Black powder question?

[Gordie]

How long is the black powder good for?

I have a bottle of pyrodex powder that is three yrs old not opened and was wondering whats the shelf life of it and one bottle that was open last season is that still good to use?

I've been using pellets and was thinking that I might switch to powder,reason being that I have it and I might as well use it.

what type of life do the pellets have also?

Both types are and have been kept away from moister and sealed in ziplocks to prevent any contamination.

Thanks for your input.

[kc0myy]

As long as you kept it in a cool dry place it should still be good. If they sealing were never opened it should be good no matter what.

[HuskerBen]

If the powder has been opened, there is a chance that it is not as powerful. I've had some pyrodex FFFg that was in a dry environment, with the lid on, that made more of a "woof" than a bang after a year or so. My suggestion is that if you haven't been to the range with that particular container of powder, get another. It may seem like a picky thing, but when a 12-pointer steps out and your ball hits four feet short, it doesn't seem like such a bad investment. You might get different answers from other guys, but that has been my experience.

For the last few years, though, I've been using nothing but genuine Goex black powder. My loads are much more consistent out of my gun, and it isn't as corrosive as pyrodex. It might take a little more effort to clean the gun, but if I wanted a clean hobby, I'd take up stamp collecting.

Ben

[Beeman]

"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy."

Thats why my wife thinks I'm so good to have around the house.After all these years....

I have had a bottle of powder sitting around the house for the last three years. I took it out a mounth ago and it still seems OK, at least it went off when I pulled the trigger.I think as long as you have it sealed in something it should be OK.