Old Powder Disposal
- Thread starter Boots'56
- Start date
I read a section of a Winchester book that recommended piling it loosely in a mound, trickle a line to it like an in old western, and light it. It will burn off easily. Remember, it's a "propellant" - not an explosive. It only causes a serious bang when under pressure - out in the open it just burns (I've tested this myself, not just a rumor!).
But seriously, if it's been stored properly, it should still be fine to use, unless you see it looking funky or smelling of ammonia. They are stable compounds with very long shelf-lives. If you seriously don't want it and are near by, heck, I'll try reloading it just for an experiment!
But seriously, if it's been stored properly, it should still be fine to use, unless you see it looking funky or smelling of ammonia. They are stable compounds with very long shelf-lives. If you seriously don't want it and are near by, heck, I'll try reloading it just for an experiment!
According to legend, the French taste for horse meat dates from the Battle of Eylau in 1807, when the surgeon-in-chief of Napoleon's Grand Army, Baron Dominique-Jean Larrey, advised the starving troops to eat the flesh of dead battlefield horses. The cavalry used breastplates as cooking pans and gunpowder as seasoning, and thus founded a tradition.
Let us know how it tastes.
Let us know how it tastes.
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Burning it in a pile works and is harmless enough, but don't burn it on any sidewalk or driveway you care about, because it will scorch it and leave a burn mark that will last a year or more.
Whenever I have leftover powder from a session or from pulled ammo (usually a dixie cup worth or less), I simply toss it in the yard.
But yeah-- if it's close to a pound, I would give it a go in some loads, it may very well still be good enough to use. I would stay away from maximum loads as it seems many/most powders were blended a little differently in days gone by.
Whenever I have leftover powder from a session or from pulled ammo (usually a dixie cup worth or less), I simply toss it in the yard.
But yeah-- if it's close to a pound, I would give it a go in some loads, it may very well still be good enough to use. I would stay away from maximum loads as it seems many/most powders were blended a little differently in days gone by.
armoredman
New member
Goes on the trees.
The Lovemaster
New member
Burn, baby, burn! There's no better and "funner" way to get rid of powder than to burn it! Especially a pound, sounds like fun!
Whisper 300
New member
Unless it smells of acrid ammonia, load up a few of whatever is appropriate and see what gives.
I too have uses Red Dot that was from the late 60's- the 38's I shot never knew the difference.
Gary
I too have uses Red Dot that was from the late 60's- the 38's I shot never knew the difference.
Gary
wncchester
New member
Over 35? Does that mean I have to quit using my WWII surplus H-4831?
But, it shoots so GOOD!
But, it shoots so GOOD!
Remember that gunpowder back then was sulphur, charcoal, and saltpeter! If the legend is true,
What do you suppose the effects of the saltpeter was on the virility of the troupes??????????
Did this practice ultimately lead to the defeat of the French forces?????????????
Additionally, if it continued, might that explain why Hitler’s invasion was unopposed?????????