Flaco Joe Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 I have an 8 pound container of an older Du Pont gun powder. They stopped making powder back in 1975. The numbers on the can are: P76JU04B 6300 Does anyone know where I can find valid reloading data for this powder? It is still sealed, so it might be good. If I can’t reload it, I’ll just spread it around the garden. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duffield, SASS #23454 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 Are their any other numbers, ones that start with SR or IMR? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 Need WAY more info. OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flaco Joe Posted March 21, 2020 Author Share Posted March 21, 2020 There are no other numbers on the can. I attached a photo. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 Looked at an old Du Pont reloading manual I found on line.....nothing listed like these numbers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flaco Joe Posted March 21, 2020 Author Share Posted March 21, 2020 Thanks Big Sage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrison Joe, SASS #60708 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 If 6300 is the powder number (and I'm guessing it is - the other is a lot number that may mean the powder was produced in June 1976), that would make this a factory-specific order of a non-cannister propellant (meaning not a powder available commercially to reloaders). The lack of DuPont's normal can labels supports this assumption. I looked at manuals from the late 1930s and 40s, and my manuals from when I started loading in 1972 - nothing like a DuPont 6300 was found. IF this was a custom batch, even at the time the powder was produced, there would have been no loading data distributed to the public - the factory would have built loads from scratch with lots of pressure and velocity testing. With 30 or 40 years having gone by, even less chance someone can turn up good data. I'd venture the stuff will make GREAT lawn fertilizer, though. A 50 year old powder would be somewhat suspect anyway due to it's age, but with no data, it's more trouble than it's worth. Good luck, GJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flaco Joe Posted March 21, 2020 Author Share Posted March 21, 2020 Thanks GJ. I was starting to suspect this was going to end up as fertilizer. I appreciate the info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 That's a canister powder to only be used buy a commercial ammo maker. No tell'n what the application is. Can we see a picture or two of what the powder looks like? Best to spread it in the garden. OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder SASS #13056 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 Yup, to clarify, probably a Bulk powder versus our more common canister powder we use. As others have mentioned, canister powders are closely match from batch to batch to be used by home re loaders and have fairly consistent results - although they can legally vary by I think 15%. But they usually are much closer to 5%. Bulk powders are made in larger batches - normally with a specific caliber in mind. The company then calculates and establishes what the specific load should be for that batch. Then it is sold to folks such as those with military contracts for that caliber. I have seen such powder sold in 8 pound cans with the specifics staged - either on the can or with separate documentation. http://www.firearmtutorials.com/index.php/reloading/canister-vs-non-canister-powder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 The powder was made June 4, 1976 on the 2nd shift Buy the DuPont Handloader Guide that coincides with the powder production date https://thea.com/Manuals-Instruction-Material-Dupont-Handloaders-Guide/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrison Joe, SASS #60708 Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 You know, looking at those old manual covers rings a bell. I loaded DuPont powders (IMR 4198, 3031, 4064, 4895 mostly) back in 1972-1980, from those paper pamphlet manuals. I believe I would have remembered a powder number 6300 from combing through those manuals. I suspect very strongly that's a non-canister powder, and that loading data for it was never placed in publications available to reloaders - like these manuals. I think you would be wasting $7 buying one of those old manuals. Unless you just love reading some PB or 4756 shotgun data that is hard to find today. JMHO, GJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flaco Joe Posted March 22, 2020 Author Share Posted March 22, 2020 Thanks for the information everyone. I learned a lot about my lawn fertilizer today! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cusz M. Dutch SASS Life 55326 Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Here, Hold my beer, I got an idea........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutch Wheeler Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 I'd hang on to the can though, might be desirable to a collector. They ain't making the metal ones anymore! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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