What do you store your powder in?

tpcollins · April 27, 2009, 07:10 AM

I used to store my 1 pound black powder container in an old metal army ammo box. Now that's I'm reloading .243 and .40 S&W I've bought 4 various smokeless powders and I'm wondering if a plastic ammo-type container is sufficient or should I have some type of metal safe to keep them in? (I know to keeps primers seperate from powder). Thanks.

Dingoboyx · April 27, 2009, 07:26 AM

I keep my powders in their original containers in an old refrigerator (with a padlock on it) I figure there wouldn't be much fresh air in there and the fridge is obviously well insulated for temperature fluctuation.

I have toyed with putting a 25 watt light bulb in there to provide a little heat and reduce humidity for winter (in a glass jar, incase the bulb goes bang) it gets to -12c here in winter. The fridge is in my reloading bunker in the back of my shed.

Sevens · April 27, 2009, 08:16 AM

The risk with smokeless powder is that it's contained in some sealed manner that will allow it to build pressure and explode. So a metal or sealed container of any sort (especially a safe!) is a very bad idea.

I have 14 pounds of powder on hand. Because my bench is in the basement where it's much more humid, I keep the cans with the lids closed tightly in a rubbermaid type plastic tote box. Keeps all of them together, but all gives them a closed container where I can put desiccant inside to keep the humidity away. It's not a sealed container.

Most of the chemicals under the kitchen sink and (for sure) the can of gasoline in the garage are much bigger risks than a few pounds of smokeless in the house.

Magnum Wheel Man · April 27, 2009, 08:37 AM

I'm still using the old refridgerator my father in law set up years ago ( my black powder is stored in a wooden box ) the old fridge has the latch removed, & has a very small padlock hasp that is just sheet metal screwed to the door ( a good hard pull could pull out the screws ) I just use a pin in the hasp to hold the door closed

I would be really wary of storing powder in an ammo can... IMO, a typical cooler would be a better choice, metal, or plastic, as long as the lid does not latch with a strong enough mechanism to allow detonation

freakshow10mm · April 27, 2009, 09:08 AM

Original canisters on an open shelf.

James R. Burke · April 27, 2009, 06:53 PM

I have heard if there stored in something it should be able to give very easy, or just keep on the shelf in there container if your safe with kids etc. I keep mine in wooden cabinets with a padalock. One for primers, and one for powder.

rwilson452 · April 27, 2009, 06:59 PM

A 25 watt is five times more than you need. a 5 watt will do.

Quote:

I have toyed with putting a 25 watt light bulb in there to provide a little heat and reduce humidity for winter (in a glass jar, incase the bulb goes bang) it gets to -12c here in winter. The fridge is in my reloading bunker in the back of my shed.

45Marlin carbine · April 27, 2009, 07:20 PM

both BP and smokeless in a cool/dry out of sun area. (basement actually)
I have smokeless that's 15 yrs been there. tightly capped of course.

Rembrandt · April 27, 2009, 07:39 PM

Here's what I found with a little internet searching, SAAMI recomendations.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR STORAGE
OF SMOKELESS POWDER

Smokeless powder is intended to function by burning, so it must be protected against accidental exposure to flame, sparks or high temperatures.

For these reasons, it is desireable that storage enclosures be made of insulating materials to protect the powder from external heat sources.

Once smokeless powder begins to burn, it will normally continue to burn (and generate pressure) until it is consumed.

D.O.T.-approved containers are constructed of to open up at low internal pressures to avoid the effects normally produced by the rupture or bursting of a strong container.

Storage enclosures for smokeless powder should be constructed in a similar manner.

1. Of fire-resistant and heat-insulating materials to protect the contents from heat.
2. Sufficiently large to satisfactorily vent the gaseous products of combustion which would result if the quantity of smokeless powder within the enclosure accidentally ignited.

If a small, tightly enclosed storage enclosure is loaded to capacity with containers of smokeless powder, the walls of the enclosure will expand or move outwards to release the gas pressure - if the powder in storage is accidentally ignited.

Under such conditions, the effects of the release of gas pressure are similar to to the effects produced by an explosion.

Hence, only the smallest practical quantities of smokeless powder should be kept in storage, and then in strict compliance with all applicable regulations and recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association (reprint at end of leaflet).

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STORAGE OF
SMOKELESS POWDER

STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE. Be sure the storage area selected is free from any possible sources of excess heat and is isolated from open flame, furnaces, hot water heaters, etc. Do not store smokeless powder where it will be exposed to the sun's rays. Avoid storage in ares where mechanical or electrical equipment is in operation. restrict from the storage areas heat or sparks which may result from improper, defective or overloaded electrical circuits.

DO NOT STORE SMOKELESS POWDER IN THE SAME AREA WITH SOLVENTS, FLAMMABLE GASES OR HIGHLY COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.

STORE ONLY IN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION APPROVED CONTAINERS. Do not transfer the powder from an approved container into one which is not approved.

DO NOT SMOKE IN AREAS WHERE POWDER IS STORED OR USED. Place appropriate "No Smoking" signs in these areas.

DO NOT SUBJECT THE STORAGE CABINETS TO CLOSE CONFINEMENT.

STORAGE CABINETS SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED OF INSULATING MATERIALS WITH A WEAK WALL, SEAMS OR JOINTS TO PROVIDE AN EASY MEANS OF SELF-VENTING.

DO NOT KEEP OLD OR SALVAGED POWDERS. Check old powders for deterioration regularly. Destroy deteriorated powders immediately.

OBEY ALL REGULATIONS REGARDING QUANTITY AND METHODS OF STORING. Do not store all your powders in one place. If you can, maintain separate storage locations. Many small containers are safer than one or more large containers.

KEEP YOUR STORAGE AND USE AREA CLEAN. Clean up spilled powder promptly. Make sure the surrounding area is free of trash or other readily combustible materials.

http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill...1/saami_pw.htm

bfoosh006 · April 27, 2009, 08:37 PM

For smaller quantities a large camping cooler works very well, also.

crowbeaner · April 27, 2009, 08:47 PM

I store mine in the original containers in a DOT approved wooden box.

isanchez2008 · April 28, 2009, 12:01 AM

Old fridge that is not plugged in with a couple moisture absorbers in them. No latch. If pressure builds the door will open on its own easily. Probably 5lbs of different kinds of smokeless powder.

Slamfire · April 28, 2009, 07:06 PM

Quote:

I'm wondering if a plastic ammo-type container is sufficient or should I have some type of metal safe to keep them in?

When powder deteriorates it produces nitric acid gas. That gas creates heat. You want a container that will pop open with very little resistance if the powder ignites. The best storage conditions are dry cold.

Incidentally the Navy stored old cannon powder under water. But I think the stuff was being stored for demilling or recycling.

When powder goes bad inside ordnance it explodes. Ordnance use hard shelled containers which do not open at low pressures.

You don't want your reloading room to go like this:

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=13c_1205681217

Dr. Strangelove · April 28, 2009, 08:21 PM

The original containers right on my loading bench. Don't sweat it. Where do you store your car at night? In the garage? That's at least 15 gallons of gasoline right there, on a full tank...

pcoliver · April 28, 2009, 11:16 PM

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) No. 495, Explosive Materials Code, 2006 Edition, say the following about residential storage of smokeless propellants:

14.3.7 Quantities.

14.3.7.1 Smokeless propellants intended for personal use in quantities not exceeding 9.1 kg (20 lb) shall be permitted to be stored in original containers in residences.

14.3.7.2 Quantities exceeding 9.1 kg (20 lb), but not exceeding 22.7 kg (50 lb), shall be permitted to be stored in residences where kept in a wooden box or cabinet having walls of at least 25.4 mm (1 in.) nominal thickness.

PowderBurn14 · April 30, 2009, 05:32 AM

I have about 30 pounds of assorted powder. I store mine in a wooden cabinet hung above my reloading bench. It is about 2 feet wide by 3 1/2 feet tall. It has 4 shelves inside, powder on the bottom, primers on top, bullets and shot wads in the middle. It is made of 1" pine and has a key lock. It is unsealed, so air can circulate and vent if needed. I got the cabinet free from an old building that was being torn down.

Xwrench3 · April 30, 2009, 08:06 AM

i keep my powder in the original containers, inside a cabinete with doors. it is not sealed tightly, but keeps it up and away from my kids. if for some reason, there was a fire, and the powder burned, the gasses would simply push the doors open if there was enough pressure to do so. but like i said, it is not tightly sealed, so i really doubt it would even do that. my only worries about a fire, would be the ammo that is stored in ammo cans. i know it would take a lot of heat to make them go off. but being sealed tightly, i am not sure what would happen.

April 27, 2009, 07:10 AM	#1
tpcollins Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2009 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 408	What do you store your powder in? I used to store my 1 pound black powder container in an old metal army ammo box. Now that's I'm reloading .243 and .40 S&W I've bought 4 various smokeless powders and I'm wondering if a plastic ammo-type container is sufficient or should I have some type of metal safe to keep them in? (I know to keeps primers seperate from powder). Thanks. __________________ What direction did that last shot at Kennedy come from?

April 27, 2009, 07:26 AM	#2
Dingoboyx Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2009 Location: South East Queensland, Australia Posts: 1,513	I keep my powders in their original containers in an old refrigerator (with a padlock on it) I figure there wouldn't be much fresh air in there and the fridge is obviously well insulated for temperature fluctuation. I have toyed with putting a 25 watt light bulb in there to provide a little heat and reduce humidity for winter (in a glass jar, incase the bulb goes bang) it gets to -12c here in winter. The fridge is in my reloading bunker in the back of my shed. __________________ Muzza If you cant blind them with brilliance, Baffle them with BS Be alert...... there is a shortage of LERTs

April 27, 2009, 08:16 AM	#3
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 6,862	The risk with smokeless powder is that it's contained in some sealed manner that will allow it to build pressure and explode. So a metal or sealed container of any sort (especially a safe!) is a very bad idea. I have 14 pounds of powder on hand. Because my bench is in the basement where it's much more humid, I keep the cans with the lids closed tightly in a rubbermaid type plastic tote box. Keeps all of them together, but all gives them a closed container where I can put desiccant inside to keep the humidity away. It's not a sealed container. Most of the chemicals under the kitchen sink and (for sure) the can of gasoline in the garage are much bigger risks than a few pounds of smokeless in the house. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

April 27, 2009, 08:37 AM	#4
Magnum Wheel Man Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern Minnesota Posts: 6,991	I'm still using the old refridgerator my father in law set up years ago ( my black powder is stored in a wooden box ) the old fridge has the latch removed, & has a very small padlock hasp that is just sheet metal screwed to the door ( a good hard pull could pull out the screws ) I just use a pin in the hasp to hold the door closed I would be really wary of storing powder in an ammo can... IMO, a typical cooler would be a better choice, metal, or plastic, as long as the lid does not latch with a strong enough mechanism to allow detonation __________________ In life you either make dust or eat dust...

April 27, 2009, 07:39 PM	#9
Rembrandt Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2002 Posts: 1,795	Here's what I found with a little internet searching, SAAMI recomendations. CONSIDERATIONS FOR STORAGE OF SMOKELESS POWDER Smokeless powder is intended to function by burning, so it must be protected against accidental exposure to flame, sparks or high temperatures. For these reasons, it is desireable that storage enclosures be made of insulating materials to protect the powder from external heat sources. Once smokeless powder begins to burn, it will normally continue to burn (and generate pressure) until it is consumed. D.O.T.-approved containers are constructed of to open up at low internal pressures to avoid the effects normally produced by the rupture or bursting of a strong container. Storage enclosures for smokeless powder should be constructed in a similar manner. 1. Of fire-resistant and heat-insulating materials to protect the contents from heat. 2. Sufficiently large to satisfactorily vent the gaseous products of combustion which would result if the quantity of smokeless powder within the enclosure accidentally ignited. If a small, tightly enclosed storage enclosure is loaded to capacity with containers of smokeless powder, the walls of the enclosure will expand or move outwards to release the gas pressure - if the powder in storage is accidentally ignited. Under such conditions, the effects of the release of gas pressure are similar to to the effects produced by an explosion. Hence, only the smallest practical quantities of smokeless powder should be kept in storage, and then in strict compliance with all applicable regulations and recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association (reprint at end of leaflet). RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STORAGE OF SMOKELESS POWDER STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE. Be sure the storage area selected is free from any possible sources of excess heat and is isolated from open flame, furnaces, hot water heaters, etc. Do not store smokeless powder where it will be exposed to the sun's rays. Avoid storage in ares where mechanical or electrical equipment is in operation. restrict from the storage areas heat or sparks which may result from improper, defective or overloaded electrical circuits. DO NOT STORE SMOKELESS POWDER IN THE SAME AREA WITH SOLVENTS, FLAMMABLE GASES OR HIGHLY COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. STORE ONLY IN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION APPROVED CONTAINERS. Do not transfer the powder from an approved container into one which is not approved. DO NOT SMOKE IN AREAS WHERE POWDER IS STORED OR USED. Place appropriate "No Smoking" signs in these areas. DO NOT SUBJECT THE STORAGE CABINETS TO CLOSE CONFINEMENT. STORAGE CABINETS SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED OF INSULATING MATERIALS WITH A WEAK WALL, SEAMS OR JOINTS TO PROVIDE AN EASY MEANS OF SELF-VENTING. DO NOT KEEP OLD OR SALVAGED POWDERS. Check old powders for deterioration regularly. Destroy deteriorated powders immediately. OBEY ALL REGULATIONS REGARDING QUANTITY AND METHODS OF STORING. Do not store all your powders in one place. If you can, maintain separate storage locations. Many small containers are safer than one or more large containers. KEEP YOUR STORAGE AND USE AREA CLEAN. Clean up spilled powder promptly. Make sure the surrounding area is free of trash or other readily combustible materials. http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill...1/saami_pw.htm Last edited by Rembrandt; April 27, 2009 at 07:45 PM.

April 27, 2009, 09:08 AM	#5
freakshow10mm Junior member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Location: MI Posts: 1,398	Original canisters on an open shelf.

April 27, 2009, 06:53 PM	#6
James R. Burke Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: U.P. of Mich/Quinnesec Posts: 1,897	I have heard if there stored in something it should be able to give very easy, or just keep on the shelf in there container if your safe with kids etc. I keep mine in wooden cabinets with a padalock. One for primers, and one for powder.

April 27, 2009, 07:20 PM	#8
45Marlin carbine Junior member Join Date: January 26, 2007 Location: South-Western North Carolina Posts: 1,124	both BP and smokeless in a cool/dry out of sun area. (basement actually) I have smokeless that's 15 yrs been there. tightly capped of course.

April 27, 2009, 08:37 PM	#10
bfoosh006 Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2009 Posts: 283	For smaller quantities a large camping cooler works very well, also.

April 27, 2009, 08:47 PM	#11
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,934	I store mine in the original containers in a DOT approved wooden box. __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

April 28, 2009, 12:01 AM	#12
isanchez2008 Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2008 Location: WA Posts: 344	Old fridge that is not plugged in with a couple moisture absorbers in them. No latch. If pressure builds the door will open on its own easily. Probably 5lbs of different kinds of smokeless powder.

April 28, 2009, 08:21 PM	#14
Dr. Strangelove Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2008 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 1,406	The original containers right on my loading bench. Don't sweat it. Where do you store your car at night? In the garage? That's at least 15 gallons of gasoline right there, on a full tank...

April 28, 2009, 11:16 PM	#15
pcoliver Junior Member Join Date: October 15, 2008 Posts: 7	National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) No. 495 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) No. 495, Explosive Materials Code, 2006 Edition, say the following about residential storage of smokeless propellants: 14.3.7 Quantities. 14.3.7.1 Smokeless propellants intended for personal use in quantities not exceeding 9.1 kg (20 lb) shall be permitted to be stored in original containers in residences. 14.3.7.2 Quantities exceeding 9.1 kg (20 lb), but not exceeding 22.7 kg (50 lb), shall be permitted to be stored in residences where kept in a wooden box or cabinet having walls of at least 25.4 mm (1 in.) nominal thickness.

April 30, 2009, 05:32 AM	#16
PowderBurn14 Member Join Date: April 24, 2009 Location: East Central Minnesota Posts: 18	Powder Storage I have about 30 pounds of assorted powder. I store mine in a wooden cabinet hung above my reloading bench. It is about 2 feet wide by 3 1/2 feet tall. It has 4 shelves inside, powder on the bottom, primers on top, bullets and shot wads in the middle. It is made of 1" pine and has a key lock. It is unsealed, so air can circulate and vent if needed. I got the cabinet free from an old building that was being torn down. __________________ If at first you don't suceed, skydiving is not for you!

April 30, 2009, 08:06 AM	#17
Xwrench3 Member Join Date: April 24, 2009 Posts: 90	i keep my powder in the original containers, inside a cabinete with doors. it is not sealed tightly, but keeps it up and away from my kids. if for some reason, there was a fire, and the powder burned, the gasses would simply push the doors open if there was enough pressure to do so. but like i said, it is not tightly sealed, so i really doubt it would even do that. my only worries about a fire, would be the ammo that is stored in ammo cans. i know it would take a lot of heat to make them go off. but being sealed tightly, i am not sure what would happen.