Ok, I have seen several threads on here where people are talking about how and where they store their primers and or powders. I WAS going to keep primers in a .50 ammo can with a dessicant pack. Then I saw where several people were recommending a wooden box, are primers ok stored without dessicant? I WAS going to keep my powders just in a closet in their original containers. Anybody got any feedback for me? I have everything needed to build a wooden box sized to my need and am very capable of doing so, just looking for recommendations. Thanks guys, you have been awesome to me as a newbie!
powder and primer storage
- Thread starter HOODLUM
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oneounceload
member
Just keep them in their original packaging in a cool dry place - all that is needed, unless you are talking about long-term storage, ala "prepper".
Jesse Heywood
Member
You will get a lot of opinions. I keep primers in a 50 cal can, no need for desiccant. Powder in a steel storage cabinet, which isn't sealed very tight. If there's a fire the seal on the ammo can will go first. Wood cabinets are recommended for powder. If you build one make it twice as big as you need now.
Mostly I hear wooden containers because in the event of a fire, the wooden box would be less of an explosion hazard than the ammo can.... I'm not anticipating a fire, but we don't anticipate car wrecks either.... whatever I use will be very well labeled. I had also thought of a 30 mm ammo can for the powder. And no, I'm not a prepper, I just want to be as safe and responsible as I can with my supplies while storing them properly for reliability.
Reefinmike
Member
I use a mosin nagant crate. Its wooden, it latches shut, it was only $5 and it smells like cosmo!
bluetopper
Member
Mine are in a plastic storage container in a room ajoining the garage. It's air conditioned when I'm in there reloading or cleaning guns.
I can't keep cases of primers in a 50 cal ammo can.
I can't keep cases of primers in a 50 cal ammo can.
bluetopper
Member
I don't have enough 50 cal ammo cans!
I have wooden containers for each. My powder is stored in a wooden crate that came with my Hunter ceiling fan. Primers are also stored in a wooden box but it is a Remington shot shell box. They are kept about 10 feet apart in the basement.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
Here is what SAAMI suggest for primers.[/
Here is what SAMMI suggest for smokeless powders.
I have an old heavy duty locking file cabinet I use. Primers are kept in their original containers. The cabinet is maintained in a cool dry environment. The SAAMI link also gives reference to NFPA 495 (National Fire Protection Association) guidelines.
Ron
Here is what SAMMI suggest for smokeless powders.
I have an old heavy duty locking file cabinet I use. Primers are kept in their original containers. The cabinet is maintained in a cool dry environment. The SAAMI link also gives reference to NFPA 495 (National Fire Protection Association) guidelines.
Ron
Mohave-Tec
Member
I've gathered bits and pieces from NFPA, ANSI standards, interwebs or wherever over time but have never read the the full form. Thanks for posting these. Good read and informative. They prompted me to do an accurate inventory. I'm a tad over on primers but not very much. Just for good measure I'll cut 600 or so loose to a friend or load up a largish batch of pistol rounds. I'm at 14 pounds of smokeless powder in their original containers and have no black powder at all. I don't have the wooden cabinets but I have tin sided cabinets with vents directed upwards and I have whole house sprinkler system. My set up makes me comfortable and it is by pure happenstance that my inventory comfort levels fall within the prescribed standards. I've been curious about some of these measures. Now I'm good.
Arkansas Paul
Member
Hmm. Mine are on a shelf.
Maybe I'm doing it wrong.
Maybe I'm doing it wrong.
medalguy
Member
I store my "working stock" of primers on a shelf too. Same with powder. Anything in excess of small cans goes in my wooden cabinets built specially for powder. Primers in a separate wooden cabinet. I never store anything flammable or explosive in metal cans, ever. Wooden cabinets are easy to build and protect me in case of a fire or other event. Moisture in the desert is not a problem.
stargeezer
Member
Reloadron - thanks for posting those links. I've been looking that data and now I have some woodworking to do. 
I also need to check into the legality of storing some of my powder and primers in my barn, some in mt machine shed..and some, I'm just going to be forced to make into ammo. 10k primers and 50lbs of powder in the residence makes things tight.
I also need to check into the legality of storing some of my powder and primers in my barn, some in mt machine shed..and some, I'm just going to be forced to make into ammo. 10k primers and 50lbs of powder in the residence makes things tight. 4895
Member
I found an old Army footlocker circa 1943 at a second hand store for $12. It is made of plywood and has a latch that works with a $5 padlock to keep the kids out. It is large enough for maybe 20 canisters of powder.
Notice carefully that the recommendations were for 10,000 or less primers "in a residence"
Obviously this is a safety precaution.
You might consider building a wooden box with 1 inch thick pressure-treated wood, sealed against moisture, lockable, with hinges made of brass or other material impervious to resting. Partially bury this box so that just the top is above water/dirt. And store up to 10,000 primers in such a box on your property, in a safe location, in Tupperware or other watertight containers. Use a padlock, and lots of grease or silicone in the lock mechanism to protect against the weather.
If you have more than 10,000, in your residence, you may need one or more of such wooden containers scattered in safe locations on your property.
Obviously this is a safety precaution.
You might consider building a wooden box with 1 inch thick pressure-treated wood, sealed against moisture, lockable, with hinges made of brass or other material impervious to resting. Partially bury this box so that just the top is above water/dirt. And store up to 10,000 primers in such a box on your property, in a safe location, in Tupperware or other watertight containers. Use a padlock, and lots of grease or silicone in the lock mechanism to protect against the weather.
If you have more than 10,000, in your residence, you may need one or more of such wooden containers scattered in safe locations on your property.
Constrictor
Member
i store powder in the original cans, in the closet on the floor under the shirts hanging on the rod. its not rocket science.
oneounceload
member
10,000 primers is NOT a lot of primers. Seems like going to a lot of trouble for very little gain.
If you have an attached garage, the contents in that are of more concern to the fire department because of the toxicity involved; in short, don't overthink this. Kept cool and dry, primers and powder will last a looooooong time.
If you have an attached garage, the contents in that are of more concern to the fire department because of the toxicity involved; in short, don't overthink this. Kept cool and dry, primers and powder will last a looooooong time.
bluetopper
Member
I have several cases of primers in their original cardboard packaging sitting on a shelf in my reloading room adjacent to my garage.
I studied upon several storage methods but this one works best for me. I know it's a lot of trouble but I'm worth it.
I studied upon several storage methods but this one works best for me. I know it's a lot of trouble but I'm worth it.
jack44
Member
powders in the closet primers under the bench.
9mmfan
Member
Arkansas Paul said:
Mine, too. It's a long shelf, and they are at either end. Shelf above has a can of Goex, and there's a tin of percussion caps somewhere in the mix. Course you could count the converted garage/workshop as a wooden box, just a really big one.
Hondo 60
Member
Sounds like the perfect container.
In case of a fire, a metal storage container would NOT be good.
But I just store mine on the floor under my reloading bench.
As long as they're inside, in a climate controlled environment, they'll last for decades.
I know others store 'em in the garage in Southern Florida & have no issues.
Maybe it's just me, but I wouldn't do it that way.
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