Quoted:
LOL, that might be a problem. there is a cat urine smell in the basement - from cats.
Will buy a small new can, take the old one upstairs and wash the outside, then do the smell test, thanks!

HOW TO CHECK SMOKELESS POWDER FOR DETERIORATION

Although modern smokeless powders are basically free from deterioration under proper storage conditions, safe practices require a recognition of the signs of deterioration and its possible effects.
Powder deterioration can be checked by opening the cap on the container and smelling the contents. Powder undergoing deterioration has an irritating acrid odor. (Don't confuse this with common solvent odors such as alcohol, ether and acetone.)
Check to make certain that the powder is not exposed to extreme heat as this may cause deterioration. Such exposure produces an acidity which accelerates further reaction and has been known, because of heat generated by the reaction, to cause spontaneous combustion.
Never salvage powder from old cartridges and do not attempt to blend salvaged powder with new powder. Don't accumulate old powder stocks.
The best way to dispose of deteriorated smokeless powder is to burn it out in the open at an isolated location in small shallow piles (not over 1" deep). The quantity burned in any one pile should never exceed one pound. Use an ignition train of slow burning combustible material so that the person may retreat to a safe distance before powder is ignited.