-70 loads. Anyone know a timeline for the DuPont yellow can 4198?

Is the rust color coming from the deteriorating powder or from rust on the surface of the interior metal of the can - and does it matter?

I threw out about five pounds of IMR4895 years ago because of this problem. I don't know how old they were.

Here's what concerns me. I have some partial containers of various powders. Used for working up loads and then never needed that type again. Should I worry about spontaneous combustion? Should I open each can and inspect them once in awhile?

And what about powder loaded into cartridges. I have some 30-06 cartridges loaded with IMR4895 in 1961.

If you want the old cans for a DISPLAY, get rid of the powder. Or load and shoot it up SOON if it's still ethery and "normal." I live in the Northwest so I have some good vintage stuff still, but I have dumped a few other cans and put the empties on another shelf. Self-preservation, I guess. But when in doubt, even now, it's smarter to spread it out -- on the lawn, or garden, your pick.