[fredmc]

I just purchased a HF pc kit and some of thier black powder(which I understand is not the best LOL)

To get a basic feel for how it all works I shot some black powder onto a piece of aluminum after cleaning it with laquer thinner.

I then set up a crude oven using a torpedo heater and a box made of fireproof sheetrock. I watched as the powder started to flow and it appeared shinny at that point. So I let it cook for 10 minutes or so and when I checked the temp had got up to about 450 at which point I reduced it to 400. Due to the crudeness of the "oven" I'm sure the temp fluctuated wildly so I'm not surprised at the result.

Is the likely cause of dullness the cooking process?

Thanks

Fred Mc.