Old Powder

[AJGUNNER]

So I picked up a deal on a couple of my favorite flavors this past weekend. Just wondering if any of you older guys might know what decade these were made. The cans are metal, and the labels are painted on. There are no signs of any date code or a lot number. I have seen similar cans with a paper label---any idea which came first---paint or paper label?? Something else I didn't notice until I looked at the photos---the Unique is only 13oz.

The cans were still sealed, in good condition outside and inside, no strange odor, no clumping. I also put small measured amounts on the ground of these against fresh stuff, and put a match to them. I could not tell any obvious difference in the burn rate. Would you use this powder???

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

Uneducated guess just from memory (and we know how well THAT works! ):

The Unique can is the older of the two. The 2400 looks like cans I saw in the late '60s into maybe the early '70s? The general "style" of the Unique can would make me think late '50s into maybe middle '60s?

I'm sure we've got a collector or three here who can nail 'em both down pretty close?

As for using them, I'm still using Unique from the mid- to late-'70s (it came in a 15 lb keg, in case anyone remembers when the shipping rules did away with them?) and it works just fine. If those were NOT sealed cans, I probably wouln't use them, but since you noted they were sealed, a careful experiment with some light starting loads may be enlightening!

Rick C

 

[427mach1]

Do the cans have any kind of address on them? If so, see if it has a zip code. The zip code was introduced in 1964 so anything with a zip is post 64.

 

[AJGUNNER]

Do the cans have any kind of address on them? If so, see if it has a zip code. The zip code was introduced in 1964 so anything with a zip is post 64.

The Unique has--- Wilmington 99 Delaware

The 2400 has --- Wilmington Delaware 19899

Guess that narrows it down some.

 

[Rainy Day Shooter]

Those really are a neat find!

 

[sandman228]

the way the powder situation is today , use it

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Do the cans have any kind of address on them? If so, see if it has a zip code. The zip code was introduced in 1964 so anything with a zip is post 64.

Dang, I learned something useful today just by stopping by the reloading bench here on the Rugerforum. Thanks.

 

[mr surveyor]

Do the cans have any kind of address on them? If so, see if it has a zip code. The zip code was introduced in 1964 so anything with a zip is post 64.

Dang, I learned something useful today just by stopping by the reloading bench here on the Rugerforum. Thanks.

yep, the zip code thing came along real close to the same time we had to start dialing an extra number in front of our local four digit phone numbers. Sure complicated life.

 

[Jim Puke]

Neat cans.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

yep, the zip code thing came along real close to the same time we had to start dialing an extra number in front of our local four digit phone numbers. Sure complicated life.

...and we had a name in front of our phone number. Crestwood 6- 4726

 

[427mach1]

Slight correction: The ZIP code (Zone Improvement Plan) was started July 1963, not 1964 as I stated earlier.

I wonder if the Unique is worth more since it is a Pre-64 can or does that only apply to Winchester powders?

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

I got this one from a friend. No rust,smells good,shoots great. It was sealed also.

Also he gave me 3K of these. They shoot fine also.

And an unopened box of 500 custom sast bullets. Check the price on these.

Check for rust. Acidic smell (bad) and shoot and enjoy!

 

[SBH4628]

I have a few of the old cans.....some never opened.
I have used the Unique,,,shoots fine.

 

[mr surveyor]

I have a few of the old cans.....some never opened.
I have used the Unique,,,shoots fine.

what's in the film cans?

 

[WYO1]

Some of the best groups I ever shot in a 22-250 were with RL11. I shot the last of the case I had in 1978, and of course I pitched all the cans.

 

[SBH4628]

I have a few of the old cans.....some never opened.
I have used the Unique,,,shoots fine.

what's in the film cans?

Lyman sizing dies...With the size on top.
Pic later

 

[loaded round]

Those sealed cans of powder are very collectable in themselves. You might want to put them in a ''for sale'' site such as the one here on the Ruger Chat Site. Just remember powder can't be shipped via the USPS.

 

[KEYBEAR]

I bought powder in cans like that when I was a kid .

 

[AJGUNNER]

Finally got around to burning some of the old powder. I loaded both minimum and maximum loads of each 2400 & Unique for testing. All 4 versions seemed to do just fine. Also pulled the trigger on some 340gr Buffalo Bore ammo. While I really enjoy some good hot 44 loads, just a couple of these is probably plenty for most. While these are tolerable in a 9.5 barrel, they still get your attention a bit in the 7.5 and really dam near hurt in the 4 inch. Good thing we don't have any really big bears where I live. Guessing some regular old 240gr will do fine for my neighborhood. :wink: