https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/ AllGunStuff Discussion Board en-US Thu, 07 May 2026 19:36:19 +0000 wpForo 60 https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1665 Sat, 10 Sep 2022 08:33:03 +0000
So the propellant is old - we know this to be safe (usually)

If you meaning the cartridges are old, be careful - hangfires - squibs and blocked barrels happen. I have not found shotshells to age well.


Not cartridges, reloads with Swartklip primers and Musgrave branded MS200.]]> Components oafpatroll https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1665 https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1664 Fri, 09 Sep 2022 21:49:33 +0000
I would load a few round of each to the same powder level and check velocity.

This will also tell you if in fact they are the same powder.

If the velocities are similar, mix them well and load up.

If not, just use separately.


This will do, thanks.]]> Components Ds J https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1664 https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1659 Thu, 08 Sep 2022 11:35:30 +0000 Components Treeman https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1659 https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1657 Thu, 08 Sep 2022 10:49:28 +0000
This will also tell you if in fact they are the same powder.

If the velocities are similar, mix them well and load up.

If not, just use separately.]]> Components 414gates https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1657 https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1653 Thu, 08 Sep 2022 02:12:57 +0000
If you meaning the cartridges are old, be careful - hangfires - squibs and blocked barrels happen. I have not found shotshells to age well.]]> Components Shotofrank https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1653 https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1632 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 01:30:32 +0000 Components oafpatroll https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1632 https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1631 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 22:58:17 +0000
How does one test an older/unknown batch of powder?

It can only deteriorate, therefore my only concern should be a squib. Unlikely, but noteworthy.

Should one load a few shots of medium or hotter loads to prevent a squib, rather than a very low load which could end in a kaboom?]]> Components Ds J https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1631 https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1611 Mon, 29 Aug 2022 05:16:40 +0000
How does one know whether powder is still good?

I have two small batches of leftover MP200 - one I bought new and another I got from a fellow shooter. If I throw them together I might have one third or half a tin - enough to reload quite a few cartridges for practice.

Trouble is that their colour and smell differ very slightly. I burnt some of it in a spoon and it ignited well.

Any suggestions and ideas appreciated!


I don't know any definitive test but have never had an issue with old Somchem powder. If the tin is sound, the 'stopper' is in and there's no rust on the inside I use it. I'm currently finishing up a tin of 1980's vintage MS in the Musgrave packaging. Chronied a couple and they were within shot to shot variation of expectation. Interestingly this stuff is impossible to tell apart from the most recent MS that I bought approx 3 years back. ]]> Components oafpatroll https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-1611 https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-158 Sun, 28 Aug 2022 23:22:31 +0000
I have two small batches of leftover MP200 - one I bought new and another I got from a fellow shooter. If I throw them together I might have one third or half a tin - enough to reload quite a few cartridges for practice.

Trouble is that their colour and smell differ very slightly. I burnt some of it in a spoon and it ignited well.

Any suggestions and ideas appreciated!

]]> Components Ds J https://systemz.online/components/testing-older-powder/#post-158