Moving Across the Country-How to Safely Pack Powder and Primers?

[gerrym526]

Guys,

Figured I'd post this question to other reloaders here. I'm intending to move cross country with my reloading equipment and supplies. Have several 1lb containers of powder and 4-5 boxes of primers (quantity-1000/box).
Very likely I'll end up using PODS to move furniture and household stuff, and tow a U-Haul trailer with fragile items (TV's, stereo equipment, etc).

What's your opinions on how to safely pack these materials?

Can I put them in the PODs, packed inboxes?

Or should I pack them into the U-Haul?

Or, just sell them to other reloaders and buy new powder and primers where I'm moving?

Thanks in advance for the help.
Gerry

 

[leadcounsel]

Depends on your weight whether to sell and repurchase or keep and who's paying for the move.

But commercial carriers likely won't move them or allow them in PODs or Uhauls for instance. My concern about simply ignoring that restriction would be that if there is a fire/loss then you may be liable for violating their rules.

Technically the military may not reimburse for ammo and guns... or over a certain amount. I don't recall and not sure if you're doing a military move.

You'll have to determine the loss of selling and repurchasing versus the added cost and hassle of moving the stuff. I don't know how much $ you have invested in the powder and primers, or how well the stuff travels... may be advisable just to sell and repurchase if possible.

My advice for future moves - learned the hard way - sell off as much heavy and big stuff as possible because moving it sucks and is expensive. Might be easier to just sell and then repurchase on the other side...

 

[JonB]

I packed all my stuff in one of those plastic storage tubs and took it in my truck - in your case your UHaul. The moving company specifically said nothing hazardous or flammable so I just kept it with me. 5 boxes of primers takes up no space and you can fit a lot of 1lb powder jugs into a single tub.

When I moved from SD to FL, I had all my guns, ammo, and 2 42" tvs in the back seat of my truck. Everything else went into the moving truck.

 

[cfullgraf]

Very likely I'll end up using PODS to move furniture and household stuff,

Look at ABF's moving containers. They are built like mini over the road trailers, ABF will deliver an extra container at no cost and will not charge you if you do not need it, and the containers have the e-track system inside for lashing the belongings down. E-track straps and tie downs available at Tractor Supply, McMaster Carr and other similar emporiums.

I used them to move my daughter from east TN to Houston and it was a better deal than pods. I was even able to make arrangements through ABF for folks to unload the container in Houston. ABF picked up and delivered the containers on the specified dates.

When ever i have moved powder and primers, I have moved them packaged in boxes in my vehicle. Depending on the time of year, I would use the U-Haul trailer. I never left the stuff in the vehicle any longer than necessary.

Of course, that probably violated every fire safety code in the book. At the times, my quantities, including ammunition, were fairly small. Now a days...

 

[Reloadron]

If it were me I would U-Haul them. Just pack the stuff in bubble wrap carefully and they should do fine. As mentioned, most carriers don't want anything like that and if they are aware of it, won't move it. Heck, my sister used a common carrier to move from W, Va, to Ohio and they would not even take loaded ammunition.

Ron

 

[Blue68f100]

Most want take any lawn equipment with gas or oil. Every thing has to be drained before they will take them. Just take the U-Haul and load your valuables and other items you don't want lost or broken.

 

[matrem]

Just wrap em up, put em in normally accepted packing & receive em when you get there.
Why complicate it?

 

[nelson1each]

I've moved several times with all my guns,ammo, reloading equip etc. I always pack the stuff up in the black contico tough boxes that lowes sells. If it's a military move do a partial dity and you can claim the boxes. You don't get reimbursed for them but it deducts from the amount you get taxed on.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Fedex brings them to me double boxed. I would put them in steel ammo cans. Pack them in the U-haul.

 

[carbine85]

Fedex brings them to me double boxed. I would put them in steel ammo cans. Pack them in the U-haul.

This isn't a recommended method of storage for powders or primers, it's probably not a good idea to ship them that way.

How much does it cost to ship them with the Haz Mat fees?

 

[Walkalong]

Pack them in the u-haul you are pulling.

If you ship them in a way that breaks the law, we don't want to know about it, and do not recommend it.