Old clays...OK?

[bglz42]

I have about two pounds of Clays, that's been stored in it's original container for around six years in my barn. Should it be ok? I noticed it's darker in color than what being produced now. (I bought a small container of new Clays.) Thanks!

BTW: Clays is what I use for .38 Special and .45 ACP, for plates/pins and PPC.

Jim in Texas

[C A Plater]

If it smells right I'd use it. They most likely have changed the process or supplier somewhere along the way and that would account for the color. I've several canisters older than that that I still use. As long as they were sealed up good there should be no problem.

[felix]

Temperature variation kills powder faster than anything else. Open containers, depending on where in the universe, will allow bugs in that will eat powder for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So....it all depends on fate. ... felix

[Ricochet]

Heat is what kills powder. Don't ever let it sit around in a hot place. If it's sealed up in the container in a cool place, it'll outlast you and your kids.

[Beau Cassidy]

Your Clays should be fine as long as it is not brown or dusty. Powder will be really dusty, acrid, and brown when it has gone bad- at least IMR powders will. Can't ever say I have had pistol powders go bad and I have some that are 50 years old. I have had some IMR powders that were bad upon opening them. They are IMR 4350 and 3031 with 91 on the bottom of the cans. I assume this is the year of manufacture. All were stored inside.

Beau

[bglz42]

Thanks, guys! I'll use it...

[Dan in Wa]

The only powders that I have seen

go bad were IMR 4320, and 3031

Dan