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How long does powder last?????
Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2023 10:08 am
by markie
I'm back to shooting after a 30 year absence. Sorting through the workshop cupboards the other day I found a tin of Shotgun 80, still un-opened. Is it safe to use|??
Re: How long does powder last?????
Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2023 10:26 am
by dromia
What does it smell of?
Re: How long does powder last?????
Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:28 pm
by markie
I can't detect any smell at all, Also smelt some recently acquired N120 (Vihtavouri), and that doesn't smell either.
Re: How long does powder last?????
Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:31 pm
by dromia
Smells like 'tis good to go.
Re: How long does powder last?????
Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:35 pm
by shotgun sam
dromia wrote: ↑Thu Jun 29, 2023 10:26 am
What does it smell of?
Just out of curiosity what does powder that is off smell like?
Re: How long does powder last?????
Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:51 pm
by dromia
usually starts sweetish the goes a vinegary, sourness smell.
If it smells at all then I would not use it.
Re: How long does powder last?????
Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:55 pm
by Dark Skies
shotgun sam wrote: ↑Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:35 pm
dromia wrote: ↑Thu Jun 29, 2023 10:26 am
What does it smell of?
Just out of curiosity what does powder that is off smell like?
Bad powder - ranges from a hint of vinegar up to very acidic aroma.
Good powder - ranges from no aroma to a solvent-like smell akin to acetone.
Re: How long does powder last?????
Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2023 3:42 pm
by markie
Thamks for all the replys, I'll give it a go on some reduced loads for my 45/70 (Pedersoli Sharps). Falling block is amongst the strongest actions so shouldn't be a problem.
It's amazing what you find when clearing out. What was my reloading bench back in the 80s has revealed a second part full tin of shotgun 80, and a nearly full canister of Bullseye (when it was Hercules). None has any trace of smell. Also 3 of the cheap nasty Longstaff 1911 mags, and a stainless Browning 20 rounder, also Longstaff.
I'll update on the shotgun 80.
Re: How long does powder last?????
Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2023 7:57 pm
by bradaz11
Dark Skies wrote: ↑Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:55 pm
shotgun sam wrote: ↑Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:35 pm
dromia wrote: ↑Thu Jun 29, 2023 10:26 am
What does it smell of?
Just out of curiosity what does powder that is off smell like?
Bad powder - ranges from a hint of vinegar up to very acidic aroma.
Good powder - ranges from no aroma to a solvent-like smell akin to acetone.
isn't acid a solvent?
Re: How long does powder last?????
Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2023 9:09 pm
by billgatese30
bradaz11 wrote: ↑Thu Jun 29, 2023 7:57 pm
Dark Skies wrote: ↑Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:55 pm
shotgun sam wrote: ↑Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:35 pm
Just out of curiosity what does powder that is off smell like?
Bad powder - ranges from a hint of vinegar up to very acidic aroma.
Good powder - ranges from no aroma to a solvent-like smell akin to acetone.
isn't acid a solvent?
Technically yes, and so is water by definition (as things will dissolve in them) .