I am in the process of cleaning out my garage and can now get to my reloading table easier. And plan on getting back into reloading with it getting warmer and I realized I had left my hopper about half full of powder. It has been there for 3 months or so. It has been covered, but been out in the cold and in an non-insulated garage. I was not sure if it would still be good or if I should just dump it out and put fresh powder in it before I start reloading again.
I wouldn't worry about 3 months, unless it's been really humid in there or something. If fairly dry, shouldn't be any problems. 3 years, I might throw it out.
Although its been fairly dry, we've had weather where we fluctuated in temp by a fairly large margin.
In addition to moisture, some powders dont like to be kept in varying temps.
I could see it going either way, but considering where this powder gets ignited (by your hands and face and in a pretty expensive tool, ie your gun) personally, I would play it safe and dispose of it.
In addition to moisture, some powders dont like to be kept in varying temps.
I could see it going either way, but considering where this powder gets ignited (by your hands and face and in a pretty expensive tool, ie your gun) personally, I would play it safe and dispose of it.
I would throw it out. Powder is alot cheaper than a gun.
It is going to affected one way or the other if not sealed up tight
FWIW I've seen old timers just leave powder in their measure. You ever see the plastic yellowed to the point of being brown? That's from the powder being in them constantly. They just top them off when they need to and load away.
Personally I don't like leaving powder in my measure more than a couple of days, but I doubt if anything is actually wrong with it.
Personally I don't like leaving powder in my measure more than a couple of days, but I doubt if anything is actually wrong with it.
can't imagine any harm would come from letting powder sitting out.
worst that can happen is powder absorbs moisture and not ignite.
that said... power goes back to sealed canister when done for the day.
ammo for plinking... I'd use it.
critical rounds no way
worst that can happen is powder absorbs moisture and not ignite.
that said... power goes back to sealed canister when done for the day.
ammo for plinking... I'd use it.
critical rounds no way
