Check your old powder in metal containers

[71silverbullet]

I was in my reloading room today looking for a scope mount, I glanced on one of the shelves and seen this...
There were 4 cans all next to each other. One of them rusted all the way through, the rest were fine.
I THINK that the cans touching is what caused the corrosion. I have a dehumidifier down there so moisture shouldn't have been an issue. I haven't looked on that shelf for almost a year.
I have no issue at all using old powder as long as it smells good. This was from 1979, if you've never used old powder, you probably haven't been reloading very long.
Just a reminder to check your supplies, I hated to throw this away but, it did make a pretty flash when I burnt it.

 

[2in1evtime]

I have seen surface rust on cans, but never one eaten thru like that, was the powder or can contaminated possibly?

 

[Trapper Jim]

Man… that’s some freaky shat there!

 

[71silverbullet]

I have seen surface rust on cans, but never one eaten thru like that, was the powder or can contaminated possibly?

No contamination that I'm AWARE of. It appeared dry, no clumps.

 

[Jaybird1980]

WOW, That can is not happy.

 

[dieselrealtor]

Is it an experimental virus from China to destroy our powder supplies?

 

[Michigan Slim]

Is it an experimental virus from China to destroy our powder supplies?

Na, it's the secret additive that the gov talked about to kill primers and powder after a certain time frame...... Purple should have been used here.

 

[armalitesheepdog]

I'm gonna guess you don't go thru alot of powder....lol

 

[Slow Hand]

I’ve seen this before. It comes from the powder breaking down and the gas it produces is acidic. It eats the cans from inside out. Apparently it also happens with the old paper cans and they can actually burst into flames!

 

[TJ Kackowski]

While a pretty flash is always good for the soul, your plants would have absolutely loved the extra nitrogen ... use your old powder in the garden.

 

[71silverbullet]

I'm gonna guess you don't go thru alot of powder....lol

I think this was for a magnum rifle I no longer have. But, you are correct, I have not been using much of any lately.

I’ve seen this before. It comes from the powder breaking down and the gas it produces is acidic. It eats the cans from inside out. Apparently it also happens with the old paper cans and they can actually burst into flames!

I thought maybe some kind of chemical reaction. Glad I don't have any paper cans.
I feel that for the most part, old powders are fine to use. Just always inspect before use (and occasionally when not in use).

 

[Twangbanger]

Wow! Hope the mouse who did that doesn't get too close to the pilot light...

 

[billybob44]

From that shade of Blue can, I'm going to guess??=IMR-4064??
That powder is hard enough to come by now, let alone=BURN it up?? HA.HA...Bill.

 

[guardman7]

which powder was it? looks like 4064. looks like internal corrosion