How long are primers and powders good for?

[Honey Badger]

I ran across what I considered a decent shot at some reloading gear. I was able to purchase 2000 LPP and 1300 SPP from a guy who was selling off some old reloading gear. The primers are from 1985, and the powder is from 2005. They should be okay to use shouldn’t they? I got a hell of a deal on it all. Basically “back in the day” prices.

 

[DRC458]

That all depends on how they were stored! Climate controlled (i.e. especially humidity), they will be good for many years! I have some powder that I bet is 20+ years old and I'm still loading it with no issues thus far! I have to replenish the primer supply more often than that, but the same rules still apply.

 

[hunter966]

Here’s my .02 cent worth.
If there were kept in a dry climate should be good to go. If the powder is in one of the metal cans, you might check it to see if it is still good.

I started reloading in the late 80’s, bought some powder for load testing and then came back to it in the early 2000’s and it had decomposed or turned to dust, most of it anyway.

 

[Honey Badger]

Here’s my .02 cent worth.
If there were kept in a dry climate should be good to go. If the powder is in one of the metal cans, you might check it to see if it is still good.

I started reloading in the late 80’s, bought some powder for load testing and then came back to it in the early 2000’s and it had decomposed or turned to dust, most of it anyway.

The powder is in one of the black plastic jugs like Hodgdon comes in now. The primers are all shiny, no rust, no oxidation. I “think” they will be good to go. I just wanted some educated opinions. Thanks.

 

[hunter966]

I bet your powder will be ok. Get you a bowl of some sort and pour the powder in it and look for dust or see if it’s a different color, you’ll be able to tell pretty quick. I’ve heard some people say bad powder will have a funky smell also.

Just don’t contaminate the powder with anything if you pour it out.

 

[Honey Badger]

Thank you for the advice. Will do.

 

[turkeyrun]

Smell it

A vinegar or sour scent and it is bad.

Primers are most likely good.
Good chance the powder is good.

 

[rickm]

To check the primers load one in a case and fire it off, you can do it in your house it will just make a small pop like a cap gun.

 

[MR.T.]

Take one of the primers & set it down on the sidewalk or a brick, & strike it with a hammer.
If it goes bang, your good to go.

 

[MR.T.]

Actually I like rickm's idea better. Try one out that way.