What to do with old powder flasks

[moosenuggets]

I have 2 old powder flasks that I inherited. I also inherited some cans of black powder. I am pretty sure the powder in the flasks was filled from the cans but I can no longer ask the person who filled the flasks. Would it be reasonable to pour some powder out and compare with what is in the cans to figure out the granulation? Basically can I use it, or should I fertilize the yard and buy new stuff?

[old salt]

If it the powder has not drawn moistern it will be shootable, pour a little out and see if it will ignite, if it flashes it is good if it sputters or dose nothing The powder in the cans should be as good as the day it was packaged if the lids are on tight, that in the flasks you will just have to see by the test described above

[moosenuggets]

It went boom!

[old salt]

Well I would have to say that the powder is good.

[flintboomer]

If the powder in the flasks or cans is lumpy just pour it onto some newspaper or something and smash the lumps with your hand, then pour it back in and use it. It should work fine unless it got wet, then the lumps will be too hard to break up easily. DON'T SMOKE WHILE YOU DO IT, BUT YOU ALREADY KNEW THAT DIDN'T YOU?

[moosenuggets]

I shot 3 times yesterday, had the kids with me and that was about their attention span. 1st shot didn't even hit the paper, so I'm not sure where it went, the other two were touching. I was pretty happy with that, but it was only 25 yards.

Dad used to load BP blanks in 12 ga shells for a cannon we had. He kept a burning candle on the bench to drip wax onto dryer lint to seal them up. Not sure I'll do that, but I don't smoke so that won't be a problem.

[Red Badger]

If the powder in the flasks or cans is lumpy just pour it onto some newspaper or something and smash the lumps with your hand, then pour it back in and use it. It should work fine unless it got wet, then the lumps will be too hard to break up easily. DON'T SMOKE WHILE YOU DO IT, BUT YOU ALREADY KNEW THAT DIDN'T YOU?

Awww why not?  I'm looking for a new set o wings....

[Hawken50]

  Can yas plays a harp der Bager......?

[Bulldog lady]

Wells if the powder is dry use it, some folks deys a having trouble gettin it.  As for playin, no dey nada, but he sings a good devil went down to georgia!  And a ghost riders ,that make ya think that der herd of steers is on you Arse!!!  Not that I'm a braggin, just facts!!