[Mr Twisty]

Originally Posted by Mr_Draco

Gun powder does deteriorate in the can and even in the casing, which is why we don't shoot a round that's been sitting around for 10-15 years. When gun powder deteriorates, the flash point becomes lower making it unstable and will create very high pressure when used.

The "sweet" smell you described is a 100% sure sign the powder is old and beyond it's usage. When gunpowder first begins to deteriorate it will give off an ammonia smell, at this point some say it can still be used if used at lower charges but it's best to throw it out. If left untouched and allowed to further deteriorate, gunpowder will then start giving off a sweet smell. At this point it is 100% not safe to use and is best to be used as fertilizer.

Yeah something caused that round to bind the bolt closed. I mic'd other rounds from that batch, they're in spec but tight in the chamber.

During firing, it was like a magic trick, the bullet just disappeared! Checked for squib, nope, barrel clear.

After firing, the bolt is bound up. I've never had an excessive pressure problem before, but some say that's a sign. BUT, the primer appeared normal and the brass wasn't distorted.

.... I dunno