Does powder go stale????

hillbillyhunter1 · 10-19-2007, 06:50 AM

Greetings all.

Perhaps some of you recall (probably not

)a post on here I had from a couple of weeks ago.Anyway, I just purchased the T/C Omega ( cabelas service btw was EXCELLENT again as i just ordered it regular shipping and it was at the house in 2 days anyway

)

I'm taking the gun back home to our farm and gonna shoot it there this weekend for the first time. I've got about half a bottle of pyrodex that I've had stored in a cool dry place for probably 5 years and was going to use that. It looks fine but I was wondering if there is any "decomposition" that may occur over time that is not perceivableby looking at it that may affect performance or even safety???

Thanks a lot and I'll report back on how it shot. I went ahead and got the pine ridge 2-7 scope (for an extra $50) and it looks clear as a bell so far, so I'm very pleased with the initial purchase

Thanks Again
hb

drh1175 · 10-19-2007, 07:03 AM

I would think generally no but it really does have more to do with storage than anything. It wouldn't hurt picking up a new sealed bottle though just in case. But if you are only target shooting I would say see what happens. Personally I can't see how it would go bad if you have stored them properly and kept tight.

wabi · 10-19-2007, 07:04 AM

I've shot Pyrodex that was 6 or 7 years old with no problems. Can't say I'd recommend hunting with it, but for sighting in and plinking it should be fine. I was worried about my old powder, so I bought a new can of the same (R/S) and tried it after I had sighted in with the old. No change in the POI switching from old to new.

cayugad · 10-19-2007, 09:41 AM

I've shot powder that old. You will never know if it is any good until you pull the trigger. It might pay to have a new jug of Pyrodex with you. Just in case the old powder is worthless, at least your range session would not be in vain.

hillbillyhunter1 · 10-19-2007, 09:50 AM

Thanks for your replies guys. If I were to pick up some new propellant. Would you guys recommend pyrodex or triple seven??? powder or pellets for hunting???

If I sight my gun in with the old pyrodex (and it works fine) but then switch to a new type of powder (even though I'd keep the "grains" the same), should I be concerned about that changing the POI, as I may not get another chance to fire it until hunting season (I'll make sure I make time to fire it again or just use pyrodex powder for this year if you guys think it would change things measurably)

Thanks Again
hb

nchawkeye · 10-19-2007, 09:58 AM

I always shoot loose. you can taylor your loads better that way...

I always check new powder in my guns, to make sure there is no point of impact change...

I prefer Pyrodex over 777...I prefer Goex FFF over everything else.......

cayugad · 10-19-2007, 10:03 AM

Stick with what has been working for you...

If the old powder seems good, new powder might have a little different POI but it should not be too far off. Although that is not always the case. If you do get some new powder, it is alway good to check a load or two out of it.