Powder/Primer Storage in a Gunsafe (?)

[2Barrels]

Is it or is it not advisable? Considerations:

1) In a gunsafe it will be dessicated by whatever method is used to dehumidify the safe (rod, dessicant, etc.)
2) It will be protected from fire and thus ignition vs. another part of the home, but...
3) In theory, during an extended fire the iside of the safe will heat up and possibly ignite the powder inside and therefore create an incredibly intense inferno within. At what temperature does smokeless powder reach ignition?

Thanks for the benefit of your opinions.

2B

 

[Satch]

Powder/primer

I store my p/p in a wood box ,1in. thick wood,with out a lock on it. A locked box would explode if a fire got through the wood. most reloaders store p/p this way. An interesting thing to think about is that most homes have chemicals and gasoline around that is not stored "safely" that would cause more damage than p/p in a fire.

 

[Dave P]

Primers may be OK in safe, but the powder under pressure is more like a bomb. Keep powder in something softer, or just on the shelf.

 

[dragongoddess]

With me thinking about getting serious with IPSC reloading is now imporant due to cost. So everyone stores priners and powder in wooden boxes? Are there any other specific safety precautions I should take.

 

[a1abdj]

Safes are designed to protect valuables, not to store explosives.

I would store in one of the previously mentioned ways, or look into purchasing a cabinet designed for housing explosive and/or flamible materials.

 

[scout26]

This was recently discussed in the handloading/reloading section of THR. The thread was titled "Do I have a BOMB in my house ??"

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=224167

Short answer, do not store powder/primers in a safe. They need to be stored so that if there is a fire, they will burn and not build up explosive pressure. On a open shelf, in their original containers is the best way to store powder/primers. Also keep them seperated.

 

[2Barrels]

OK thanks to all. What about ammo storage in a safe?

 

[Smokey Joe]

Ammo is powder + primer!!

2Barrels--you don't store ammo in yr safe for the 'zack' same reasons you don't store primers & powder in yr safe. After all, besides the cases and projectiles, of what does ammo consist?

The standard advice is to lock it up separate from the firearms anyhow, so if the kids get at the guns they still can't shoot themselves.

Lock the ammo in a closet or some such. If it "cooks off" in a fire you want it to just burn.