Old IMR 3031 powder in a steel can a bit rusty.

[bigjake]

I acquired 2 lbs. of 3031 in steel cans that seems ok. they were sealed but when I poured some out some rusty dust was in the air with it. the powder is dry, not clumpy. When looking in the can with a flashlight there is very light rust on the walls possibly from condensation, what else could it be?
Has anyone had this happen? Think it will work in .223 rounds? hate to waste it.

[Scharfschuetze]

Hopefully it is just the can rusting. Decomposing powder, in addition to having a red dusty appearance, will have a very acrid smell to it. I've only had one can of powder go bad, but the smell was unmistakable and offensive to the olfactory sense.

Loosing a can of good powder to decomposition is kind of like loosing a good bottle of single malt to a bad cork. Both are sad events.

[eck0313]

I had some IMR 4064 in the same condition. It shot well, and was still very consistent across my Oehler 35P chronograph. As long as it doesn't have an acrid odor, and/or is clumping up, you're good.

Make no mistakes, however, I would plan on shooting it up in the near, short term

[GoodOlBoy]

Yeah if it smells like pee/ammonia/old asparagus it's time to do away with it. That's chemical separation going on and it's dangerous. I don't know if I would risk it myself.

GoodOlBoy

[RJH]

I'd load a starting charge and fire it.

[bigjake]

thanks for the helpful replies

[Outpost75]

Normal acetone odor.is OK.

Acetic acid (vinegar) idor is BAD!

Use Now, not later.

[Mike H]

I acquired 2 lbs. of 3031 in steel cans that seems ok. they were sealed but when I poured some out some rusty dust was in the air with it. the powder is dry, not clumpy. When looking in the can with a flashlight there is very light rust on the walls possibly from condensation, what else could it be?
Has anyone had this happen? Think it will work in .223 rounds? hate to waste it.
Use it up,would be suitable for .223 loads with 50 to 55 grain projectiles.
Mike.

[bigjake]

I smells just like the 4198 that I bought recently.

[Boolseye]

I generally transfer into different containers when I aquire new old stock like that. Have yet to encounter bad powder, sounds like I'll know it when I see it. Assuming it's been kept dry and cool, powder lasts a long, long time. I've had 40+ year old cans of 4064, 3031 and 700x, all of which shot fine.

[GoodOlBoy]

only containers I ever transfer powder into is brass cases....

GoodOlBoy

[lwknight]

If it has the acetone/ether smell , its still good.
If you have doubts about the moisture content, you could pour it out in a bowl during the dry winter and the heat in your house will dry it out just like it does your skin.