[rayra]

Not sure if this is better in this forum, or in Legal -

Looking for any linkage to Code limitations on the Residential possession and storage of smokeless powder and primers. Been plowing through CA-DOJ and Google for over an hour, and my keyword searches aren't turning anything up.

I've been reloading for ~15yrs, and it's never been an issue, nor have I seen this information publicized anywhere.
After seeing the story of the murdered FL gun dealer, and the media ignorance about his weapons collection, I figured I would look over my own hobbies and ensure I knew the all the possible relevant laws.

So, anyone have a link handy, or can point me to a definitive source for the information?

Thanks in advance.

[larryw]

Local ordinances take precedence here. Call your local fire dept and ask the hazardous materials people, and ask them to send you a copy of the ordinance. Make sure they give you the number for smokeless powder and not black powder as the storage limits are much lower for BP.

[Cal4D4]

Primers = 10,000
Powder = 20#.

The limits are per NFPA 495 regs as listed here:

http://64.70.221.101/gloss/storage2.html

and here:

http://www.saami.org/publications.html#primers

"11-5.4 No more than 10,000 small arms primers may be stored in residences."

and here:

http://www.accuratepowder.com/nfpa.htm

"10-3.7 Smokeless propellants intended for personal use in quantities not exceeding 20 lb (9.1 kg) may be stored in original containers in residences. Quantities exceeding 20 lb (9.1 kg) but not exceeding 50 lb (22.7 kg), may be stored in residences if kept in a wooden box or cabinet having walls of at least 1-inch (25.4 mm) nominal thickness."



Your municipality may vary.

[C.R.Sam]

Cal4d4....thanks for the links.

Sam

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

It is no ones business that you own a weapon of any kind or components for making your own ammo.

Inquiries of any kind about them makes a paper trail that can be read by many people and where can the information go?

Can you be burglarized? Be placed on a list for future confication?

Who knows?

The less people knowing about me and my hobby the better.

Store your materials safely and bury any excess you may worry about in 50 caliber ammo cans if needed.

[rayra]

Thanks for all the (attempted) answers, folks.

And while I'm am worried (with a small 'p') about poking the Dragon too much in my Search for this info, at the same time "Ignorance of the Law is No Excuse". I'm well below the quantities posted here, so I have little/no concern, but I want to KNOW what the Law requires.

I've tried another round of searches and 4 phone calls this morning, trying to get the info, and have been re-directed every time. Can't seem to find the office that can quote a Code, and that itself is an indictment of a poor system. Unlike many other legal codes, the Fire code for my area is not on-line anywhere, either.
I may just wind up at the Library looking it up the old-fashioned way.

[rayra]

Here's a few more info sources, that might help or apply to others -

http://www.recguns.com/Sources/VIIE6.html , 6. Safe Storage of Powder and Primers

http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca/50/61/50-61-121.htm , Montana Restrictions on storage of smokeless powder and small arms primers

http://www.alliantpowder.com/safety/storage.php , Alliant's powder storage section

Illinois seems to have a 25# limit - http://dnr.state.il.us/mines/bed/Explosive.htm

Cabela's has a nice cabinet - http://www.cabelas.com/information/Hunting--Optics/Lockable-Powder-Storage-Container0012533.html

and the CA Health and Safety Code 12102 seems to speak to it, while at the same time passing the buck to Local authorities - http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cacodes/hsc/12101-12112.html

[larryw]

Paul, no paper trail: one must know and follow the local laws. In the event of a fire or similar event, it would be a real problem if my insurance company decided they didn't have the obligation to cover my house because I was in violation of the law regarding storage of powder and primers.

NFA 495 is a recommendation, not actual law. Some municipalities (my own included) use that as the basis for storage and limits. Others, like a community neighboring mine, go off on a wild tangent and make up their own numbers. But as responsible citizens, we follow the law and work to change those we don't agree with.

Rayra, ask your library or area university if they have the local fire codes available.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to put my tinfoil hat on. :D

[rayra]

just a bump while cleaning up my old Favorites list. I still haven't found out the local info, will visit a library next week for research...