old powder

[muffinman67]

A friend recently came across a few cans of unopened Black Powder from a deceased Rev War enactor dated from 1982. Any thoughts on how useable this stuff is? I've used ten year old powder with no problem, but don't want to offer him bad advice as far as safety. Thanks

 

[tmorr]

If it's been stored properly it should work fine. I'd test a small amount by pouring a bit on a small piece of paper placed on concrete or another non-flammable surface. light the paper and if the powder flashes it should be good. I'm sure there are other ways but I'd test it before loading it into anything that you might have to then unload.

 

[jepridgen]

Absolutely, if as mentioned above, it was stored properly. Had some my dad used in the early 80s. It was in a flask and still worked like it was new. Did do a flash test outside. Might've overdid it since it might've left a small black mark on the back concrete stoop.

 

[S.Isaacson]

It should be fine as long as its dry. There are antique loaded guns that are still dangerous because the powder doesn't really deteriorate.

 

[Greshamian]

Not in tins, but the powder in this London Navy Colt still worked 75-80 years after loading.

 

[Pollaco]

Ten years is a drop in the bucket, any powder that is younger than yourself should still be good. Heck even most powder that's older than you will still make the gun go bang. But there's always that 'if''. How was it stored?

 

[muffinman67]

Thanks guys. That's helpful info.