Old powder

V

volshooter

Buckeye
Joined
Apr 12, 2002
Messages
1,612
City & State/Province
EAST TN, USA
I opened a 94 keg of unique. I have tested it by volume using 2 methods aginst weight measurements (3) and found weight is about 1.2gr below volume.
I have loaded a few buy weight and results are right on. None of these loads are anywhere above midrange.

I spect some of ya'll would suggest chucking the whole keg, I suspect the smart thing to do. However dumping a keg????
The weighed rounds run right at velocities in my manual.

Suggestions,
 
As long as it doesn't smell abnormal, doesn't appear rusty, and was stored correctly I see nothing wrong with it. I have some powder from the 70s that loads just fine.
 
i am still using powder i boughgt in the 70s but I do inspect it closely
 
Virtually all modern ammunition is loaded by volume.
Virtually all powder measures dispense by volume.
After I set a charge weight, I then load by volume.

Old powder is still viable.
 
WESHOOT2 said:
Virtually all modern ammunition is loaded by volume.
Virtually all powder measures dispense by volume.
After I set a charge weight, I then load by volume.

Old powder is still viable.
Click to expand...
absolutely
 
I was using a lee disk powder measure and tried the Lee dipper as well. Both methods weighed less than they should with Unique. I weighed on two different mechanicial scales and one digitial. They all weighed bout the same +- .02gr by scales.

I weighed for about an hour trying to get an answer. I load at least 10 different powders and have never run across this.

The loads I have loaded by weight with this keg feel right on. I will have to dig out the chrony to check fps.

The 1994 powder is the dirty burning stuff but it shoots good. Is there any chance that the execellent conditions the powder was kept caused it to dry or fluff some?
 
I was using a lee disk powder measure and tried the Lee dipper as well. Both methods weighed less than they should with Unique. I weighed on two different mechanicial scales and one digitial. They all weighed bout the same +- .02gr by scales.

I weighed for about an hour trying to get an answer. I load at least 10 different powders and have never run across this.

The loads I have loaded by weight with this keg feel right on. I will have to dig out the chrony to check fps.

The 1994 powder is the dirty burning stuff but it shoots good. Is there any chance that the execellent conditions the powder was kept caused it to dry or fluff some?
 
Sorry for the double post. We had a big storm come through and when I tried to post it looked like it did not go through so I tried again. I have a dish for internet access.
 
The Lee Disk measures are often under weight a bit. Just pick a cavity that gives you the weight you need and you are good to go.

Not a problem if you just set up by weight according to your manual.

Dale53
 
Dale53 said:
The Lee Disk measures are often under weight a bit. Just pick a cavity that gives you the weight you need and you are good to go.

Not a problem if you just set up by weight according to your manual.

Dale53
Click to expand...

What Dale said.

It's been my experience that the LEE dipper sets also hold a bit less than the chart says they do.

It's best to weigh.

DGW
 
WESHOOT2 said:
Virtually all modern ammunition is loaded by volume.
Virtually all powder measures dispense by volume.
After I set a charge weight, I then load by volume.

Old powder is still viable.
Click to expand...

Correct. The problem with bushing type powder dispensers, and dippers is that they are not adjustable to allow for normal lot to lot variances in powders.
 
Not correct, smokeless powder is measured by weight, NOT volume.

Volumetric powder measures drop a charge by volume, but that volume is set by weight as verified by a calibrated scale.

Reference: Nosler Reloading Guide No. 6, Pub. Nov. 2007 P 49-50.
 
I loaded a few boxes of .38 spc. with the same Unique. Using the Lee disk powder despenser I had to go 2 disk units above the chart to get the weight right.
I'm gonna stick with the volume charging but only after I check the actual weight, even if I have to adjust my disk. If I wasn't using the disk I would use a RCBS volume measure and would just adjust the volume to the right weight anyway.
In the past with non magnum loads I just used the Lee disk chart when convient with out weighing them. From now own I will weigh the LEE disk before commiting to a load.
I have decided to use the older unique for revolver loads only cause it is so dirty. There is a good chance I will get another 4lb keg of the same run next week. This stuff has been in a room size vault since purchased. It is from a a gun makers estate and I might get a couple of hundred pounds of "linotype" ingots! :D
 
I could not get anywhere close to the charted weights with the lee and unique. Old and new stuff measures out nearly the same and both do not come even close to Lee's chart. Never believe any published volume equals x weight data. Use it as a starting point only and check it to a scale.I have even encountered slight differences between loading sessions with the same powder and same volume dispenser settings. Always check the weight before you get started.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

jimbo1096
Old powder
Replies
8
Views
494
jimbo1096
jimbo1096
LDB
Buy powder, feed Americans
Replies
0
Views
161
LDB
LDB
3
Powder Valley fire
Replies
6
Views
361
Joey
Joey
O
Berry's 148 gr DEWC in 357 mag cases and Bullseye powder
Replies
14
Views
692
gpoldblue
G
gunman42782
Black powder cartridge reloading
Replies
11
Views
521
Sacramento Johnson
S

Latest posts

Back
Top