Grandson has a stash of black powder for his muzzle loader that has been stored in less than optimal conditions - heat and humidity in NC, now cold and damp in Maine.

Is there a way to check to see if it's still safe to use? It's loose flake if that matters.

As long as the granules haven’t become dust somehow, I’d bet it’s safe. BP doesn’t deteriorate the way nitrocellulose powder does.

Unless it is thousands of dollars worth, is the risk worth it?

I'd have some fun torching it.

Question one would be... you say "black powder". Do you mean real black powder or a substitute?


There's a couple subs that I'd suggest throwing it away if it's old.
There's some subs I'd recommend throwing away if it's band new.

quote:

Originally posted by Sig2340:
Unless it is thousands of dollars worth, is the risk worth it?

I'd have some fun torching it.

Ehh.. I'm kinda here with it. But I know nothing about BP.

quote:

Originally posted by cas:
Question one would be... you say "black powder". Do you mean real black powder or a substitute?


There's a couple subs that I'd suggest throwing it away if it's old.
There's some subs I'd recommend throwing away if it's band new.

I'm assuming it's a modern substitute. I know it's intended for use in muzzle loaders.

At the moment, it's somewhere in the pile of my grandson's household goods that are taking up 2 and a half bays of my garage. When we dig it out and have more information, I'll get back to ya.

I threw away all my paradox once I discovered clean shot substitute.
Black powder I still have unopened,but it is kept in a safe manor.
Paradox select is some better at keeping.

I use real BP for my Brown Bess and my flintlock rifle. Only real BP sparks up easy.

If it’s real BP pour some out on a sheet of paper, as long as it’s no tclumped or discolored, then it will be fine. There will be small particles and larger grains in any grade of BP, don’t fret.

It should be black or a dark gray almost like graphite.

If it is real black powder and the container was properly sealed it should be good. Look for what MikeinNC said.