Powder storage

[Alabama2010]

I've seen the metal boxes with blow-away tops advertised, but is there any reason not to safely store powder in their original containers in a room that's a/c controlled year round? No kids to worry about, just a couple of dogs.

 

[Walkalong]

No reason at all not to store a few pounds of powder that way.

 

[Steve C]

No real reason it wouldn't be fine. Smokeless powder is a propellant, not an explosive. Read the extracted page from the current Alliant powder on line reloading manual and what is recommended and/or required for safe storage. Most of it depends upon quantity of powder.

 

[HOWARD J]

I had 50 #'s of powder stored for 25 years in top of my garage--hot summer--cold winter
used 3/4 of it in the last 2 years--it worked like new powder..................

 

[bobelk99]

I had 50 #'s of powder stored for 25 years in top of my garage--hot summer--cold winter
used 3/4 of it in the last 2 years--it worked like new powder..................

I am an advocate of storage in a controlled environment (i.e. A/C) but Howard's post proves it still works regardless. Be aware that it may not work the same as when new, but it is certainly safe.

Just remember to not store powder cans in a strong enclosed container. If some freak conditions caused the powder to ignite, a weak container would result in a fire. A strong container, cabinet, vault or whatever, can turn into a bomb.

 

[medalguy]

Good ideas all. I keep my "working stock" of powder in my loading room on the bench shelf. Other powder (and there's a lot) I keep in a wooden storage container I built out of 2 x 6 lumber and in my garage. As a side note, I have an indoor/outdoor thermometer in my garage and also inside the wooden box. Even in Houston, I find the temperature inside the wooden box runs about 15 degrees cooler than outside the box in the open garage. Something to consider.

 

[G36Rick]

My reloading set up is in my garage.I store my powder above the reloading bench.My garage is climatically controlled (A/C and heat).Never had a problem with the heat and cold variations here in Texas.The worse thing you can do is store powders in an enclosed metal storage container.Basically a grenade waiting to explode.Years ago while living in California, I went into a Big Five sporting goods store, and they kept the powders locked up in a huge gun safe in an isle with the reloading equipment. I asked the manager why, and he said due to theft.I told him about the potential hazards and sure enough,two weeks later it was removed and placed on high shelves behind the counter.Never,ever store your powders in a tightly enclosed metal "box". Wood is preferred,as to vent in case of fire.Powders are not explosives,they are flammables.

 

[bluetopper]

Do not store powder in clear glass containers in open sunlight for extended periods of time.

 

[Damon555]

Bama,

I've had an 8# plastic container of WC844 (H335) for about 10 years now. I have never taken any special precautions when storing it. It has been stored in the house most of the time. The powder still looks and smells brand new. I know 10 years isn't a very long time comparatively speaking but that white plastic gallon jug has done just fine. I just use what I need then put the jug back on the shelf.

Just keep it dry and I see no reason why you should have any problems with storage.

 

[rondog]

I keep all my powders and primers in the bottom drawer of a 4-drawer Steelcase filing cabinet, because I can lock it up and keep the kids out of it. It's just a filing cabinet, certainly not a tight container by any means. But it'll keep the kids from taking my powder out to play with fire, and smacking the primers with hammers. Also forces me to only take out the powder that I'm using, so I don't have different jugs on the bench at one time.

 

[Crashbox]

FWIW, I keep mine in an old, dead refrigerator in the (dry!) basement where I reload. It's a post-1958 fridge with the magnetic door seal, of course, so it has an opportunity to relieve internal pressure if need be. And it was free with the $151,000 house!

 

[thorn-]

Powder and primers are stored indoors inside wooden furniture cabinets.

thorn

 

[ar10]

I have pretty close to 50lbs stored in a cabinet I built in the basement. There's a Battalion Chief living about 4 houses down from me and gave me all the instruction I needed. powder, primers, and loaded rounds are in wood cabinets that I built. I used to have some ammo cans to store live ammo but replaced them with plastic ones a couple of years ago. He also set me up with the three smoke detectors and the 2 fire extinguishers and showed me where to place them.

 

[454PB]

It's amazing to me that some people store a spare full propane bottle and a 5 gallon can of gas placed next to two vehicles holding 40 gallons of fuel, but are worried about 50 pounds of smokeless powder......

 

[frankge]

I am about to store my powder, primers, components, and most my ammo in the garage. I live in Florida and insulated the garage and door but Im sure it will hit 80 in the summer. Shold I be concerned? I see people here do it alot. I wont be sitting on this stuff for years just need to space for other stuff and my reloading bench is out there with cabinets.

 

[Alabama2010]

From what I've gathered, unless you're storing it for extended periods of time (ie years), it should matter much- at least not noticeably.