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**Mike Irwin** · May 26, 2013, 08:06 AM

At its very heart, smokeless powder is an unstable chemical composition.

If it were 100% stable, it wouldn't burn with any of the properties that make it useful as gun powder.

All smokeless powders have stabilizers and neutralizers added that prolong the shelf life of these powders.

Over time, as the powder ages, those neutralizers and stabilizers are consumed.

Once they are consumed, the powder can begin to deteriorate.

How the powder is stored can have a profound effect on how long it will last.

Storing powder in a cool, dark, dry environment is FAR better than storing in a hot place like an attic or unconditioned shed.

May 26, 2013, 08:06 AM	#20
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	At its very heart, smokeless powder is an unstable chemical composition. If it were 100% stable, it wouldn't burn with any of the properties that make it useful as gun powder. All smokeless powders have stabilizers and neutralizers added that prolong the shelf life of these powders. Over time, as the powder ages, those neutralizers and stabilizers are consumed. Once they are consumed, the powder can begin to deteriorate. How the powder is stored can have a profound effect on how long it will last. Storing powder in a cool, dark, dry environment is FAR better than storing in a hot place like an attic or unconditioned shed. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.