H4350 with unexpected smell

[Lumpybrass]

Just opened a new one pound jug of H4350 and it smelled strange. Does not have the strong ether odor. The ether is there but weak with another chemical odor more prominant.
Never opened any type powder with this aroma before.
Does bad powder develop a different odor?

 

[AIAW]

Not sure how to go about that. Perhaps your sense of smell has changed or some other factor. I don't believe any powder will have a particular odor as a way to tell if it's "good" or not.

Some smell drastically different than others, yes. I know how H4350 smells but I wouldn't use that as a gauge if it was good or not. Load it and shoot it, that would be my test protocol personally.

 

[cornhusker86]

Years ago someone told me if it does NOT smell, don't use it. I have no evidence to support that as proof that powder is bad, but I have noticed that the smell weakens over time.

 

[Spblademaker]

Just send it to me. I’ll test it all for you and let you know if it’s safe.

 

[ShtrRdy]

If you bought it from a reputable source and have stored it in the house it should be good.

Quite a few years ago I had to store me reloading gear and components in a shed and then garage for 15 years. Most of the powder was bad. It had a rusty dust to it and smelled kinda acidic. The primers seemed to have survived the large temperature swings. ( 100+ to -25 )

 

[abn31c]

It's the "green new deal" version. Take it back and tell em you want tha MAGA powder that smells like victory.?

 

[bax]

I asked Hodgdon. They said:

Smokeless powder will break down and go bad over time , Heat accelerates this process which is why it is so important to store powder in a cool dry place, room temperature should be sufficient. When powder goes bad it will start looking like it has dust in it , it will start to turn reddish brown in color, like ground cinnamon. It will also have a harsh acidic, or ammonia type smell. If the powder has been exposed to higher temperatures it is quite possible that it is bad. Typically if it looks normal and smells normal it is fine.

I had heard about the "harsh acidic" smell. The other symptoms were new to me.

 

[Sogan]

How long will powder last if it is stored in a cool dry place?

 

[m1match]

Powder can last for many decades if stored properly. I have a can of IMR 4831 that's been stored in my garage (California so temp is usually 50 F to 80F) for 30 years and it's still good.

 

[bax]

How long will powder last if it is stored in a cool dry place?

I have a bunch of 4895-equivalent powder that was pulled down from 30-06 ammo in the 60's. I bought it from a guy in Denver in the 90's. It's still good.

I think the answer to your question is, "a really long time if you don't abuse it".

 

[Sean the Nailer]

How long will powder last if it is stored in a cool dry place?

WWII live ammo is still good to go. Just a reminder.

 

[Foul Mike]

Got to Love that old "Pulldown" 4895. It works for all.
There is, to me, a smell where I look closely and maybe go trickle a bit on the driveway and hit it with a lighter test.
How did that go?
Powder can be stored for a lot of years and still be good. It may have changed a bit but you shoot what you got the most of.
If it looks like there is rust,in it, it is plant food or lawn fertilizer.
But I do know the smell... FM
Just mixed up my RL23. Smells good to me.