black powder pistol

Question
I would like to know, after you load your pistol, powder,ball and cap. How long can you leave the powder and ball in the firearm ready to shoot??

Answer
As long as it is kept dry, there is no time limit for the powder to still remain active (at least several years). But I would not leave it loaded for more than one or two days because the black powder is corrosive and may cause the gun to rust. If rust builds up in the nipple, then it may be difficult to fire the gun.

Hope this helps!

Dave