Call me stupid but yesterday I shot my 50 cal CVA Apollo which has been loaded with 90 grains of pyrodex and a patch and ball for a little less than 2 years. I loaded it in 2002 to go hunting one day. Did not shoot it and did not get to hunt last year. My son and I were shooting his new gun yesterday so I took my CVA laid it on the bench wrapped it with carpet and shot it. It shot great just like it does every load. No rust or damage apparent. Loaded and shot it five more times then cleaned it real well. Ready to hunt again. I will not leave it loaded again though. Seems to be pushing my luck!