21-Year-Old Pyrodex: Will It Even Shoot?

Published on February 10, 2024
Duration: 3:26

This video tests the viability of 21-year-old Pyrodex Select powder in an 1860 Army revolver. The experiment demonstrates that while the powder can still ignite after two decades, it exhibits significant hangfires, indicating a degradation in performance. The instructor advises against storing and using such old powder, emphasizing that its efficacy diminishes over time.

Quick Summary

Testing 21-year-old Pyrodex Select powder in an 1860 Army revolver revealed that while it can still ignite, it exhibits significant hangfires. This indicates a degradation in performance and consistency over two decades. The instructor advises against using such old powder due to these issues.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Old Pyrodex Powder Test
  2. 00:27Question: How Long Can Pyrodex Be Stored?
  3. 00:38The Pyrodex Select Powder (21 Years Old)
  4. 01:01Powder Type: FFG Equivalent for Revolvers
  5. 01:15Loading the 1860 Army Revolver
  6. 01:20Measuring 25 Grains of Powder
  7. 01:28Using .454 Inch Diameter Lead Balls
  8. 01:41Capping with CCI Number 11 Caps
  9. 01:55Testing the 21-Year-Old Pyrodex
  10. 02:00First Shot and Hangfire
  11. 02:25Hangfire on Every Shot
  12. 02:32Pyrodex vs. Black Powder Ignition
  13. 02:42Conclusion: Pyrodex Fire After 21 Years
  14. 02:48Recommendation: Don't Use Very Old Powder
  15. 03:03Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 21-year-old Pyrodex powder still be used in firearms?

Yes, 21-year-old Pyrodex powder can still ignite, as demonstrated in this test with an 1860 Army revolver. However, it exhibited significant hangfires, indicating a degradation in performance and consistency compared to fresh powder. It's generally not recommended to use such old powder.

What are the risks of using old black powder substitutes like Pyrodex?

The primary risk of using very old black powder substitutes like Pyrodex is degraded performance, leading to issues such as hangfires. This means the powder may take a noticeable delay to ignite, which can be dangerous and unpredictable during shooting. Consistency and power are significantly reduced.

Is FFG powder suitable for muzzleloader revolvers?

Yes, FFG equivalent powder, like the Pyrodex Select tested, is considered acceptable for larger caliber muzzleloader revolvers such as the .44 caliber 1860 Army. While FFFG is often preferred for slightly more power in revolvers, FFG is still a viable option.

How long is Pyrodex powder typically good for?

While this video tested 21-year-old Pyrodex, it's not a recommendation for long-term storage. The powder showed signs of degradation. For optimal performance and safety, it's best to use Pyrodex within a reasonable timeframe after purchase and store it properly in cool, dry conditions.

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