Powder storage question

[us920669]

Very interesting and informative. I buy 1 or 2 lbs at a time, store it inside with HVAC probably 90% of the time. I use a wooden crate about the size of a machinist tool box with metal handles on the sides, figure I can carry it out of the house if needed or toss it out a window. I've noticed that the original containers allow a bit of empty space and feature tops that will pop off, no doubt to prevent too much compression in the event of trouble. As the container depleats I usually transfer the powder into something smaller - I know it's a no-no - but always label very carefully, and what I have been using is a type of bottle for vitamins or nutritional supplements with a screw-on top that has a built in flap that would easily pop open. I also have a piece of paper with a few kernels every powder I have ever used under scorch tape so I can do visual comparison. Even the mystery powders from salvaged cartridges are labeled by cartridge and charge. I don't really go to it very often, but I like to know I've got it.

[WhyteP38]

I put small desiccant packs in my powder jugs. I then store the jugs with large desiccant bags in a cool, dark area. On a regular basis, I "recharge" the desiccant by heating them in an oven per the manufacturer's directions. That may be overdoing things, but the desiccant is cheap insurance against humidity, considering it's "rechargeable."

[RC20]

And chemical reaction between a desiccant and a powder?

Outside the container if you really are soaking wet environment, keep the container full up.

Powder is extremely impervious if you don't mess with it

[WhyteP38]

I'm not a chemist, so I suppose there could be a chemical reaction between the desiccant and the powder, but I'm using desiccant packs like you find in new camera packages, pill bottles, etc. They have a covering - which by necessity must be permeable to some degree - but physical contact between desiccant and powder is still minimal, if any. Plus, wouldn't the nature of a desiccant - drawing moisture to itself - tend against a chemical reaction with the powder? Not being a chemist, I can't really say. Maybe the desiccant bags where I store the jugs prevent too much moisture from getting into the jugs in the first place. What I can say is that I've never had any issues in the six years I've done it.