Loaded Flintlock - problem or not?

spiral · 21st September 2014, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesKelly

Oil will render 19th & 20th century priming compound safe.

Does anyone here know, in fact, that oil will keep corned black powder from igniting? Personally I rather doubt it.

Black powder stays good for centuries.
Try not to kill or cripple yourself.

As a teen-ager I unloaded Grandfather's 20ga shotgun & an old Potsdam musket, doubt that I took proper precautions beyond avoiding the muzzle. Grampa was not pleased that his gun had been left loaded.

Its what I was taught many decades ago, but Ive never tested it.

So yes ignore please my advice!

Some things I was taught HAVE proved to be wrong, over the years..

spiral

Shakethetrees · 21st September 2014, 07:48 PM

I will try to do a test this week and post my results.

CutlassCollector · 21st September 2014, 08:51 PM

Be careful with that! But a definitive answer would be good and I guess many people are interested in the result, especially as it seems likely that there are more muzzle loaders out there still containing a charge.

Internet search throws up some agreement with the oil but nothing definite. Some suggest water is only good as a temporary measure as when dried the powder will resume its explosive ability.
CC

21st September 2014, 07:48 PM	#2
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	I will try to do a test this week and post my results.

21st September 2014, 08:51 PM	#3
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 361	Be careful with that! But a definitive answer would be good and I guess many people are interested in the result, especially as it seems likely that there are more muzzle loaders out there still containing a charge. Internet search throws up some agreement with the oil but nothing definite. Some suggest water is only good as a temporary measure as when dried the powder will resume its explosive ability. CC