December 8, 2016
Police are warning gun owners that the high temperatures currently being experienced in southern Queensland could cause gunpowder to deteriorate.
Sergeant Scott McGrath, from the Darling Downs District Crime Prevention Unit, said gun owners sometimes stored gun powder to use when reloading used rounds.
“In extreme temperatures the stabilising agent in gunpowder can deteriorate at an increased rate,” Sgt McGrath said.
“Temperatures inside storage areas could be considerably higher than outside temperatures depending on building structure, ventilation and insulation.
“Police have been advised by powder manufacturers that unstable gunpowder has the potential to self-combust at temperatures greater than 60 degrees Celsius and the life of the stabilising agent can be significantly shortened.
“Police are asking people to review their storage of gunpowder, checking the temperature storage area during the hottest part of the day and take appropriate action to reduce the powder being exposed to high temperatures.”
[Photo: Mountbatten CC BY-SA 3.0]
