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Thread: Can PC powder go bad???

  1. #1
    Boolit Bub
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Posts
    30

    Can PC powder go bad???

    I figured the only thing in powder paint is polyester resin and pigment so what exactly can go bad, right? Well for the last year or so I've been chugging right along using a Kawasaki green powder and enjoying much success and shiny happy bullets. Suddenly my bullets went from shiny and glossy to extremely rough and flat. I tried to eliminate any variables so I got a new shake-n-bake container, fresh powder from the airtight container it is sealed in and new airsoft BBs, and still the poor finish. I can't for the life of me figure out what might have happened to cause this. Any input would be appreciated. For what it's worth the old container of Harbor Freight red still works just perfectly. So much for higher end powder.

  2. #2
    Boolit Grand Master OS OK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    El Dorado County, N. Ca.
    Posts
    6,234
    Bill Clinton might have a different opinion of that Harbor Freight 'working perfectly'..."depends on your definition of perfect!"
    a m e r i c a n p r a v d a

    Be a Patriot . . . expose their lies!

    “In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” G. Orwell

  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master
    bangerjim's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    out of here, wandering somewhere in the SW.
    Posts
    10,163
    Moisture is your big enemy. Lumps, clumps, sticky, poor flow and coating. If you live in humid swampy areas, you really need to seal VERY well!!!!

    Here in the desert SW, it is not a problem for me.

  4. #4
    Boolit Bub Daveco's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Western Kentucky
    Posts
    46
    I've got some assorted powders that are at least 15 years old and that haven't been treated very well as far as storage is concerned. I drug out a bottle last week that has a screw on lid, and the powder inside the bottle tied up in a plastic bag with a zip tie holding it closed, and it still works beautifully. I'll try to post a picture....
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Got them sized earlier today and hope to get a few loaded up either today or tomorrow. They are cast from a Lee .452-200-SWC mold.
    Daveco.

  5. #5
    Boolit Mold Dark Horse's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    10
    Moisture in the container and storage in too warm conditions can mess with your powders usability. Both cause clumping, and generally interfere with its ability to take on a charge.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check