Reeder Custom Guns - Recently I was approached by a neighbor

inquiring if I was interested in purchasing his fathers used reloading equipment. This brought to mind how one could tell if powders, primers, ect were still good and usable. I assume one could test a primer or two without much effort. Powder on the other hand seems a bit more of a challenge. I have been told that modern smokeless powder gives off an odor when starting to deteriorate. Heck, brand new powder has an odor when opened. So my question for discussion is, anyone got any valuable tips for inspecting opened containers of smokeless powder for deterioration signs ?

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"Deteriorating smokeless powders produce and acidic odor and may produce a reddish brown fume. (Don't confuse this with common solvent odors such as alcohol, ether and acetone.)Powder deterioration can be checked by opening the cap on the container and smelling the contents. Powder undergoing deterioration has an irritating acidic odor."

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- No text -

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ALL EGGS SMELL ROTTEN TO ME.

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I would ask to see where all was stored. Ask if it was always in the same area. I learned this when I lost a great amount of my powder supply when I stored it in shed that was hot and cold. No climate control. They say store in cool, dry, dark place. If it was out in a garage or shed that could freeze, I would have to really do the smell test. If in the house I would say it would be pretty good bet all is well.

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when Jim Taylor was in short pants, and being properly stored, ie not below freezing not above 120 in a dark place, it is still good today, thanks guys for the imput

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Recently I was approached by a neighbor

Alliant Powder says

to me it smells like rotten eggs. Real rotten.

BUT

Stop and see

My thoughts also, I have some powder that goes back to