Hey Everyone,
I made a surprise find up in the loft this morning while searching for chronograph parts. I moved a large bin of "Christmas lights" and it felt awfully heavy. I peeked inside and found it full of a variety of powder that I had thought was lost in a move.
I have not gone through it yet but I intend to "sniff test" them to see if there is any chance they are still good. If they pass I want to load up a few rounds for test firing.
If the powder is degraded is it possible to have pressure issues with "light" loads? If the degradation caused a significant increase in burn rate I can see it being a problem. On the other hand, if degradation has slowed the burn rate it will just perform poorly.
I have my fingers crossed as one of the canisters is an unopened 8lb canister of 231 that I bought around 1990.
What is the safest approach to testing this powder?
Thanks.
Stephen