Thoughts on buying opened powder

[fyaman43]

Newish reloader here and found a local good deal on an 8 pound keg of H4350 that’s minus half a pound... I’ve only ever bought powder new/unopened.

Any concern there or specific qualities about the powder to look for? Seller states it’s been stored in a cool, dark spot in his house.

Thanks.

 

[Alpine 338]

If you trust the seller, then go fo it. If ordered powder, and had it delivered with caps loose before, and no issues. I think it's the long term heat exposure that degrades powder.

 

[fyaman43]

I just read to avoid any powder that smells acidic or moldy (seems kinda obvious) or shows brown or cinnamon looking streaks if poured through a funnel... sound about right?

 

[brianf]

Nope...it’s your face not mine when the bolt comes through your cheek bone.

If you do, load a trial 1/2 load or 3/4 load over a chrono with a string on the trigger.

If it makes sense velocity proceed with caution.

 

[lash]

Typically nothing to sweat about. Open it up and look. If it is loose and flows well and is not clumped or some otherwise extreme issue, go with it.

 

[brianf]

Typically nothing to sweat about. Open it up and look. If it is loose and flows well and is not clumped or some otherwise extreme issue, go with it.

Lash is tougher than me ...but then again I was never called a lumberjack...lol

I just don’t trust people enough in general if it’s only a few bucks.

 

[lash]

Lash is tougher than me ...but then again I was never called a lumberjack...lol

I just don’t trust people enough in general if it’s only a few bucks.

 

[Mauser06]

Ain't no way unless I personally know the person and trust them.


I've seen way too many people do things like have an empty jug of H4350 and 7.5 1 pounders of H1000 and decide to use that container to store it but not label it correctly.

I also won't shoot anyone elses handloads...you have no idea what is actually in that case ...

Is it probably the correct powder and good to go? Probably.....maybe....

To each his own. I just value my guns and body enough not to mess around with stuff like that.

 

[la angler]

I have loaded some powder that i had used in the past that was at least 30 years when i used it again and no problems its all used up now.