New to BP guns, storage question

[Tygarys]

I didn't see a real answer to this in the search, since I'm not keeping real black powder, but keeping a small amount of Pyrodex P powder. I recently inherited a couple of BP pistols and 3 cans of Pyrodex P powder. I was wondering if this is safe to keep in a gun safe with a heater-style dehumidifier like a golden rod?

 

[arcticap]

Since it's recommended to not store it at temperatures over 150 F, as long as it's not being stored in a hot oven then it should be fine.

"Conditions to Avoid: Avoid storage at temperatures above 150[F], impact, hot embers, sparks and static discharges." --->>> http://blogs.nwic.edu/rocketteam/files/2011/09/Pyrodex.pdf

 

[Drail]

I am quite sure your local Fire Marshal would prefer you not to store powder in a safe. Why would you want to place it in a safe? Powder should be stored in something that will vent at low pressure. Placing it in a safe is like building a large bomb if your house catches fire.

 

[Catcar67]

You can store it most anyplace in the house where you have fairly normal heat and humidity. Mine is stored in a locked file cabinet drawer.

 

[John Joseph]

I didn't see a real answer to this in the search, since I'm not keeping real black powder, but keeping a small amount of Pyrodex P powder. I recently inherited a couple of BP pistols and 3 cans of Pyrodex P powder. I was wondering if this is safe to keep in a gun safe with a heater-style dehumidifier like a golden rod?

I would not.

 

[Eyrie G. Dogg]

Absent extreme indoor temps it’s humidity that is the main nemesis in long (or short) term storage. I use zip-lock bags with one or two desiccant packets thrown in. Properly stored, Pyro P and black and all the other substitutes will last indefinitely without degrading. (I’ve no idea how long “indefinitely” is - but it’s at least a long, long time).

I’ve inadvertently left a half-pound of Pyrodex P in its original jug for twenty years and then it shot fine. Not recommended - but it does indicate how well it will keep under the right circumstances.

In the bag:

 

[woodnbow]

I am quite sure your local Fire Marshal would prefer you not to store powder in a safe. Why would you want to place it in a safe? Powder should be stored in something that will vent at low pressure. Placing it in a safe is like building a large bomb if your house catches fire.

Our local fire marshal will probably advise his men to just stay back and let ours burn... he’s been inside many times.

but seriously... store it in a metal cabinet which will vent pressure, preferably in a space that’s not going to experience extremes of temperature or high humidity.

 

[paul harm]

Mine, BP and Pyrodex, just sit on a shelf in the basement. I've done it that way for over 40 years and haven't had a problem.