Powder Shelf Life?

[GregC]

How long will BP last if stored properly? By stored properly I mean in original GOEX 1lb containers with lid on tight and inside another wooden box?

Are we talking a year, years, decades?

Thanks

Greg

 

[Markwhiz]

Well, I'm working on over 2 years with a bottle of 3fg Goex...............and all is well with it.

 

About a year ago I had reason to contact GOEX regarding the same question. Speaking to one of their reps I inquired about storage. He advised me that properly contained and stored the powder should last virtualy forever . He said there was no shelf life if looked after. Quoted as saying they have samples of CW era powder still as good as the day it was produced .. That's all I know.... :results:

 

[Tahquamenon]

If stored properly BP will last longer than you will.

 

[GregC]

But what is "stored properly"

 

I got a couple of half full kegs of 3f and store in in polyethhylene liter bottles inside a Gi ammo box, I stash the boxes in an old trunk in my garage. Proper means dry and away from corrupting influences like moisture or flame.

 

[doverdog]

There had been an old can of Dupont BP around the house for years. In fact, it pre-dated me and I'll be 60 in July. It was in the old eliptical shaped can with the small opening in the top center of the can. I shot the stuff for parctice and it worked as good as the new stuff. I sold the empty can on eBay for $25. ::

 

[Joel Lehman]

I used up a few cans of DuPont 3f about two years ago. My uncle bought a case in 1959. My cousin gave me the remaining cans after he died. The powder worked just like new powder.

Joel Lehman

 

[loishd]

I have got a couple of old timers in my club that are using powder that is near fifty years of age.
:m2c: :results:

 

[Flint50]

Just like any ammo-keep it dry, it will be there when you need it.

 

[Tahquamenon]

Cool, dry place with the lid's tight.

I store my powder in ammunition can's with gasket's and keep Hydrosorbent Dehumidifiers inside to absorb moisture.
You can "re-charge" the dehumidifier every 6-12 months by drying in the oven and reusing.

Been doing this for decades and have powders that are over 20 years old.

:thumbsup:

 

[musketman]

As stated above, there has been Civil War unexploded canon balls and such being found that are still active, and this was after being burried for over 140 years...

 

[Walker357]

Wow! That's special, ain't never had nobody give me nuthing after thay died... :haha: :shake:

 

[roundball]

I sold the empty can on eBay for $25

Now there's a thought for the 5 Elephant cans I have...I bought 5 Lbs Elephant when I got started in flintlocks, those particular cans turned out to be junk, wouldn't even work in a percussion withour delayed igniton.

Finally poured it all out in five 10' lines on bare ground and burned it off...kept the cans as I knew Elephant was going out of business...maybe I can reclaim some of my cost that way someday
::

 

[thehorn]

I found several pounds of DuPont fffg bp when I cleaned out my father's shop last year. He had purchased it back in 1971. It's working fine for me. No problems thus far with the first can.

 

[W. Moose]

the ffg can i am using for hunting, was bought "used back in 1979"....i keep all my BP in old O.D. Green GI cans and keep it dry,,,,,,,,still killin critters with that old BP!!!!

 

[[email protected]]

I bought some Goex 2f in 1973.....just re-foud it a couple of weeks ago......still in its orig. containers.
Shoots just FINE! I guess this stuff lasts forever if it dont get wet......

**** keep yer powder dry ****
WV SCROUNGER