[Sherman Logan]

They also found a fair amount of gunpowder, claimed at 300 lbs in initial reports.

Which will make a dang big boom if mishandled.

[marktwain]

Could make a big boom if mishandled just right. It would have to be in a container that would pressurize the burn. Most gunpowder is sold in containers designed to allow it to burn rather than explode. It is classified as a “propellant” rather than an explosive.

I do not know exactly how it was contained. But it was likely about as dangerous as 10 five gallon cans of gasoline.

[Cboldt]

It has to be contained so as to make pressure. Smokeless poweder in an unchambered round "cooks off" pretty slow, compared with the velocity of ignition when chambered.

I doubt he had 300 pounds in one container/place, too.

[taxcontrol]

No not really. Gunpowder that is not restrained burns fast and hot but generally does not explode. It would have to be inside a restricted container before it goes boom. If stored within it’s original shipping container (made of plastic) it is far more likely to air pressure out the hot spot(s) of the container.