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black powder age

rrhoghead
I am sure this has been asked before but couldn't find it in a search. I used to shoot black powder but haven't for about 20 years, yet still have a partial can thats been sitting on a shelf in a cool dry place. Is this still safe to shoot or should it be disposed of and fresher powder bought? I'd like to start shooting BP again. Also what is the shelf life of pyrodex?
Thanks--Hoghead
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • slumlord44
    Should be fine the way you stored it. I am shooting from a can of Dupont FFFG from around the turn of the century and works just fine.
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  • allen griggs
    Black powder lasts virtually forever if stored properly.
    Don't know about Pyrodex.
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  • dandak1
    quote:Originally posted by slumlord44
    Should be fine the way you stored it. I am shooting from a can of Dupont FFFG from around the turn of the century and works just fine.

    That only makes your turn of the century can 10 years old!![:D]
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  • rrhoghead
    Thanks for the replys- need to get out and do some shooting now.

    hoghead
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  • slumlord44
    Senior moment. Wrong century. Ment early 1900's.
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  • andersk
    I don't think there is any reason for concern, but if you are concerned ... start with a light load and work up to what you would normally shoot. Say, start at 40 grains and go to 50 ... 60 ...70 ... 80 and you're fine. Now go make some smoke!
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  • Tflogger
    My can of ffffg flintlock priming powder just turned 30 years old, and it works fine.
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