Powder Storage Concern

[UnSafe]

I've got an unopened 4lb jug of WW231 stored in a footlocker inside my shop/barn. Temps range from 15F to about 95F. Will this cause harm to the powder?

 

[Carlos]

I don't think there's too much to worry about. Store in a dry cool area is the key, but not always possible. Get it into a cabinet.

Start loading! And, welcome to TheHighRoad.

 

[Art Eatman]

I keep all my powder, opened or unopened, in my house. Same for my father and my uncle. No problems in the last 70 years or so...

, Art

 

[Standing Wolf]

I kept powder in apartments for years with no problems, and now keep it in the garage. I've used powder that was close to twenty years old—hot and cold by turns all that time—without encountering a problem.

 

[UnSafe]

Thanks for the replies. At one time I was a daily- weekly reloader with 3 presses set up on the bench (Dillon RL 550 for .45ACP, RCBS Rock Chucker for the rifle and low volume revolver cartridges and a Lee "Anniversary" press (Don't laugh, I've loaded thousands of accurate cartridges with the Lee set) for primer removal, or to use in tandem with the RCBS for a low tech assembly line approach.
With the arrival of kids (Now 5,2, one in the oven), a move and the winding down of a long Army career, my attention has been drawn elsewhere, hence the long term storage of reloading supplies in several footlockers in the barn. In addition, although I live in a (Very) rural area, there's no legal place to shoot nearby. The closest ranges are about 40 mi away, so the old practice of loading up and driving to a nearby public range to work up loads, sight in a rifle or just to plink are gone.
I'm thinking about joining a gun club up in OKC (Either Tri City or OKC) to get myself off my butt and back into the shooting game.

 

[C.R.Sam]

Modern powders relatively stable.
Modern containers (usually) protect well.
Cool an dry desired.
But we take what we can get.

Like others above, have stored in assorted places and conditions with little or no bad effects.

Some of the old , real tinned, cans would corrode and powder would sour.

Not likely now with cannister powder.

 

[uglymofo]

I store my powders in a derelict refrigerator in the garage, but before that, I stored my powders in the bathroom vanity under the sink, because that was for me, the perfect "cool, dry" place.

 

[Sven]

I stored my powders in the bathroom vanity under the sink, because that was for me

Wow, dry under the sink, huh?

 

[Route 66]

I took a hiatus from reloading many years ago and I recently have gotten back into it. I am still using Unique and Accurate #7 that is at least 17 years old with no problems. I've kept the powder in army surplus ammo cans that have a good rubber seal and stored in the basement (which can get a bit humid in the summer time). In fact I'm going to the Indy 1500 show today to buy more powder before I run out!

Any suggestions for one powder that would work well in both 9mm and .357? I shoot 115 gr FMJ, 124 gr. lead RN and 158 gr. SWC.

 

[cordex]

I'll be at the 1500 today as well. Wave at the guy in the Oleg shirt.

You might look into Titegroup. I tried Universal Clays in my snubby .357, but got way too much unburnt powder. Better results with Titegroup, though I'll stick to Universal Clays for my .45ACP needs.

 

[Route 66]

cordex.........

OK I'll look for an Oleg shirt but I'll only have to look at about 10,000 people! I go on Fridays because the weekends are aisle traffic jams and even then Fridays are crowded.

I definitely want to stay away from Unique because it leaves a lot of residue and it does not meter well. Accurate #7 in my 9mm seems to burn and meter very well.

 

[cordex]

Run by A-Z Reloading if you get a chance. I think they've got the best selection of powders at the show, and they've always done well by me. They can probably give you some good advice as far as your ideal powder.

I'm wearing the "Human Beings Understand Reason, Compassion, Dignity. Predators understand strength" shirt, FWIW.

 

[Route 66]

Thanks cordex, I stopped by A-Z Reloading and they not only had the best selection but the best prices as well. I appreciate the tip.