Can powder get old?
10-30-2006 | 02:22 PM
#11
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,922
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RE: Can powder get old?
ORIGINAL: DVanVorous
When one unloads a .54 Kodiak with a CO2 unloader after an overnight and day hunt worth of time, and on finding a "chunk" worth of a full charge thats the same shape as the breech, one can pretty much assume that the powder absorbed moisture. Might add that the overnight and the days were classical CA sunny summer days, i.e. no rain over the period.
Combine that with the folks at Hogdon stating that it will absorb moisture since they released it in the 70s. Im my book thats more than enough for me to state the stuff absorbs moisture.
Anybody having shot BP knows that moisture degrades powder resulting in variations in velocity, be it Goex, Pyro or what ever. Thats information thats been confirmed since forever.
Now iffen folks opt to work from the same can over extended time thats their perogative, but it doesnt change the fact that the substitute powders are all hydroscopic and will degrade.
When one unloads a .54 Kodiak with a CO2 unloader after an overnight and day hunt worth of time, and on finding a "chunk" worth of a full charge thats the same shape as the breech, one can pretty much assume that the powder absorbed moisture. Might add that the overnight and the days were classical CA sunny summer days, i.e. no rain over the period.
Combine that with the folks at Hogdon stating that it will absorb moisture since they released it in the 70s. Im my book thats more than enough for me to state the stuff absorbs moisture.
Anybody having shot BP knows that moisture degrades powder resulting in variations in velocity, be it Goex, Pyro or what ever. Thats information thats been confirmed since forever.
Now iffen folks opt to work from the same can over extended time thats their perogative, but it doesnt change the fact that the substitute powders are all hydroscopic and will degrade.
Folks have reasons why they prefer real blackpowders.
Other folks have reasons why they prefer a substitute powder.
Retail sales among hunters in this decade indicate a clear preference for substitute powders. I use both & have no personal preference overall.
10-30-2006 | 09:15 PM
#12
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Can powder get old?
The 'chunk" at the breech could of occurred with real blackpowder also. It also has the ability to absorb moisture from the nipple. The difference between the subs and real black is that real black can re-dry itself right inside the bore without degradation.
Folks have reasons why they prefer real blackpowders.
Other folks have reasons why they prefer a substitute powder.
Retail sales among hunters in this decade indicate a clear preference for substitute powders. I use both & have no personal preference overall.
Not probable given Goex and the othe blacks have graphite on the grains which prevents clumping except under high pressure as when one reloads BPCR stuff with BP. Usually if Goex and its counterparts get wet they flat out die in a grey-whitish goo form... (BTDT)
In the particular instance I cited, I and another gent happened to be both using Goex and had *0* issues under the same conditions and didnt see anything resembling more than a "poof" of powder when those charges were pushed out.
But as you stated, folks are buying more subs. if only because most shops dont want the hassle associated with storage and/or city regs create when selling Goex, Elephant, etc.
Then again iffen one happens to do the reenaction thing or BPCR competition, getting Goex, etc., taint all that big a deal...
Keep yer powerd dry,
D.
Folks have reasons why they prefer real blackpowders.
Other folks have reasons why they prefer a substitute powder.
Retail sales among hunters in this decade indicate a clear preference for substitute powders. I use both & have no personal preference overall.
Not probable given Goex and the othe blacks have graphite on the grains which prevents clumping except under high pressure as when one reloads BPCR stuff with BP. Usually if Goex and its counterparts get wet they flat out die in a grey-whitish goo form... (BTDT)
In the particular instance I cited, I and another gent happened to be both using Goex and had *0* issues under the same conditions and didnt see anything resembling more than a "poof" of powder when those charges were pushed out.
But as you stated, folks are buying more subs. if only because most shops dont want the hassle associated with storage and/or city regs create when selling Goex, Elephant, etc.
Then again iffen one happens to do the reenaction thing or BPCR competition, getting Goex, etc., taint all that big a deal...
Keep yer powerd dry,
D.
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