Pyrodex lifespan

[mjpchief]

How long is Pyrodex good for if it has been sealed and unopened? Found 2 cans of RS FF equivalent with yellow label.

 

[Carbon 6]

I have some about 30 years old and it still works.

 

[SDSmlf]

Have a few unopened containers from the late 90’s. Expect it can still corrode barrels. Believe they started making Pydrodex in the mid 70s. Any idea on the vintage of the two cans you found?

 

[Stantheman86]

I have opened plastic jars from 2010 and as of a few months ago the RS still went off.

 

[mjpchief]

I think the code date on the bottom of the bottle says '97. Powder still looks good and has not drawn moisture that I can tell.

 

[Rifleman1776]

About two minutes. That would be how long it would take me to spread it over the garden.

 

[azmntman]

I have an ancient can (round card board). VERY old but not sure of date. It has a clump or 2 and shoot to POA just like the new stuff. I dont use it much anymore though, better choices available

 

[Sidney Smith]

I have a can that I bought in October of 2003(I always write the date purchased on the cans). its been opened, and used, and the last time it was used was about 5 years ago when my son borrowed my T/C renegade percussion rifle for use during the early muzzle loader season. It went bang reliably, and I bet if I used it tomorrow it'd still function. If kept in a cool dry place where the temperatures don't vary too much, will last a very long time. .

 

[Walkingeagle]

I have some thats been in my possession for years and still shoots exactly as new. Store it properly and its great stuff. Don’t let others put fear in you.

 

[tenngun]

Pour some down a bore and see if it makes smoke. You have to clean afterwords. It can rust your gun.... but so will black.

 

[mjpchief]

Probably shoot it up. If it don't go bang so what. Don't cost anything to try. Already paid for.

 

[SDSmlf]

Had to look at dates on the stuff I have. 1989 is the oldest. The newest is 1997. Checked the 1989 container (the only one that was open) and it appeared in good shape, no clumps or anything. Haven’t used in a long time. I replaced the desiccant pack that was in it. Can’t hurt, and I have never had a moisture issue with powder when sealed tight with a desiccant in the container.

 

[russellshaffer]

If it clumps, just break them up an go shooting.

 

[Sidney Smith]

Worse comes to worse, flush it down the commode....No chance of it going off then...

 

[Carbon 6]

If your Pyrodex goes bad there's only one person to blame.
YOURSELF !