Old ffg & fffg powder....

[RBH3rd]

I purchased a 1970's Zouave that came with 20lbs of ffg and fffg black powder that has been sealed in a .50 Cal ammo can since 1977!!! I've never run into this before. Is 34 year old powder safe to use? If not, how do I dispose of it safely?... and legally? ANY & ALL advise is GREATLY appreciated. THNX!!! Rocky Higginbotham

[Ken Hansgen, 11094]

Rocky, Black powder is good indefinitely, so long as it's dry when used. Even Civil War artillery projectiles can still explode, even if they were once wet but have dried! Your powder should be quite dry inside a tightly closed ammo can, so go ahead and use it up, even if only for practice.

[pastore]

[quote="RBH3rd"] 20lbs of ffg and fffg black powder that has been sealed in a .50 Cal ammo can since 1977!!!

My only question is how do you get 20 pounds of black powder in a 50 cal ammo can ??????

[Muley Gil]

I have several cans of FFFg from approx 1977-80. It shoots fine for me.