One more questioning on reloading...

Cousin Pat · March 1, 2010, 10:33 PM

Thanks for your replies on reloading cost. One more question: How risky is it with all that gunpower around? -- I understand it is more burn than explode outside of a confined space, but how to you store things to protect your premises during fire and to avoid dampness, etc. thanks!

**44 AMP** · March 1, 2010, 11:05 PM

Not an explosive. If your house catches fire, and it gets to your powder, you will have a short, hot very intense burn, lasting a few seconds (maybe 20-30 to burn a whole pound of powder, but probably much less). Thats all.

Common aerosol cans and household chemicals can be as bad or worse.

Black powder (the only kind of gunpowder before about 1900) is a whole different matter. It IS an explosive.

Primers are also explosives, but DOT regulations have created the packaging used for safety, and in the event of a fire, they will detonate, but the explosive force is not great, unless you have thousands, and then it is like larger fireworks. Always, always, always keep primers (and powder) in their original containers.

As to the damp, don't store them where its damp. And keep them in their original containers.

When it comes to things catching fire, that can of gas for your lawnmower and the LP bottle on your gas grill is a greater risk than smokeless powder for reloading.

And did I mention to keep them in their original containers?

zippy13 · March 2, 2010, 12:07 AM

+1 on 44 AMP's remarks

Years ago, I learned that you should never sweep bits of spilled powder into an ash tray. Later, I'd forgotten about the powder, and when I snubbed out a cigarette I got a rude reminder.

grubbylabs · March 2, 2010, 12:24 AM

Sorry Zippy but I just got this image of a guy with no knuckle hair, I chuckled a bit.

March 1, 2010, 10:33 PM	#1
Cousin Pat Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Posts: 140	One more questioning on reloading... Thanks for your replies on reloading cost. One more question: How risky is it with all that gunpower around? -- I understand it is more burn than explode outside of a confined space, but how to you store things to protect your premises during fire and to avoid dampness, etc. thanks!

March 1, 2010, 11:05 PM	#2
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,846	Modern Smokeless powder is classified as a flammable solid Not an explosive. If your house catches fire, and it gets to your powder, you will have a short, hot very intense burn, lasting a few seconds (maybe 20-30 to burn a whole pound of powder, but probably much less). Thats all. Common aerosol cans and household chemicals can be as bad or worse. Black powder (the only kind of gunpowder before about 1900) is a whole different matter. It IS an explosive. Primers are also explosives, but DOT regulations have created the packaging used for safety, and in the event of a fire, they will detonate, but the explosive force is not great, unless you have thousands, and then it is like larger fireworks. Always, always, always keep primers (and powder) in their original containers. As to the damp, don't store them where its damp. And keep them in their original containers. When it comes to things catching fire, that can of gas for your lawnmower and the LP bottle on your gas grill is a greater risk than smokeless powder for reloading. And did I mention to keep them in their original containers? __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

March 2, 2010, 12:07 AM	#3
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	+1 on 44 AMP's remarks Years ago, I learned that you should never sweep bits of spilled powder into an ash tray. Later, I'd forgotten about the powder, and when I snubbed out a cigarette I got a rude reminder. Last edited by zippy13; March 2, 2010 at 01:13 AM.

March 2, 2010, 12:24 AM	#4
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	Sorry Zippy but I just got this image of a guy with no knuckle hair, I chuckled a bit. __________________ * (Swinging club) Whack! whack! whack! * Nope, the old nag's still dead . (Capt Charlie)