keeping black powder
How long does black powder last if kept dry? Also, how about speedloaders?
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Black powder will last at least 100 years, longer most likely. Speedloaders have no place in traditional muzzloading, thorough them away. 0 -
I've used Triple-7 that was 3 years old, which isn't all that old, and it was fine. As far as the speedloaders, I only use them to hold pre-measured charges of black powder when on the range or when going hunting. They work well for that, but I've never used them to hold a bullet as well as the powder. 0 -
"real" Black powder will last indefinately. It is a simple chemical mixture, that even if it gets wet can be dried out and used. Goex, Swiss and Elephant come to mind.
Pyrodex, 777, APP etc. are not "black powder".
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Conditionally Correct - In unconfined/submerged or in an impaired canister the KNO3 can leach out under some (common) conditions, and leave you with something that is no good. But if the powder is still confined to a container that is relatively intact, mosture will disolve the KNO3 and it will combine with the Carbon (and Sulpher) providing a more 'intimate' mix of oxidizer and fuel when dried. This will actually burn faster than the original 'dry mix of ingredients', but faster is not always better.
My nephew is an expert model rocket competitor who has taught me much about black powder properties, including wetting, that is well documented.
I would certainly say that NOBODY SHOULD DO THIS with a comercially 'finished' BP. First - something similar has been done already, Second, there are some 'finishing' components that will make the whole deal FUBAR. Toss it.0 -
Of the components in black powder, only potassium nitrate (KNO3) is water soluble. That means that if the powder gets wet the KNO3 will leach out of the mixture and the powder will be degraded after drying.
Do not try to grind and remix black powder. It's very dangerous.
DuPont and Hercules got out of the business because of explosions -and they knew what they were doing.0 -
I have some Pyrodex RS that's probably at least 8yrs old and works so well I'm planning on hunting with it this fall/winter.
"Better to carry a pistol and not need it than need a pistol and not have it." - Me
http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/
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I have shot black powder that is at least 25 years old, no problem.
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf0 -
Glad to hear that it will last a long time. I am "storing" three pounds in my gun safe. To save room in the safe they are afixed to the hinge on one side and the lock on the other. A large orange sign warns that it would be dangerous to use a cutting torch on the safe. If someone tried it, I know it would ruin the guns, but they won't be stealing anything.
F&AM, NRA Life (25 yrs)
"The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion."
Edmund Burke (1729-97)0 -
Black powder will keep damn near forever if stored properly. That being said, IMHO it is a good idea to break your powder into smaller portions for storage. If something happens like the house catching fire there is less possibility of a major explosion, just several small ones.
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commercual blach powder is usually mixed wet to ensure that "intimate" connection. however is is usually passified with a thin layer of carbon that will reduce the possibility of accidental discharge. If it becomed wet and it later dried that extra protection is gone.
It will burn just as well but ignite faster so be extra careful when handling it and avoid static electricity builtup etc
respect for the rights of others is peace (Benito Juarez)0
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