[stand watie]

Friends,

I've been offered some sealed cans of 2400 out of an estate (at a low price) but have NO idea how old that it is. From the accumulated dust on the canisters, it looks like it has been stored in the garage for quite some time. = Obviously I cannot ask the former owner when it was purchased.

Does anyone KNOW what the "useful shelf-life" of smokeless power generally is??

yours, sw

 

[t-star]

if it smells of vinegar, the best solution for ALL old powder is to use it for fertilizer on your lawn- powder is cheap enuff compared to your life- even at free, it's still too expensive

 

[William R. Moore]

If you can get the lot numbers, Alliant should be able to tell you when they were made.

Shelf life is kinda dependent upon storage conditions. I've got some IMR 4227 that's gotta be over 25 years old that's still good. Or it was the last time I was into it. Besides strange odors, if you see strange colors of powder, that's generally considered a clue. I had some 4350 that turned rust red on top. I burned it.

 

[Charlie Petty]

Those old square cans are usually well sealed. And if they smell ok and are not discolored-usually red tint- should be fine.

You might want to see if you can open one before purchase

 

[stand watie]

Charlie Petty,

these cans of 2400 are RED & ROUND.

yours, sw

 

[spwenger]

I Think That...

Charlie Petty,

these cans of 2400 are RED & ROUND.

yours, sw

...Charlie was referring to the color of the powder, not of the cans. :twisted:

 

[Charlie Petty]

If they are metal they're REALLY old, but the same warning applies. If they look and smell right there should be no problem.

I would suggest that loads start low and work up.

Old Hercules stuff has a little collector appeal too although I don't think it would bring any large value

 

[stand watie]

Charlie Petty,

The "estate guy" sold everything to someone else before I called him back so it's moot.

THANKS, sw

 

[BOPLEO]

Had some old red dot that was made in the 70's. Still shoots fine.

 

[adamrose045]

I've got some IMR 4227 that's gotta be over 25 years old that's still good. Or it was the last time I was into it. Besides strange odors, if you see strange colors of powder, that's generally considered a clue. I had some 4350 that turned rust red on top. I burned it.

 

[30Cal]

I've still got a couple cans of the old Hercules flavors of Unique, Bullseye, and 2400 (round cardboard ones). Haven't had any problems.

Shoulda jumped on it--haven't seen a new can of 2400 in a good 2-3 years.


BTW, haven't been on here since 2009!!