Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Al - HandLoader Forum powder observation

Loading 45acp on my dillon 550. Been using AA5 as my go to powder for 20 years w/ a 185gr HAP, Zero, or XTP. Typically readily available and same sweet spot seems to work for all my 45s. Clocking well over 1000fps and super accurate. The dillon powder measure throws spot on with little/no variation. I'll typically check before and after loading 100 rounds and it rarely varies.

Just finished up a lb bought back in 2017 (always denote year purchased w/ sharpie). Had another full can, but for some reason I didn't mark a year on it and it was sporting an older label, so thinking it is definitely older. Picked up another lb at cabelas and used it for the next batch. When I checked the first throw against my electronic scales, it measured 1gr low. Threw a couple more, same results. Checked it against my back up electronic scale, same reading, ~1gr low. Adjusted the powder measure to throw my target weight and loaded up a small batch to check out. Will be curious to see how it compares to previous keg..

Anyone have a similar experience? Wouldn't surprise me to see deviations over time as either the powder formula, manufacturing process, or individual components evolve over time.

Never saw a full grain but a tenth or two will happen. Had a batch of AA#2 improved that was more AA#5 or Universal velocity wise traded it to a dedicated .44 special/.45 Colt shooter who reported the same velocity increases. Just one of those things.

Older powder of the same volume as new powder will weigh light as it's least stable ingredient, ether, can dissipate into the atmosphere leaving it less dense.
I've loaded older powder with same grain weight as new and found an increase in it's velocity.
Once you've determined it's preferred measure, it is perfectly usable

I'm using IMR 4895 and WC844 from somewhere around 2000 and haven't had an issue of any kind. It's been properly stored all these years and was bought in 8 pound jugs that were filled from drums back then.

Chronograph will tell you a lot about the new powder.