Old Pyrodex

[Fisherhahn]

How old is too old for pyrodex? I have some the is about 30 yrs old and I’m wondering if it is still good? I have a TC Newenglander that I rarely use. The last few times out (3x in 5 years) I could have had deer, but I had a couple misfires. I keep the gun clean, the powder is kept sealed up tight, but I’m thinking it may just be too old or somehow got some moisture. I’m just going to grab some more and try, but wanted some opinions.

 

[ENCORE]

Junk

 

[CorbLand]

If you have had that many misfires, something is wrong and I would bet its your powder if its that old. Toss it in the trash and get some new stuff.

 

[FrontierGander]

I had some from the 70s that still shot flawless.

 

[ENCORE]

I had some from the 70s that still shot flawless.

Dang Jon, you were pretty much a youngster back then ??? LOL

I'd bet a soda that you didn't use it to hunt elk..........

 

[FrontierGander]

Nope! It's still up on my shelf. I used Gearhart-owen 3fg from 1974 for my elk hunt.

 

[Swamp Fox]

I wouldn't rely on it from one year to the next, here.

I blame the humidity.

 

[Sudsy]

I just finished off a bottle I bought back in the 1990's
Worked fine

 

[dtrkyman]

I literally came to the muzzleloader forum to ask this same question. A friend gave me his dads old gun and I have thought about just bringing it to the range.

Old t/c renegade, I shot it years ago and it drives tacks!

Maybe just measure a load of powder and see if it fires without a ball?

 

[Laramie]

Way too many variables to consider. If you live in a humid climate, and didn't have it sealed, it isn't good 12 months old imo. If it's sealed, it is good for many years. If you live in a dry climate and it's sealed, maybe it would be good 30 years later... maybe.

It's cheap and we only get so many opportunities so I buy new yearly. Why take a chance when insurance is so cheap?

 

[dtrkyman]

I do not plan to hunt mine, just playing around, I only archery hunt..

 

[EdP]

Traded some off to a buddy a few years ago as I am strictly a BP shooter in my MLs now. All of 30 yrs old. He had no problem with it.

 

[FrontierGander]

still need to test out the old pyrodex p!

 

[Sudsy]

Holy crap !
When you said old Pyrodex you weren't kidding !

 

[Bestonearth]

I had some older pyrodex pellets that simply would not ignite no matter what on a hunting trip! I would be buying new!

 

[49ereric]

So far no issues but I don’t shoot much so my pyrodex gets older every year but most is sealed. All was bought cheap so not worried either way.