Man killed by Civil War Relic

Propellants and explosives tend to become more unstable over time.

You'd think someone interested in the subject would have been smart enough to have his collection inerted.
 
Black powder is extremely hygroscopic (susceptible to moisture) and easily becomes inert all by itself if exposed to the elements. My guess is that he was drilling out the fuse with the projectile in a bucket of water. He just found one that was still sealed after nearly 150 years and the drill bit caused a spark inside an air pocket before the water got to it. Its a real shame for his family. I guess that technically makes him a Civil War casualty in 2008.
 
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