ATTHECROSS asked:
I wanted to ask how I can safely store all of the flamables that are a part of the reloading process?
Store powder and primers in their original containers. The containers are designed for safe handling of the contents and by keeping them in original containers, you minimize the likelihood of using the wrong item.
The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) has published Standard 495 regarding the manufacture, transportation and storage of explosive materials. You can download a copy here:
https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-stan...s/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=495. Unless you live some place like New York or Chicago, your municipal fire regulations - if your municipality has any regulations applicable to residences - are likely based on the NFPA standards.
Powder is a propellant, not an explosive. It simply burns quickly producing a large volume of gas. So long as the gas is not contained, the gas will just dissipate. This is why you want to store powder in containers that will readily vent the gas should the powder be ignited. Section 10-3 of NPFA Standard 495 specifies the use of wood containers of 1 inch nominal thickness (most wooden kitchen cabinets meet this). Such boxes will come apart before the pressure inside reaches dangerous levels. In no case should a sealed metal container be used; you are simply building a bomb.
The active ingredient in primers is an explosive, but the manufacturer's packaging is designed to keep the accidental ignition of one primer from starting a chain reaction (known as "sympathetic detonation"). As the key to minimizing danger from any explosion is dissipation rather than concentration, I suggest primers be stored apart from powder in a wooden container of 1 inch nominal thickness.
I have been reloading for 40+ years. I was given a copy of NFPA Standard 495, Section 10-3 after I had been reloading for about two years. I have followed it closely ever since. During that time, I have had:
- Four gas spills
- Three burning electrolytic capacitors,
- Two grease fires
But not a single incident with powder or primers.