BP viability vs time - Northern Colorado Rocketry

This topic has 7 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 11 months ago by MikeS.

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)

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February 4, 2010 at 6:27 pm #40908
mule
Participant
I loaded my BP/igniter charges into surgical tubing in Nov. Do you guys think they will be good now?
February 4, 2010 at 7:28 pm #52059
new2hpr
Participant
If we lived in an area with appreciable humidity, I’d be concerned. Water is about the only thing that will mess with BP. It should be fine. Then again, if you’ve got plenty, it’d be cheap insurance to make up new ones. Your call! As Mr. Eastwood would ask “do you feel lucky?”.

-Ken
February 4, 2010 at 8:34 pm #52060
mule
Participant
I was thinking of doing that just to have peace of mind. I’m prepping some birds tonight and tomorrow night, so I might as well do it. Plus, it will be entertaining to get rid of the old BP in my cannon….. 😛
February 4, 2010 at 9:14 pm #52061
Jeffrey Joe Hinton
Moderator
The old saying goes something like keep your powder dry, check your primer (in this case ematch) and let ’em fly – Fire at Will! Unlucky soul – everyone always shooting at him. If the charge was sealed tight, they should be alright. If in doubt, take them out. Use them for ground testing some other time. Failures aren’t as critical when everything is laying on the ground. Help me, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.
February 4, 2010 at 10:40 pm #52062
edward
Moderator
You store you BP in a can and keep it dry. You store your e-matches the same. So, if you store your pre-made charge in a dry environment then I don’t see the difference between storing them separately. I’ve used 2+ year old charges just fine.

Edward
February 4, 2010 at 11:17 pm #52063
Bret Packard
Participant
I agree. I’m certain my charges are sealed better than the tin can my bulk BP is in.
February 5, 2010 at 1:27 pm #52064
Warren B. Musselman
Moderator
I used charges at MHM last year that had been built inside surgical tubing over 2 years before – no problem. Thanks to low Colorado humidity I’m sure.

Warren
February 5, 2010 at 3:21 pm #52065
MikeS
Moderator
I think I have Done Everything Wrong At Least One Time.

I have had charges left in a rocket but not connected to the
electronics and forgot to double check the connection.

My Thor-x was on the pad ready to go when the fire broke
out last year. I will completely take it apart and re-do
everything.

Not that anyone else has the same problems. But I get
cought on the simple things. Like not getting My chute out
and let it fill a couple times. Double checking all shock
cord connections. Just to mention a few

I just switched to the surgical tube type charges. Great way to
keep things dry, and spill proof.
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