Howdy and Happy Holidays!
I have a supply of 4F, 3F, and 2F black powder from about 1985. All these years, it has been kept cool, dry, sealed, and in a dark, dry storage area. I have a need to use some of it in a flintlock that needs exercise. As of today, I have NOT opened the lids and sniffed or observed the powder to see if there might be anything weird going on.
Question: Would you scrap this powder because of the age or try using a bit to see how it does?
2nd Question: where is a source for black powder near me in Marion (McDowell County) NC? (* Am assuming this stuff is impossible to order through the mail?)
3rd and Last: is it possible for black powder this age to become so unstable that it would ignite inside the original metal containers? IF so, I could be in trouble. There are about 40,000 primers and some 100 pounds of smokeless powder stored on the same shelves as the BP.
Thanks to all and MERRY CHRISTMAS !!! Bo in NC