Powder compression and cartridge shelf life

[biscuit jake]

I read an article that went over some old 458 Winchester loads where the powder had been compressed. They went "poof" instead of "boom". The article attributed the problem to the powder compression in the old cartridges. Your thoughts? If you reload compressing the powder, does it shorten cartridge life?

[eldeguello]

In the last couple of years, I have fired many hundreds of rounds that I loaded in the '70's and 80's with compressed loads of RE 7, IMR 3031, N205, H4831, IMR 4350, Norma MRP and H450 that performed just exactly the same as they did when loaded years ago. This "poof" explanation is B.S. However, none were .458 Win loads, though some were in the .45/70 (Re 7 & IMR 3031 loads).

[DM]

I'm with eldeguello 100%, i've NEVER had it happen in many thousands of rounds of new and old ammo. I, in fact, like a "slightly" compressed load!!!

Drilling Man