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What does degraded powder smell like?
Blckhrn
Member Posts: 5,136
I opened a cheap can of LC .308 and smelled something like vinegar. Could this ammo be degraded?
I'm also told that degraded ammo won't fire, can it become more volatile?
I'm also told that degraded ammo won't fire, can it become more volatile?
Comments
It should smell like a solvent, not sour.
Now go back to the suspect can and take another smell. Compare....
Powder CAN self-immolate as it degrades..catch fire. Best to throw it out if there is ANY doubt in your mind....Spread it out on the lawn...it makes fine fertilizer.
Former Member U.S. Navy Shooting Team
Former NSSA All American
Navy Distinguished Pistol Shot
MO, CT, VA.
Now take warning that if this is tracer ammo that this odor is hydrogen gas. The military directs us that if we encounter a bulged ammo can contain tracer rounds we are not authorized to open it but to contact EOD. This is a warning out of my military technical data for small arms ammunition:
Inspections have revealed that under certain conditions,
hydrogen gas may be generated within small arms
tracer cartridges as a result of chemical reaction between
tracer composition and residual moisture in propellant. Pressure
resulting from continued formation of hydrogen gas
within a sealed container will cause a noticeable bulge in
container; a bulged container containing tracer ammunition
can be hazardous.
Thanks !!!
d.a.stearns
Gunsmith / LEO
Niota , Tn
(stick a fuse in it, coat it in several coats of fiberglass. - ignite, ... RUNRUNRUNRUNRUN - or as mentioned, just spread it on the ground as fertilizer or use half a spoonful for each of the plants in your house.)
I prefer to burn or use as firestarter.
Degraded powder will fire - but will probably not make a completely even burn.
Shooting hole in hole groups is most certainly out of the question.