Vintage data for vintage powder?

[MarkK]

Picked up 2lbs of 1970s IMR4895 still sealed in can. My question is will I need 1970s load data or will my LEE manual suffice? Plan on using it for 30.06 in the Garand. TIA, Mark

[454PB]

You should be fine using modern data reduced as per normal procedures and working upwards. Check that powder closely, the only powders I've ever had deteriorate were IMR's.

[felix]

Actually, any single base powder. Can't use brand name. The more nitroglycerin (double base) contained in the powder, the longer lasting it will be. The Ball powders are the longest lasting in form; stick powders the shortest. A stick powder with 45-50 percent nitroglycerin will last seemingly forever. One such animal was called Cordite. ... felix

[MarkK]

How does one tell if a powder is bad? I've heard smell and color. TIA, Mark

[454PB]

Yup...in my case it had both an acrid ammonia like smell and red dust mixed in with the powder.

[MarkK]

No red dust or ammonia smell. Just a magic marker kind of smell or powder smell (?). Smells different than my other powders then again all the powders have different smells. The 4895 does smell stronger. Now I'm wondering if it is bad. Thanks for the quick response. Mark