Loaded Flintlock - problem or not?

Shakethetrees · 19th September 2014, 12:21 AM

Rather than water, I would dampen the charge with thin oil, like 3 in 1. Let it sit overnight.

This will kill any pyrotechnic tendency.

Matchlock · 19th September 2014, 10:31 AM

Hi there,

From aspects of science, and especially chemistry, we know that, with fine dust-like blackpowder before ca. 1600, saltpeter is volatile and such "meal" powder will generally not explode any longer than some 30 years after it got mixed.

In the case of grained 18th or 19th century blackpowder, I would basically recommend being careful.

Best,
Michael

spiral · 19th September 2014, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shakethetrees

Rather than water, I would dampen the charge with thin oil, like 3 in 1. Let it sit overnight.

This will kill any pyrotechnic tendency.

I agree, Id go with this, definitely saturate in oil first....

Spiral

CutlassCollector · 19th September 2014, 10:46 PM

Thanks for the oil advice guys I'll go with that and thanks Michael for the science.
Regards, CC.

M ELEY · 21st September 2014, 04:11 AM

CC, you are going to post a pic of this sea service pistol, I hope!

Always like to see the naval stuff...and do be careful, as all have said. I've got an iron grenado with congealed black powder down the hole that I keep in a cool, dry place!

JamesKelly · 21st September 2014, 05:26 PM

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.

spiral · 21st September 2014, 08:19 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, 08:48 PM

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

CutlassCollector · 23rd September 2014, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M ELEY

CC, you are going to post a pic of this sea service pistol, I hope!

Always like to see the naval stuff...and do be careful, as all have said. I've got an iron grenado with congealed black powder down the hole that I keep in a cool, dry place!

Hi Mark, Just a relatively common Belgian Sea Service pistol but I'll post a pic when I have the ball out and sitting beside it!
Meantime don't chuck that grenado at anyone. CC

Shakethetrees · 24th September 2014, 03:37 AM

OK.

I wet some BP with 3 in 1 oil this afternoon.

Tomorrow I will attempt to set it alight.

I will post the results.

M ELEY · 24th September 2014, 03:41 AM

Hello, CC. I have one of those as well. I'd be interested to know the markings on yours. I'm told they were exported to the Nordic countries, Britain and possibly Africa?? Mine has the standard ELG (Elgin) marking, but I seem to remember another. I'll have to look at it when I'm home again...

24th September 2014, 03:37 AM	#10
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	OK. I wet some BP with 3 in 1 oil this afternoon. Tomorrow I will attempt to set it alight. I will post the results. Attached Images

19th September 2014, 12:21 AM	#1
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Rather than water, I would dampen the charge with thin oil, like 3 in 1. Let it sit overnight. This will kill any pyrotechnic tendency.

19th September 2014, 10:31 AM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi there, From aspects of science, and especially chemistry, we know that, with fine dust-like blackpowder before ca. 1600, saltpeter is volatile and such "meal" powder will generally not explode any longer than some 30 years after it got mixed. In the case of grained 18th or 19th century blackpowder, I would basically recommend being careful. Best, Michael

19th September 2014, 10:46 PM	#4
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 369	Thanks for the oil advice guys I'll go with that and thanks Michael for the science. Regards, CC.

21st September 2014, 04:11 AM	#5
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,206	CC, you are going to post a pic of this sea service pistol, I hope! Always like to see the naval stuff...and do be careful, as all have said. I've got an iron grenado with congealed black powder down the hole that I keep in a cool, dry place!

21st September 2014, 05:26 PM	#6
JamesKelly Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Michigan, U.S.A. Posts: 108	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.

21st September 2014, 08:48 PM	#8
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	I will try to do a test this week and post my results.

24th September 2014, 03:41 AM	#11
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,206	Hello, CC. I have one of those as well. I'd be interested to know the markings on yours. I'm told they were exported to the Nordic countries, Britain and possibly Africa?? Mine has the standard ELG (Elgin) marking, but I seem to remember another. I'll have to look at it when I'm home again...