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One of our members started a thread about ball powder he had stored uncovered for a number of years. I killed that thread because some forum members, out of ignorance, said, essentially, there was nothing to worry about.
That is untrue. The major powder manufacturers all say uncovered storage can result in potentially dangerous changes to the powder. Vihtavuori found that when powders (both ball and extruded) become extremely dry, with moisture content approaching zero, the burn rate can rise dramatically. Uncovered storage also can degrade the burn rate coatings on the powder. Just minutes ago, I discussed this with Dick Quesenberry, Alliant Powder's Product Manager.
Dick said ball powder, stored properly, with Cap in place, can last up to 30 years. However, cap-off storage changes everything. Dick explained also that ball powders, as they dry out, experience surface degradation and various structural changes that make them very unpredictable. He specifically agreed with VV's findings that extremely dry powders (with almost zero moisture) can exhibit "extreme pressure spiking". Quesenberry said, in no uncertain terms, "if the powder was stored for a number of years uncovered... get rid of it. Period."
I'm posting this here because I want Forum members to realize that, as a general rule, the best advice on safety, is "find out what the manufacturer says". If you haven't tested powder that has been left unopened and dried out for many years, it's really unwise to venture an opinion that might cause problems.
So guys, when it comes to safety issues, if you don't really know the answer, just be quiet. Uninformed and Misinformed speculation does nobody any good.
That is untrue. The major powder manufacturers all say uncovered storage can result in potentially dangerous changes to the powder. Vihtavuori found that when powders (both ball and extruded) become extremely dry, with moisture content approaching zero, the burn rate can rise dramatically. Uncovered storage also can degrade the burn rate coatings on the powder. Just minutes ago, I discussed this with Dick Quesenberry, Alliant Powder's Product Manager.
Dick said ball powder, stored properly, with Cap in place, can last up to 30 years. However, cap-off storage changes everything. Dick explained also that ball powders, as they dry out, experience surface degradation and various structural changes that make them very unpredictable. He specifically agreed with VV's findings that extremely dry powders (with almost zero moisture) can exhibit "extreme pressure spiking". Quesenberry said, in no uncertain terms, "if the powder was stored for a number of years uncovered... get rid of it. Period."
I'm posting this here because I want Forum members to realize that, as a general rule, the best advice on safety, is "find out what the manufacturer says". If you haven't tested powder that has been left unopened and dried out for many years, it's really unwise to venture an opinion that might cause problems.
So guys, when it comes to safety issues, if you don't really know the answer, just be quiet. Uninformed and Misinformed speculation does nobody any good.
