Black powder shelf life?

[Adam Helmer]

Forestwalker,

Good question and one I had myself that was answered by extensive research. I cannot address Pyrodex, I assume it is akin to smokeless powder in the shelf life category, which is a long time if the cans are tightly sealed and stored under cool, dry conditions. I think the Lyman Black Powder Handbook addresses BP and shelf life; it seems BP will last forever if stored in cool, dry conditions. It seems high heat degrades all propellants, but BP seems to be a hardy sort of stuff that will go 50 or 100 years, per my readings. Bottom line: age does not seem to degrade BP as much as it will smokeless powder stored under the same conditions.

I like your "handle", Forestwalker, and wish you would share how you came up with such a fine name for the Traditional site.(Ok, I wish I had thought of it.) Thanks for posting and, again, welcome here.

Adam