Powder Storage In Gun Safe - Video

[Insp Evans]

I realize that storing gun powder in a gun safe is not a good idea as it would become a giant hand grenade if the powder somehow ignited. Is anyone aware of a manufacturer (or any one else) making a video of such an explosion? I checked YouTube and found lots of powder explosion videos, but the only safe explosion video was one using a toy safe.

By the way, the Nissan at Times Square that was loaded with explosives (May, 2010) had a Stack On safe loaded with a 250 pound fertilizer bomb. Fortunately, it never went off.

 

[cdk8]

This is not exactly what you asked for, but you may find it beneficial. These guys may also have a video

http://www.saami.org/specifications.../download/SAAMI_ITEM_200-Smokeless_Powder.pdf

 

[hso]

storing gun powder in a gun safe is not a good idea as it would become a giant hand grenade if the powder somehow ignited.

Why do people assume this? Modern gun powders burn very rapidly but aren't explosive. Safes, at least most of the ones we can afford, aren't air tight. Without containment of the pressure to cause bursting of the container an "explosion" is unlikely without other materials present that are explosive.

 

[Teachu2]

Why do people assume this? Modern gun powders burn very rapidly but aren't explosive. Safes, at least most of the ones we can afford, aren't air tight. Without containment of the pressure to cause bursting of the container an "explosion" is unlikely without other materials present that are explosive.

This is partially correct. The ignited gunpowder generates a large volume of very hot gas, which will vent first from any openings in the safe until the internal pressure exceeds the integrity of the next weakest link - causing deformation or rupture of the container to relieve the pressure.

 

[natman]

From the SAAMI paper cited above:

Do not subject the storage cabinets to close confinement.

Storage cabinets should be constructed of insulating materials and
with a weak wall, seams or joints to provide an easy means of self-
venting.

A safe may not be completely airtight, but it's sufficiently airtight that it's not going to vent rapidly expanding gasses fast enough to keep pressure from building.

Weak walls to provide an easy means of self venting are noticeably absent from most safes.

 

[a1abdj]

A safe may not be completely airtight, but it's sufficiently airtight that it's not going to vent rapidly expanding gasses fast enough to keep pressure from building.

I have never seen or heard of a safe accidentally exploding due to the storage of gunpowder or ammunition. However, given a large enough quantity, and the fact that a safe will not vent like traditional storage methods, it is certainly possible.

Although not common in the US (yet), Europe has had a problem with thieves using compressed gasses to blow the doors off of safes and ATMs. Same theory.