TACO BILL , #8090 Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 Yesterday I was reloading some ammo and went to get a can of powder. It was an IMR powder in a metal can. When I got it down off the shelf the outside of the can looked rusted. I mashed on the side of the can with my thumb and it tore a hole in the can. I went outside and ripped the can open with my fingers. On the inside was the IMR gunpowder mixed with a fine orange rust looking powder. There was more of the rust powder than the imr powder in the can . I dumped it all out on the ground. Then I went back and found another can in almost the same condition. Now my question, has anybody ever seen this before? and if so what is going on? Is the powder breaking down chemically and rusting the can out as it does or what. The cans were old and about 3/4 full. I hope no more do this, it could get expensive. Taco Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 Moisture + powder = bad things. Dry powder will not break down chemically. Add a touch of moisture from humid air getting into the can and bingo. I have some IMR powder that's 20 years old and in good condition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adirondack Jack, SASS #53440 Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 "Keep yer powderdry" is an old expression, and even more important with smokeless than BP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 Load a couple of rounds with the powder (with a wad and no bullet) and see what happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest diablo slim shootist Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 If it still burns the velocity may be low-I think I would just toss it and buy new Don't need bullets lodging in the barrel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrison Joe, SASS #60708 Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 Your cans rusted. This is sometimes caused by residual acid in a lot of powder, but the manufacturers are VERY good about rinsing the acids used during making the powder out of the finished product. So, it is almost always caused by storing the powder in a moist location (a shelf where moisture can collect). Store it inside in a cool dry location. Basements and bards are NOT a good storage location. Two cans rusting out makes it almost certainly a storage problem. Some smokeless powder cans have been stored for over 50 years without damage, when kept dry. But, now that the damage has been done, the powder is ruined. Use it as fertilizer on your yard or garden. The rust particles in the powder won't cause any problems with your garden. It should not be shot in cartridges, though. Good luck, GJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TACO BILL , #8090 Posted July 24, 2011 Author Share Posted July 24, 2011 I already dumped it in the yard. If I find anymore will test it. Taco Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 I already dumped it in the yard. If the grass or weeds looks 'great' where you dumped it - the stuff was good to shoot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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