Awhile back, FES Brother Rednck & I were discussing powder & some reference works. He referred me to Maj. S.S. Youngs The Three Military Rifles (1997), which is a newer edition of the 1877 & 1878 publishings. It is a small text, only 79 pages. But it does offer some insights into match shooting & reloading of the day.
Last night, I was going through it once again, & the following caught my eye:
Powder.- The best is Curtis and Harvey's No.5 or No.6. It is generally well to mix three or four of the lIb. Canisters, and then put the lot back again, so as to insure uniform density. Powders made at different dates vary somewhat in density, and for this reason the mixing is recommended. If 5 lb. canisters be used, this trouble is avoided. Always keep the powder in a dry place, because, if exposed to damp, it absorbs moisture and loses strength.
Something more to think about
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The ISBN is: 0 948216 15 8
