old powder , old manual

[splitshot]

ok, here are other questions to stir the minds.  i found a can of 4831 powder which is at least 40 years old.  it is sealed and unopened. is it good?  also i have a speer manual from the 1960's .  is it still good?  also i have several hundred rifle primers,both sizes, are they still good.  i know the lead is still good but there are some better bullets now, like some with the cute colored tips.  also what does the colors mean, wow that is confusing.  it is not fair to mess with an old guys mind.  mike w

[bobcat]

I have a couple of the Speer manual from the 60's too. You can still use them but a lot of the powders available now are different. 4831 and 4350 you'll see in those old books, but I don't think they specify whether it is Hodgdon or IMR. I like to look at those old books but I think you really do need a more up to date manual. The older books hadn't yet been influenced by lawyers so you'll notice the maximum charges are bit higher than what you'll see in the newer books.

The old 4831 you have- it might be good if it was stored in a cool, dry environment. I'd sure try it but maybe wouldn't trust it for serious "stuff." Wouldn't hurt to see how well it works though. I don't believe there's any danger in it. I think the primers should be fine as well.

The different colors on plastic tipped bullets don't usually mean anything other than the caliber of the bullet.

[JKEEN33]

I have an uncle that is still loading powder left over from WWII. He had a can just go bad recently. I think he said it will get a acid smell to it. If it's been stored properly it should be fine. If in doubt, don't use it. Powder is still fairly cheap. Same with the primer. Any moisture or oil will ruin them.

[GWP]

I have some old manuals and get asked once in a while for a load. Even though the powder has changed manufacturing names if it is the same number the manufacturer will try and duplicate the specs, so they should be good still. Just start at the lower loading and work up. The smell test is a good one for bad powder. If it has an acid smell, as stated above, use it for fertilizer in the garden. Should have a chemical smell, just not a super sharp one. It really makes good fertilizer!