Post by SnapShot on Jan 31, 2021 12:21:23 GMT -5
The latest e-mail blast from Hodgdon had some interesting information about storing powder, although I can't say there is any new information. If you want the original information the website is: hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-education. It's a good e-mail list to be on. If you don't want to sign-on here is some cut and paste directly from their "Education" page.
I remember back in the very early 60's being told the basics of "Never mix powders" and "Never leave powder in the hopper of the powder measurer". These rules have always been right up there with "Don't put a penny in the fusebox". I have always made these rules a basic part of my training classes on reloading. Just thought I'd forward this reminder to all of you.
I remember the old guy who taught me to reload taking me to an Army Surplus Store, back in 1962. We bought four pound metal kegs of 4895 Powder. It was supposed to be from the Korean War vintage. When I asked how long powder lasted, the guy at the store said "for years and you can tell by the smell when it starts to get too old". According to him the powder develops a strong acidic smell; to the point of actually burning the inside of your nose if you get too big of a whiff. I can't say I have ever smelled any powder in that condition but I have sniffed every container I have opened since then. Funny how the old stuff we are taught sticks with us.
The following is direct from Hodgdon's web-page:
Powder Storage in Reloader Hoppers
Powder left in the reloader's powder measure hoppers for extended periods, overnight or several days, should be avoided. Powder needs to be stored in original containers ONLY, when not in use. Numerous modern smokeless powders are double base in construction, containing both Nitrocellulose and Nitroglycerine.
Never mix any two powders regardless of type, brand, or source. Never substitute any smokeless powder for Black Powder or any Black Powder substitute.
GUNPOWDER STABILITY
Reloading ammunition is a great hobby and saves money. Commodity cost increases in brass and lead in recent years have resulted in many new and/or returning reloaders trying to stretch their budget.
The following information is provided as an introduction on the stability, storage, and safe handling of modern smokeless propellant.
Smokeless Propellant
The main ingredient of smokeless propellant, comprising from about 55% to 90% of the composition, is nitrocellulose. The process of creating nitrocellulose leaves remnant acid in the material. This acid immediately starts decomposing the finished product. Left alone the decomposition will reach the stage where the propellant becomes unstable and self-ignites. This process resulted in massive explosions at U.S. Government arsenals after World War I.
To increase the life of the smokeless propellant, a stabilizing chemical is used. This “stabilizer” reacts with the acid to slow down the decomposition process. However, as the stabilizer reacts with the acid it is consumed. After the stabilizer is totally consumed, the propellant is no longer protected from the internal acid.
The entire stabilizer / decomposition process is a time and temperature function – the higher the temperature, the shorter the safe life of the powder. Even moderate temperature, over extended time, leads to propellant decomposition. As a rule of thumb, any temperature over that which is comfortable to a person is accelerating the decomposition of smokeless propellants.
Under proper storage, modern smokeless powder can last for decades. However, this does not mean the reloader can ignore how the powder is stored, particularly if in an uncontrolled environment such as a garage or storage building.
I remember back in the very early 60's being told the basics of "Never mix powders" and "Never leave powder in the hopper of the powder measurer". These rules have always been right up there with "Don't put a penny in the fusebox". I have always made these rules a basic part of my training classes on reloading. Just thought I'd forward this reminder to all of you.
I remember the old guy who taught me to reload taking me to an Army Surplus Store, back in 1962. We bought four pound metal kegs of 4895 Powder. It was supposed to be from the Korean War vintage. When I asked how long powder lasted, the guy at the store said "for years and you can tell by the smell when it starts to get too old". According to him the powder develops a strong acidic smell; to the point of actually burning the inside of your nose if you get too big of a whiff. I can't say I have ever smelled any powder in that condition but I have sniffed every container I have opened since then. Funny how the old stuff we are taught sticks with us.
The following is direct from Hodgdon's web-page:
Powder Storage in Reloader Hoppers
Powder left in the reloader's powder measure hoppers for extended periods, overnight or several days, should be avoided. Powder needs to be stored in original containers ONLY, when not in use. Numerous modern smokeless powders are double base in construction, containing both Nitrocellulose and Nitroglycerine.
Never mix any two powders regardless of type, brand, or source. Never substitute any smokeless powder for Black Powder or any Black Powder substitute.
GUNPOWDER STABILITY
Reloading ammunition is a great hobby and saves money. Commodity cost increases in brass and lead in recent years have resulted in many new and/or returning reloaders trying to stretch their budget.
The following information is provided as an introduction on the stability, storage, and safe handling of modern smokeless propellant.
Smokeless Propellant
The main ingredient of smokeless propellant, comprising from about 55% to 90% of the composition, is nitrocellulose. The process of creating nitrocellulose leaves remnant acid in the material. This acid immediately starts decomposing the finished product. Left alone the decomposition will reach the stage where the propellant becomes unstable and self-ignites. This process resulted in massive explosions at U.S. Government arsenals after World War I.
To increase the life of the smokeless propellant, a stabilizing chemical is used. This “stabilizer” reacts with the acid to slow down the decomposition process. However, as the stabilizer reacts with the acid it is consumed. After the stabilizer is totally consumed, the propellant is no longer protected from the internal acid.
The entire stabilizer / decomposition process is a time and temperature function – the higher the temperature, the shorter the safe life of the powder. Even moderate temperature, over extended time, leads to propellant decomposition. As a rule of thumb, any temperature over that which is comfortable to a person is accelerating the decomposition of smokeless propellants.
Under proper storage, modern smokeless powder can last for decades. However, this does not mean the reloader can ignore how the powder is stored, particularly if in an uncontrolled environment such as a garage or storage building.
My daughter came from Missouri, my son and grand son, my wife and I had a nice dinner of grilled "porter house" pork chops, corn on the cobb, my son, G'son and I share 10/5. G'son is 4 minutes early though @ 10/4.
Pooh I hope you find to right house . 
