Powder discolored...?

1stmar · August 3, 2012, 07:08 AM

I opened up some 4064 yesterday and I noticed some of the granules looked bronze or brown in color. This can is pretty old, but it didn't smell different. Is this an indication of failing powder?

Waldog · August 3, 2012, 07:56 AM

Shine a light into the can and see if the inside of the can is rusty. The old IMR cans are suseptible to rusting inside and leave a brownish dust on the powder. Also, pour the powder into a large receptical and see if brown "dust" rises off the powder as you pour it. If the powder SMELLS like either or a solvent and is not pungent or acidic smelling, it probably is OK. I have shot powder like I described and have not had problems. If there is ANY doubt, it makes great fertilizer on your roses.

Slamfire · August 4, 2012, 08:56 AM

Quote:

If the powder SMELLS like either or a solvent and is not pungent or acidic smelling, it probably is OK.

Powder can have a neutral smell and be bad. That happened to me with old surplus IMR 4895. It never smelled and yet cracked case necks and caused green corrosion on the bottom of bullets.

If it smells bitter, it is way beyond bad.

Powder gives off NOx as it deteriorates, that causes the rust in the can.

August 3, 2012, 07:08 AM	#1
1stmar Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,378	Powder discolored...? I opened up some 4064 yesterday and I noticed some of the granules looked bronze or brown in color. This can is pretty old, but it didn't smell different. Is this an indication of failing powder?

August 3, 2012, 07:56 AM	#2
Waldog Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2007 Location: SOCAL Posts: 359	Shine a light into the can and see if the inside of the can is rusty. The old IMR cans are suseptible to rusting inside and leave a brownish dust on the powder. Also, pour the powder into a large receptical and see if brown "dust" rises off the powder as you pour it. If the powder SMELLS like either or a solvent and is not pungent or acidic smelling, it probably is OK. I have shot powder like I described and have not had problems. If there is ANY doubt, it makes great fertilizer on your roses. __________________ I am the Christian Conservative that CNN warned you about!! “Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy.” Winston Churchill Last edited by Waldog; August 4, 2012 at 11:07 AM.