Q: What is the recommended way to store my powder?
A: Store smokeless powders in their original containers, which have been approved for that purpose. Keep in a cool dry place separate from solvents, flammable gases and other combustible materials. Ensure that the storage area selected is free from any possible source of excess heat and is isolated from open flame, hot water heaters, furnaces, chimneys, flue pipes, etc. Avoid storing smokeless powders in areas, which may be heated by the sun or where electrical, electronic or mechanical equipment is operated. Do not allow containers of powder to contact walls of storage areas where the outside wall is exposed to sunlight or any other form of heating. Any such form of heating may result in spontaneous ignition, either immediately or at a later stage, due to accelerated chemical deterioration. An average storage temperature below 25ºC is recommended to obtain a safe shelf life of at least ten years from the date of packing. Increased storage temperature will reduce the safe shelf life significantly – by approximately one third for every 10ºC above 25ºC.

Q: Does barrel length affect the velocity I get out of my loads?
A: Barrel length will certainly affect the velocity you get from your loads. As a rule of thumb, in rifles and pistols, each additional inch of barrel length will change velocity between 35ft/sec and 50ft/sec. However, remember that the chamber pressure remains the same.

Q: How do I know if my powder has gone off?
A: Check containers of smokeless powders on an annual basis. Chemical deterioration of smokeless powder can be recognised by carefully smelling the contents of the container. Any deterioration produces an acrid, acidic odour quite different from the normal sweet smelling odours of ethanol or ether which are usually present. Rusting of metal surfaces exposed to smokeless powder can also indicate deterioration. If the powder looks or smells bad, dispose of it.

Q: How do I dispose of my old powder?
A: Deteriorated smokeless powder should be disposed of by carefully burning it in thin layers not more than 10mm deep and in small quantities never more than 500 gram. Chose an isolated location, which should be at least 10 metres from any other combustible material. DO NOT LIGHT THE POWDER DIRECTLY. Always use an ignition train of slow burning combustible material so that you are able to retreat to a safe distance before the powder ignites.