Has anyone noticed whether 777 looses it's efficacy over a year or two?? I had a problem with some 777 over a year ago, it was clumping up. I have a bottle left over from last year, and it seems like the powder has lost some of its OOOMMMPPPHHH!! Is this possible??
I have stored and used smokeless powder, andblack powder in the past with no problems. Some for quite a few years. But this 777 stuff seems different. Tom.
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We need to stop using these terms today, "Sniper Rifle", "Tactical", "Assault Weapon".
Efficacy, now there's a word I was not expecting to see on the BP forum.
Anyway, I know that certainpowders, once opened,do lose power over time. Humidity is especially bad for certain powders that are "sugar" based.
I don't know about 777, but I'm sure others here do.
Right now I am shooting some Pyrodex that is several years old, but only opened last year. I use some plastic wrap under the lid and screw it on tight for storage. No issues with power yet.
Have a can of 777 that was opened in 2005. Opened that can and it got misplaced while i used up anotherseveral othercans of 777. The lid was kept tight. When i last fired some of it in October is seemed as stout as ever.
777 is hygroscopic , [absorbs moisture ] though there are other powders that do it a lot worse. When a powder absorbs moisture it will change the burn rate which can affect accuracy. This should not be a problem if it is an unopened can or kept properly sealed. Before I switched to BH209 I used to keep it in my gun cabnet if it had been opened because there is a dehumidifier there. Lee
Sounds like some moisture has gotten in and the 777 has absorbed it. When that happens, you pretty much need to throw it out and buy a new can.
I've had cans for 2 or 3 years that are still okay. I follow these steps for storing powder, and it seems to work:
1. Don't store it in a moist environment- like a basement. Store it somewhere dry, or put it in a air-tight box.
2. Don't keep the lid off for any longer than you have to, then make sure it is very tight putting it back on.
3. I put 2 - 3 silica gel packets (they absorb moisture- they come in the packing of various things) in the bottle, then change the gel packets once or twice a year.
I haven't had any problems when I followed this list.
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When you mentioned it had clumped up.. that suggests to me it absorbed moisture in the air. Like mentioned there are some powders a lot worse. I have stored open powders. The trick is to keep the lid on tight and put them in a room that is not too humid. Although once they are open they don't last too long around my place.
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I have had some on hand for almost an year. never had an problem. I keep it in an room that stay around 65 to 75 all year round. had an can for about 3 months with nothing but the spout on it. no clumps. really did not see a lost of power.
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Efficacy of 777??
