Blanks & Blackpowder

[Reichrev]

Hello
Need advice--Please, can anyone advise me on a safe method of removing Blackpowder from a live 12g Saluting Blank--leaving powder reusable---ie Could I saw the plastic case or drill it or cut it with a stanley knife safely---Any help/advice gratefully accepted -Thank you in advance

 

[arjay]

A static spark can set it off,I'd leave it be.

 

[gm272gs]

arjay's solution is the smart bet.

That said, I cut open a lot of 12ga. shotshells when I was a kid, to get at that black powder. I have also made "redneck slugs" by making a "cut shell". I used my trusty pocket knife, staying well away from where the powder is.

You can do it, but be careful.

 

[arjay]

Me too :-D, but I'm old and cautious now lol.

 

[Smith357]

I have not seen black powder blanks in many many years, black powder does not age as gracefully as modern smokeless powders, personally I would not do it.

If you feel you must, start with a nice clean open work area, trim off the roll over at the business end of the blank with a razor sharp knife. Cut just enough of the shell to pull out the wadding and get to the powder. Be mindful of static.

 

[mkk41]

Hmmm , most black powder shotgun shells I've ever seen have been in brass or paper hulls. I'd think plastic shells would increase the chance of static charge build up on modern hi-speed automated loading machinery.

Don't think there's much chance of it happening while cutting open a shell or two.
\
But ya ain't gonna get much black powder out of it.

 

[Reichrev]

Hello arjay
Thank you for reply--I wll now leave this alone
Regards
Reichrev

 

[Reichrev]

Hello gm272gs
This appears to be more dangerous than I thought--will give a miss
Regards
Reichrev

 

[Reichrev]

Hello Smith357
Thank you for reply--other replies I have received tend to warn against cutting these blanks ---static appears to be the the biggest danger---I did contact this forum for advice --I will now take this and give my project a wide berth
Regards
Reichrev

 

[Reichrev]

Hello mkk 41
Thank you for reply-I do appreciate your saying this could be ok on a couple of shells but the chance of static which you warn about would be a factor--I do not think its a chance I have the guts to take---Thank you anyway but I will now give my project a miss
Regards
Reichrev