does pyrodex pellets absorb moisture?
 

Can anyone tell me if pyrodex goes bad after a year? like if it absorbs moisture from the air, I stored my pyrodex last year in a ziplock bag just to be safe, but does it also have a shelf life where it wouldn't be any good even if I stored it this way?

RE: does pyrodex pellets absorb moisture?
 

Not sure about the pellets, but my brother is using a can that is over ten years old, keeps it out in the garage and it still works fine! :D

RE: does pyrodex pellets absorb moisture?
 

Yes, Pyrodex in any form will absorb moisture, if it is not kept in a sealed container of some sort. The plastic jugs the loose powder comes in have an adequate lid, if it is screwed on tight. As to the pellets, I recommend keeping them in their factory box and put the box in one of those steel air-tight GI .50 caliber ammo cans you can buy from Cabela's, Cheaper-Than-Dirt, etc.

The actual length of time the powder will last depends on how well sealed the container is that you keep it in. I have several old containers of Pyrodex powder, and it still fires. I have not chronographed it in the last several years, so cannot say if it has lost any strength or not.

RE: does pyrodex pellets absorb moisture?
 

Store your powder in the container it came in and keep it away from moisture sources, and it will be good for many years to come. Although a friend of mine was over the other day shooting and having trouble with his Pyrodex. His rifle was really being stubborn about going off regular, so I suggested he shoot some of my Goex and the rifle tuned right it. The powder had somehow gone bad.

I have had powder around the house for 6 years and it shot off fine.

RE: does pyrodex pellets absorb moisture?
 

You bet it absorbs moisture, like a spong. Do all you can to keep it dry as possible. The ziplock sounds like a great idea. I have a dehumidifier in my reloading room where I keep 20lbs of various powder plus my blackpowder stuff. I try to keep the humidity to less than 35%.

RE: does pyrodex pellets absorb moisture?
 

Yes I have seen Pyrodex pellets do strange things when they are old or sometimes for the heck of it. One of the reasons I use T7 or Goex instead of Pyrodex. I have 4lbs of Pyrodex loose I plan to shoot off though in the near future. Fall around here Pyrodex works better less moisture.. I shoot no pellets at all anymore.

RE: does pyrodex pellets absorb moisture?
 

If powder turns grey and looses it's ether smell, chances are it's going
to be very slow burning or might not burn at all. It's happen to me a few
times for not checking the container lid.

RE: does pyrodex pellets absorb moisture?
 

I got my pellets in the box they came in, in a 50 cal ammo box and in my closet with my other guns and bullets. Im thinkin of byin some loose powder and comparin one im sighted in with my scope.

RE: does pyrodex pellets absorb moisture?
 

Pyrodex is very hygroscopic - absorbs moisture from the air. It won't turn to goo by any means...but its burning properties will be affected..

RE: does pyrodex pellets absorb moisture?
 

Gosh I must live right.. I have powders sitting around the house for years and they do not seem to go bad. Of course I heat with wood heat and if anyone of you ever been in a house heated with wood, you know how dry the air can get.

I've got Pyrodex on the shelf I shot just the other day that is well over a year old. I have Pyrodex P in the same container if came in that has to be pushing four years old or more and still shoots fine. I had some Clean Shot that I finally finished that was over six years old. Now Goex does not last long around here. Triple Se7en seems to disappear right before hunting season.

Do you guys think pellets absorb moisture worse the loose? I never bought pellet in my life. I'd be interested to know.