Keg of old powder

[USSR]

Don't know what it is, but it is definitely not IMR4895 which is an extruded powder.

 

[cmj8591]

The keg is cool. I'd dump it in the garden and put the empty keg on the shelf in my reloading room. If you decide to experiment with loading it, post what you're doing BEFORE you shoot it. It might be a little hard to type afterwards.

 

[WR Moore]

OK, given the apparent size of the can compared to the scale pan, it might be a cannister powder. Somewhere I've still got a couple of the empty 1 lb Hercules cans. Given age and unknown type, it's best use is fertilizer.

The late great Charlie Petty did at least one article on cannister/non-cannister powders. The non-cannister powders are shipped in drums to major ammo makers. They have to do burn tests on each drum to determine the burn rate and then develop load data. Kinda like single batch booze. Cannister grade powders have-like blended booze- different batches blended to maintain a consistent product. In this case burn rate, although consistency might vary a very wee bit lot to lot.

 

[CScott]

I have a keg that looks exactly like that one that I got when a friend passed away. It had about 18lbs of powder left in it so it was probably 20lbs when new in the fifties (??). It had a Dymo label that read 4831 is all. It looked good, smelled good, looked just like modern H4831, and equal lengths laid out on the concrete seemed to burn the same speed (very scientific I know). So I loaded some light loads for my 300 Wby and worked up to a good strong load that us more accurate than factory ammo. I've taken several elk and a mule deer with this powder. It's really nice to have a lifetime supply of the powder I use a lot of.
All I'm saying is do your best to ID it and be careful. That's "careful" not "foolish".

 

[30calflash]

I agree, after looking at the pic closer it's more likely to be the bulk powder mentioned earlier. Irregular sized granules, light tan/green in color. Not tubular like 4895 or flake like Dupont shotgun powder.

I've some bulk also but can't post pics, if I can soon I will.

 

[Doug M.]

I admit I am not (yet) a reader, but I read here a lot. Given the need for relatively precise knowledge of one's components, including powder, I am with those who advocate using it as fertilizer. The risk resulting from from inadequate knowledge of what you have ir greater than the risk of an ordinary error.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

A friend of mine picked this up from on old time gun crank in his home town.
It was said he used it for everything…
Looking for any information
Thank you

How many pounds?

I'm thinking it might be for industrial purposes like mining and blasting from the early 1960s and earlier.

 

[46er]

Resembles SR80 and early Dupont smokeless. I've had cans of both, wasn't sure exactly what it was. Loaded some in a 38-40 High wall starting with Bullseye data. That showed it was much slower than B'eye. Gradually increased the charge and determined it was close to SR80 and 4759. Decided I'd better burn it, 13.5 to 15 grs at a time.
I've never used or even seen Dupont Bulk powder, so no comment from me. My understanding is that Bulk can be a bit spikey....user beware!