unique powder

[laserfish]

Thinking of reloading shot shells again this year and it has been awhile. Started digging through my stuff to see what I needed and found a factory sealed Unique powder from July 99. Never been opened so would it still be good. Stored in a garage in Texas so no climate control. Should I use it? Also found about a half of a container as well. Is it bad? Also, do primers go bad (found about 400 of these). I don't want to go to a lot of trouble to load something that is not going to work or worse yet would be dangerous.

[TucsonMTB]

Your Alliant Unique powder should be just fine. If you were closer, I have some IMR PB that I would offer you in trade.

Unique is a great pistol cartridge powder and in short supply right now. My last pound was purchased from a friend with more foresight than I have.

[CJB]

Smell it. It can go bad with heat. If it smells pungent and acidic.... no go. But its probably ok.

[Bob T]

If ya don't want it, I'll take it...;)

[mr surveyor]

Hey .... I'm closer .... I'll take it too:D

[CPTKILLER]

I kept my in a storage room with no issues in Texas.

[marshal kane]

Smell it. It can go bad with heat. If it smells pungent and acidic.... no go. But its probably ok.
I think it likely that it's OK too. I would reload a few and try them out. If the report sounds weak and the recoil feels light, STOP, be sure to check the bore for a stuck wad before chambering another shell.

[muggsy]

I like WW ball powder for shot shells. Unique was one of my favorites for the .45 Auto.

[CJB]

Unique rather well suited - consistancy wise - for medium sized medium pressure loads in handguns. Never used in shotshells m'self. OTOH, its a rather dirty powder compared to some.

[marshal kane]

I like WW ball powder for shot shells. Unique was one of my favorites for the .45 Auto.
Unique is one of my favorites for the .45 Colt. I've burned a lot of Unique with this cartridge.