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One pound of Unique powder, 1000 small pistol primers, 25 pounds of wheel weights, will reload 1000 rounds of 9x19mm (9mm Luger) or 38 Special ammo.

I have heard that smokeless powder tends to "decompose" slowly during long term storage. Is there any truth to that? If that is even partially true, does it also happen to assembled ammunition stored under "cool and dry" conditions?

I don't remember the exact citation but it came from a "reloading notes" section in a gun magazine. The issue came up when someone writing to the column author noticed a "fine reddish brown powder" as he was filling his powder measure from the bulk storage can. I don't recall if it was double base powder, ball, extruded, shotgun, rifle, or whatever. He did check several other cans and found the same residue.

I've also heard tails of people shooting WWI issue military ammo and most of it still functions after 100 years in storage. Is there any data available on shelf life of commercial Vs hand reloaded ammo?

Regards,
GtG

PS Do you use "wheel weight" metal as is or do you alloy it with lead or bar solder?

“I have heard that smokeless powder tends to “decompose” slowly during long term storage. Is there any truth to that? “

Nope. You can buy WWII surplus ammo still and it shoots just fine. Powder will outlive you and your grandchildren.

Here’s a good article on old powder: http://www.ronspomeroutdoors.com/blog/danger-old-gunpowder-can-kill-you/

I watch for a strong smell and rust on the can or on the powder. I had a cardboard can get the bad smell once, it was decades old. And a 3 lb can of pistol powder got the bottom wet during a move once. The can had cardboard sides and managed to wet some of the powder so it caked. Both of those got tossed. Besides that, I have many 30 year old cans working fine.

My old gunsmith buddy used to drive to the Hodgdon plant in the 60s and fill paper grocery bags with their powders, which were H4831 and H4350. He would load the trunk with the folded and stapled bags and drive back home, then divide them amongst his shooting friends. That was WWII surplus powder.

I have a can of IMR4350 with a lot number from 1992 that has decomposed with a lot of the reddish dust (nitric oxides). I have moved it to my back yard away from the house. I have another can of the same powder from 94 that has no sign of decomposition. Recently I loaded some .308 rounds with some IMR4064 that was starting to show some red dust in the funnel but it still smelled fresh. Those rounds shoot fine. I have some surplus ammo with a 71 headstamp that shoot fine. I have shot 100+ year old ammo in my Mauser.

So yes, power can go bad but is is rare. In the 30 years I have been reloading those are the only instances I have seen smokeless powder go bad.

I am currently loading 44 special and 38 special with Alcan AL-5 and AL-8. These powders ended production around 1973 so I’m reloading with 40 year old powder and it works fine. i’m also using Hercules (now Alliant) Reloader 21 which is also about 40 years old. You are right about storing powders, keep then cool and dry.
You can use straight wheel weight but I use lyman #2 formula: 9 lbs. WW & 1lbs. 50/50 bar solder. Alox to lube and size bullets .002 over groove diameter