powder storage

[camp]

I have always stored my powder in ammo cans but as I was putting some back in the can it occured to me that god forbid I have a house fire am I making a big pipe bomb. What is the safest way to store powder.thx

[RED333]

I keep mine in the jugs it came in, stacked in the closet.
When it gets hot, the jugs melt, the powder will just burn slow.
I think you are right, making a bomb in the ammo can.

[j2flan]

Any confined area has the chance of making it a "BOMB". I keep quite a bit on hand, some not used up in years, I store it in the jug it comes in, on a open shelf in the house. I think if that was NOT safe, all those retail stores would not do it that way. Just my thinking on this

[jaysouth]

I have some powder that has been around 20 years and still works just fine. I keep mine in cabinets in the garage. There are seasonal heat/cool variations, but nothing that has caused any degradation. I just opened an 8 pound jug of HP-38 that I bougth in 2002 (for $79.00!), It is working just great in my .45 loads.

If you powder is bad, it will smell VERY bad.

[Jonnin]

second that, just like inside the gun, its the pressure buildup you want to avoid, so let it be out where it can expand.

[camp]

Okay thanks all, I will be rethinking my storge of powder

[JGunner]

Thanks for this information ... I'm going to be getting into reloading in the very near future, and I have been pondering how to store powder. (I also picked up the ABC's of reloading and have been looking through this). So much good info here on TGO.

[I_Like_Pie]

You know those canvas or plasticshoe holders that your wife hangs on the inside of her closet door to hold shoes? They are perfect for holding 1# containers of powder in your man room/closet/storage area.

Tie racks are great for rifle slings too.


/The more you know.... :-)

[Caster]

I like to keep mine stored in very small amounts inside small brass cylinders of various diameters.

[jaysouth]

[quote name='Caster' timestamp='1352087284' post='839262']
I like to keep mine stored in very small amounts inside small brass cylinders of various diameters.
[/quote]

Accurately calculated and carefully metered small amounts stored in brass cylinders properly stoppered up with a lead plug.

As an aside, I saw a military ammo can full of GI ammo in bandoliers that was in a fire. The top and sided were bowed and blackened but the lid did not seperate and no cases or bullets exited the can. I'll bet that the brass was annealed primer pocket to case mouth, all of them.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

Original containers in cool, dry place. It's usually on the container.
I keep my powder away from the rest of my reloading stuff in a cabinet.

Scary, guys

Edited November 5, 2012 by 6.8 AR

[Dave Shooter]

[quote name='camp' timestamp='1352065549' post='839036']
I have always stored my powder in ammo cans but as I was putting some back in the can it occured to me that god forbid I have a house fire am I making a big pipe bomb. What is the safest way to store powder.thx
[/quote]

SAAMI's answer:
[url="http://www.saami.org/specifications_and_information/publications/download/SAAMI_ITEM_200-Smokeless_Powder.pdf"]http://www.saami.org/specifications_and_information/publications/download/SAAMI_ITEM_200-Smokeless_Powder.pdf[/url]

[camp]

[quote name='Dave Shooter' timestamp='1352148585' post='839503']


SAAMI's answer:
[url="http://www.saami.org/specifications_and_information/publications/download/SAAMI_ITEM_200-Smokeless_Powder.pdf"]http://www.saami.org/specifications_and_information/publications/download/SAAMI_ITEM_200-Smokeless_Powder.pdf[/url]
[/quote]

Thanks that was good information

[runco]

I had this question this morning, thanks for this posting. Very informative.

[TNMTBik3r]

Sorry to dig up and older thread, but a question occurred to me this morning.

I store all of my powder in my walk in closet, on the top shelf where only I can grab it. This closet has a fluorescent light in the ceiling, so about 3-4 feet away from the shelf with my powder. The light is not on but a few times a day for a few minutes.

I know powder is susceptible to sunlight over time, but what about a fluorescent light? I could not find a good answer on Google. Powder is in the original containers, and my thinking is it would take years for the light to affect the powder but wanted to get other thoughts.

[Raoul]

Sorry to dig up and older thread, but a question occurred to me this morning.

I store all of my powder in my walk in closet, on the top shelf where only I can grab it. This closet has a fluorescent light in the ceiling, so about 3-4 feet away from the shelf with my powder. The light is not on but a few times a day for a few minutes.

I know powder is susceptible to sunlight over time, but what about a fluorescent light? I could not find a good answer on Google. Powder is in the original containers, and my thinking is it would take years for the light to affect the powder but wanted to get other thoughts.

 

I think you're safe.

[Luke E.]

I can't imagine a fluorescent bulb ever having any noticeable effect on the powder. Of course i've not tried storing powder for 20yrs+ yet so I can't say for certain.

[TNMTBik3r]

I would imagine it would take a considerable amount of time as well, just wanted to get another couple of opinions.