Powder question.

BHAVIN

I am working with a can of IMR 3031. This was an unopened metal can and is about 8 years old. It was stored at a friends shop that gets to about 80 degrees in summer. When pouring it into my measure I see rust colored dust (which I know is oxidation). The powder otherwise looks fine and has NO smell. I have not dealt with powder with rust dust that hasn't smelled pretty bad. Should I dump this powder or is it okay? I am leaning toward not using it but thought I would ask for input from people with more experience with this situation. Thank you.

BHAVIN

I reload for 45acp and I have been buying all the stuff to reload 223 and 9mm. what powder should I use for the 223? whats a good accurate powder.

perry shooter

More then likely the dust is from the inside of the metal can not a breakdown of the powder.

BHAVIN

As always, much appreciated Karl.

JustC

if the powder has some residue or rust coloring, that is a sure sign of going bad. The inside of the can wouldn't rust when kept sealed,...and if it did,..the powder is already bad.

I would be very careful with that powder since rust discoloration is a sign of deterioration. Also, the coatings on the powder, that go bad, are what keep the burn rate consistent. When those coatings deteriorate, that increases the burn rate, which can run you into higher pressures much faster since the retardants are now useless.

MHO

BHAVIN

Thank you. JustC

sandwarrior

quote:Originally posted by JustC
if the powder has some residue or rust coloring, that is a sure sign of going bad. The inside of the can wouldn't rust when kept sealed,...and if it did,..the powder is already bad.

I would be very careful with that powder since rust discoloration is a sign of deterioration. Also, the coatings on the powder, that go bad, are what keep the burn rate consistent. When those coatings deteriorate, that increases the burn rate, which can run you into higher pressures much faster since the retardants are now useless.

MHO


+1

I know it's expensive, but it's more expensive if the stuff has deteriorated and you have a mishap.

You might try using that in a small case like .223 and reduce loads and see what it does for pressures and how erratic it acts. It could be the can. I would certainly do some testing before I used this in a full size cartridge

MIKE WISKEY

"if the powder has some residue or rust coloring, that is a sure sign of going bad."..........=plant food

Rocky Raab

That powder is bad. Get rid of it pronto. Now that it is open, the added oxygen can accelerate the breakdown - and it can ignite spontaneously.

Rusty dust when poured, and a lack of any ether odor are sure signs of breakdown.

Ambrose

Dump it in the garden (it makes pretty good fertilizer) or spread it out outside and burn it. But, as has been said, don't use it--powder is cheap compared to fingers and eyes.

BHAVIN

Thanks fellas. I had pretty much decided to use it for fertalizer but this clenches it. I will find another suitable powder for 45-70.