16 year old W231

[reloader41]

First, I wish it was scotch....

Just getting back into reloading after years of paying too much at the store. Ordered from Dillion yesterday and hoping to get started in about a week. Mainly 9mm and 45 ACP. Maybe some 556.

I have an unopened tin can of W231 that I bought in, I think, 1998. I am going to try and use it. It has been stored in a cool, dry environment since I got it.

Any thoughts?

 

[jpm]

If it looks normal and doesn't smell odd, should be fine. I have some old Red Dot from that era that I had stored for at least that long that is just fine, and it was half used before it was stored! Not unopened like yours.

 

[Smokewagon]

If it is still in the sealed tin, it's most likely fine. After my grandfather passed we found some powders that were a minimum of 15 years old. So far the two of the six that have been opened turned out perfect according to the family member that got them.

 

[EddieCoyle]

I used an old sealed can of 2400 once with good results. The can was a metal cube that was made before they used zip codes. That was what, 1964?

 

[reloader41]

Thanks for the responses - I will load up a handful and see what happens.

 

[lafataa]

Check to see if there are clumps inside of it or rust on the sides which may be a sign of moisture. I'd recommend using a flashlight to look inside of the can and not a lighter.

 

[leewongfei]

Check to see if there are clumps inside of it or rust on the sides which may be a sign of moisture. I'd recommend using a flashlight to look inside of the can and not a lighter.

THIS!
Although it seems like common sense, it wouldnt surprise me in the least if someone used a lighter.

 

[KTech2316]

Ill gladly trade ya brand new can of titegroup,clays or bullseye for it! Ill take the risk

 

[jaypap]

Anything older than 12 months has expired send all your powder to me for proper disposal.

This is also true for primers and because I'm a nice guy I will also pick them up.

Factory .22's have a shelf life of up to two years if you have any of that.

 

[Bendad97]

As long as it passes the usual checks, you should be in business. Like you said, load up a few rounds - use a baseline load to be extra cautious.