powder storage limits
- Thread starter fog
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carterbeauford
member
If there are, I've never heard of them. Smokeless powder is an explosive not regulated by the ATF. Just make sure you are storing it safely and you'll be fine.
Car Knocker
Member
Your local fire codes usually address this issue - the Fire Department would be the ones enforcing any restrictions.
cracked butt
Member
There is a limit for black powder, though I do not know what it is- possibly around 15 lbs.
ocabj
Member
http://www.hodgdon.com/data/general/nfpa.php
Up to 50lbs assuming powder "kept in a wooden box or cabinet having walls of at least 1 in. (25.4 mm) nominal thickness."
Up to 50lbs assuming powder "kept in a wooden box or cabinet having walls of at least 1 in. (25.4 mm) nominal thickness."
db_tanker
Member
ugh...I ain't up to 50 lbs.... yet
But I did kype a flammables cabinet from work...very nice.
D
But I did kype a flammables cabinet from work...very nice.
D
Firefighters safety
Local Fire Dept. does regulate powder storage because it is s hazzard to them in a house fire. If you have powder in the house you should at least have its storage area marked "Flammable Solid" or Smokeless Propellant" ( their may be guidelines for proper lableing) for the safety of firefighters. Their job is dangerous enough without more hidden dangers such as a closet full of gunpowder they don't know is there.
In benchrest I never would buy less than two 8 pounders of N133 or H322 or one 8 pounder of say Tac to try out at one time so I would have plenty of one lot after working up a load in a particular barrel. It is not hard to get a lot of powder on hand doing this when you include the 5 lb ders & 4lb ders & 1lb ders etc. and the 2 or 3 jugs of surplus you got for your .223/.308 etc. It adds up fast.
Please mark it for the firefighters sake..... The proud uncle of a firefighter. ( ex Marine also. Mighty proud. Want to keep him around.)
Local Fire Dept. does regulate powder storage because it is s hazzard to them in a house fire. If you have powder in the house you should at least have its storage area marked "Flammable Solid" or Smokeless Propellant" ( their may be guidelines for proper lableing) for the safety of firefighters. Their job is dangerous enough without more hidden dangers such as a closet full of gunpowder they don't know is there.
In benchrest I never would buy less than two 8 pounders of N133 or H322 or one 8 pounder of say Tac to try out at one time so I would have plenty of one lot after working up a load in a particular barrel. It is not hard to get a lot of powder on hand doing this when you include the 5 lb ders & 4lb ders & 1lb ders etc. and the 2 or 3 jugs of surplus you got for your .223/.308 etc. It adds up fast.
Please mark it for the firefighters sake..... The proud uncle of a firefighter. ( ex Marine also. Mighty proud. Want to keep him around.)
AmbulanceDriver
Member
Depending on how the fire department is set up, it is very easy for them to enter a notation in either the CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) or a premise hazard file that there are reloading components at the location. In a smoke filled house, warning placards are not exactly going to be visible.
Go to the website of any powder company, Alliant, Hodgdon, Accurate, etc. and they have the regulations regarding amounts and storage requirments. They also have guidlines regarding proper storage.
Powder should be stored in a powder magazine that is constructed of materials designed to come apart to release the pressure before explosive force is generated. This generally means a wood cabinet but open shelves for limited quantities work too. Metal cabinets like the typical flamable cabinet designed for flamable liquids is not appropriate for powder as it can literally become a bomb by allowing the pressure of the propellant to build up to catastrophic release.
Car Knocker
Member
Despite what the powder companies have posted on their sites pertaining to NFPA guidelines, your local fire code may well be more restrictive and would take precedence. Violation of local fire codes can result in prosecution and, in the event of a fire and subsequent insurance claim, may possibly negate your coverage.
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