I am getting back in to reloading after a long hiatus. I have a lot of powder and primers that have been stored in the attic for 7 or 8 years. Should I use this stuff or throw it all away?

Depends on how dry it has been stored. I would hate to throw away perfectly good powder, especially in the situation we are in now days.

do any of the kernels have white residue on them or does it smell rancid or acidic? Don't confuse that with the smell of solvents (think of a new bottle of varget an how beautiful it smells)

If it hasn't been subjected to serious temp extremes, it's probably still good. I just used up some Unique I've had for maybe 25 years. I've got some primers that old too. That said, Dave3575 gave good info.

I have Bullseye powder from the 60's (in square metal cans) that still works perfectly. And I was given some RWS primers that had to be about the same age. They did not have a single dud.

So if the powder/primers were stored properly they should work fine. Check for signs of deterioration, (clumping, rancid smell, mold like growth) but if you don't see anything obvious, load a few rounds and test them. If they work well then use it as normal.

I would avoid storing in an attic, the heat is really not good for it. I have used powder that was sealed and 20 years old that ran perfect. Same for primers.

Powder exposed to the temp and humidity swings will absorb moisture over time. This moisture will degrade the powder some. It should be ok, and if it has absorbed moisture, your speeds will be reduced some, compared to new powder with the same charge weight.

I think its all bad and you should just give it to me to dispose of!:)

Ehhhhhh I guess it is just me but you could "test" a small sample...

I don't like that it's been stored in the attic, but 7-8 years is pre-pubescent for primers and powder.

I--and many others--am still shooting 4831 that is WWII surplus. That would make it at least 70 years old. And since I bought my first chronograph back in the 1970s, there has been zero loss of velocity.

Regarding primers, I still have some 6000 Fed 215 primers that were made around 1960. They still function perfectly.

If your stuff from the attic is in original packaging, I would use it with full confidence. Just don't put it back in the attic.....

I have some primers and powder from the 70's that I use for my personal 270 Win hunting ammo. It shoots very well with good speed and consistency. As long as it's been stored properly, it should be fine.

If it was in the attic for 7 years (Texas hot) I would not use the powder, don't have an opinion on the primers.

I have imr 4350 in a metal can I loaded some rds the price was 16.00 on top. I keep it in the house.

My attic gets way to hot for 7 or 8 years of storage.

I am shooting IMR 4350 that has $2.65 on can and just shot up an 8lb cardboard container of Greendot that had $62. on it and it had been stored in a barn and it shot great. You can normally tell by looking and smelling if its bad.