How long can a loaded BP reevolver sit without damaging the cylinder

[pilgrim]

    I just rechecked  my Ruger Old Army revolver and am beginning to get concerned, since it has been loaded, except for the caps, for almost 2 years.  It is a Stainless Steel revolver and am beginning to get concerned that I either need to shoot it or pull the loads and clean it up.   I know,  I MUST SHOOT IT.    Spirit is willing but the flesh is not.   It is already for a home invader,  just do  not want to ruin the cylinder from the load sitting too long.

    Any and all comments are greatly appreciated.

    Always figured that when I retired I would be all set to enjoy shooting  whatever I wanted to.  Lord knows I have enough powder, lead and molds and melting supplies and  primers. 

[hotfxr]

From what I have been told, pretty much forever. That is if it is real black powder instead of that corrosive Pyrodex or any other "muzzleloader propellant" stuff they sell. I have no idea what the official answer is, I gleaned this from asking that same question of every old time black powder shooter I have ever met.

[Hanshi]

Long ago I had a 1858 Army c&b as my only house gun, blued steel.  It stayed loaded for at least 8 months with no damage.  And it fired just fine when I took it out for exercise.

[pilgrim]

From what I have been told, pretty much forever. That is if it is real black powder instead of that corrosive Pyrodex or any other "muzzleloader propellant" stuff they sell. I have no idea what the official answer is, I gleaned this from asking that same question of every old time black powder shooter I have ever met.

       I only  use Goex.   I have 3 pounds of KIK that I  have yet to try.   

[old salt]

I do not know about damage to the cylinder, but back in the 60's we had 2 shooting mishaps with black powder fire arms. One with a civil war rifle the that was a great grand father's that they figured that had of been loaded during the Civil war or shortly there after. the other was c&b pistol of about the time frame, luckily no one was injured.
Just hole in a wall and a full length mirror with the glass shot out.

[pilgrim]

    From the replies,  it is safe to assume that the powder will not be effected.   My main concern is will there be any damage or discoloration to the cylinder chambers?   I reckon I best shoot the revolver and clean it then I will  find out and just store the revolver empty.

[Winter Hawk]

I think the only damage could come from moisture getting and interacting with the sulfur, making sulfuric acid. 

~WH~

[Watauga]

 I have some friends that buy and collect old original powder horns, They say that the powder they find in them is good after more than at least a hundred years!
They also tell me that horns with powder in them don't seem to be damaged by horn worms and empty ones get worm damaged?! like maybe the powder helps keep the worms from wanting to eat the horns....?!?

[bmtshooter]

I would say without hesitation that "it depends".  As long as damp air cannot make its way into the chambers, the powder should be OK for many human lifetimes, and the dry powder should not affect the weapon.  In a revolver such as yours, air might get in from the front of the cylinder or from the rear.  If oversized lead bullets were loaded so as to shave off some of their diameter at loading, we should expect the front will be sealed up air - tight.....no problems.  If the cylinders have been sealed over with grease, it will be even better.  It is how well air is kept out on the rear of the cylinder that could be a problem.  Tight fitting caps on nipples that do not leak around the threads will likely be OK.  If there is a little air getting into the cylinders, it will likely be OK unless the firearm is stored in a damp location.  If your house is climate - controlled, it is probably OK.  All that being said, I think guns are definitely more fun when you shoot them.  Hope you can do that soon.

[William]

    From the replies,  it is safe to assume that the powder will not be effected.   My main concern is will there be any damage or discoloration to the cylinder chambers?   I reckon I best shoot the revolver and clean it then I will  find out and just store the revolver empty.

You needn't worry about discoloration or damage if the powder stays dry. Cannons from ancient war ships have been found underwater with dry powder behind well sealed cannon ball. Corroded on the outside but perfect in the bore.

https://southcarolina1670.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/powder-ball-found-in-18th-century-cannon/

https://pilotonline.com/news/article_d091dd2c-0574-5e7a-ae48-5aebc2fdbbcf.html

[pilgrim]

    Thank you for the advice/comments  and the very interesting  URL links.