
Originally Posted by
Tim Oltersdorf
Powder can go bad mostly due to storage in hot conditions. The acid smell is from nitric acid used in the manufacturing process. Really bad powder will corrode a metal cap, have a strong acid smell and may release an orange cloud when opened. It will burn unevenly, may not burn at all and, worse of all, may spontaneously combust. The thought of this last possibility in your powder magazine should send chills down your spine. Supposedly those powders containing mostly nitroglycerine such as bullseye are the most stable. Powder just going bad will lose its solvent smell first. My experience with this is that it just won't shoot well. I have experienced the acid smell, red cloud and corroded cap. Thankfully I have not had any combust. I know two people who have experienced the spontaneous combustion. both had removed the powder from their magazines prior due to it going bad. I guess the lesson to be learned is if you have any real old powder to periodicity check it (like I do with my old underwear) with the nose test. Tim ps. If you see a red/orange cloud when you open a container of powder DO NOT sniff it.