if i pull bullets and for whatever reason don't return it's powder to it's container i'll dump into an old powder jug or 1 # container and when about full i'll use as fertilizer. WELL, i picked up such a jug and shook it and noted it sounded clumpy so i opened and looked inside and was hit with the aroma of ALMONDS! i knew that cyanide gas has a distinct aroma of almonds, so i put the top back on in 2 nanoseconds and went outside and breathed in and out till i almost got dizzy...i survived. after a little research i read that hydrogen cyanide or one such component has or is used in the manufacture of smokeless propellant. there was a mix of many brands in that container. i won't smell these containers again and will dump them when partially full. also, it is uncommon now for me to have to dump powder. just a not of caution...if such a container is buldging, DO NOT OPEN!
cyanide gas???
- Thread starter lpreddick
- Start date
CatShooter
I have about 40 pounds of scrap powder - and I have smelled it often, looking for signs of acidic smell - with no problems. I think you are over worrying this odor.
Call one of the powder companys and ask them if it is possible. Cat why would you keep 40 pounds of scrap powder around?
CatShooter
amlevin said:jonbearman said:
Maybe someday he'll just shake up a container of it and work up a load using the unknown mixture.
^^^ ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
It just kinda snuck up on me - one of these days I will burn it.
This is the time of the year to burn it but be careful how much you burn at one time.
CatShooter
jonbearman said:
ALL at one time!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
TheOtherZilla
Pull my finger
Hmmmm. While I don't doubt you may have smelled almonds, I do have reservations that it was toxic cyanide.. If it was any kind of toxic type cyanide you would be posting this from a hospital or not at all. Cyanide poisoning is irreversible and going out into the air to clear it just doesn't work..
My expertise was chemical warfare when I was in the Army.
My expertise was chemical warfare when I was in the Army.
i searched "hydrogen cyanide and smokeless powder" and there are data from accurate powders and hodgdon re the formation of this gas from their products. cigarette smoke has some traces and automobile exhaust is the main environmental source. 40 #!!!! why not package it and sell it as CS 32 or CS 69 or...
zillla said:
Cyanide poisoning IS reversible with various Cyanide antidote kits on the market nowadays!!
One drug which reverses the effects of cyanide poisoning is hydroxocobalamin.
Another, sodium thiosulfate, which comes in a pre-mix kit with sodium nitrate is infused and will also reverse the effects of cyanide poisoning...mind you, if you're not close to the hospital, you may as well kiss your butt good-bye
Turbo900rr
Gold $$ Contributor
Cyanide is also used to extract gold in the mining industry. While I don't remember the smell of almonds, I do remember my detector going off and it was over 40 parts per million and allowed was something like less than 10. I got the hell outta there. The locals thought it was funny that I wasn't sticking around. Personally I believe better safe than sorry in any event, including questionable smelling powder.
searcher
Gold $$ Contributor
Being dangerous to smell your powder is a real bummer. One of the things I like about reloading and shooting is the smell of powder (burnt and unburnt). The aroma of VV N140 in the cannister and the bitter smell of cordite from old mil surplus being shot at the range. Great stuff.
bdale said:Ah yes, the smell of fresh Napalm in the mourning
It's the smell of Victory !
Medic505 said:
Me too, and this can't happen without a video.
We want to see it!
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.