The one container of Shockey's gold that I have used was clumped when I first opened it, making it difficult to measure out with a dipper. I closed it up again and shook the heck out of it. Problem cured.

I'd load 1 round and shoot a steel plate. 1. Did it go off and clear the barrel.  2. Did it ring the steel like
a fresh reload. Then either shoot em' or use your spare time pulling bullets.


                                        BTB

I had a about an oz. of Shockley's Gold in pre- opened OEM plastic container packed away.
It was at least 7-8 years old, though its lid was tight it had laid on its side for several years.
The powder was clumped and kinda stuck to the inside of the bottle.

I know I loaded, several 100 44 special and some 44 Russian from that bottle.
The Russian were all fired, but I still have several boxes (50 each) of the Special.

I wonder about the storage life of the loaded rounds.

So, as a test and a lark I decided to sacrifice the 1 oz remained to a POOF test.
I had to kinda shake and rattle the bottle to loosen it up.
Poured it on paper towel and wrapped it up, then place it on a Newpaper page, lit the newspaper and backed off.
It took about 45 seconds to reach the powder pack and POOF    
no compression of course, so no bang, but plenty smoke.
Certainly, not scientific or even safe really, but I was 30 feet away.

I'm thinking it still had some life.
I have another un-open sealed can of Shockley's Gold, bought at the same time (7-8 years) 

I'm thinking my 44 Special are fine as is the sealed can... what do the sages say ?
 

Excellent work  Ruby, good stamping choice and well done all around, this holster a classy look to it..
Thanks for sharing
tEEn wOLVES 

very nice, one of my favorite old west patterns, tastefully done Rube.