Powder Storage

[cal01]

I just obtained a new 8 pound jug of Hodgdon Titegroup powder as a part of a trade for an old 6.5MM Carcano rifle.

I have read a lot about this powder and look forward to experimenting with it in many of my revolver loads.

My question is this. Since this powder requires smaller quantities per load than most others and since I have 8 pounds of it, it will likely last for a very long time. Once I break the seal, should I pour a quantity of it in another well labeled container and then re-seal the jug as best I can, or should I just use it from the jug as needed, keep it tightly capped and not worry about it?

It will probably be several years before I shoot up 8 pounds, given the other powders that I also like to use.

Thanks for all advice.

Cal in TX

 

[gacajun]

As long as you store it in a cool dry place it should be fine in the original container.

 

[41 Mag]

I normally have a couple or three empty one pound powder bottles sitting around for just such things.

I usually take a big blank shipping type label and write up all of the pertinent things like the powder type in big bold letters, then below the lot number from the original bulk bottle as well as the date I opened it.

I also do the same with the bulk bottle as well. I put a label on the back and note when I opened it, as well as how much I pour out and when. I don't actually weigh it when I pour it into the smaller container but figure up to the bottom of the rounded portion as a pound.

I store the big jugs in a filing cabinet, which is kept at or around 70'ish degrees most all of the time. If something goes squirrely with either one I know exactly where the rest is or should be.

(Edited)

After reading this again I didn't want it to sound as though I break the whole big jug of powder down at once. I only pour out what I need into a smaller container. It is much easier to deal with one of the smaller containers when pouring it into a powder measure. I do however try to purchase my main powders in 8# containers.

 

[medalguy]

Breaking the powder into several containers seems to be unnecessary. As gacajun says just keep it in the original container tightly closed and stored in a cool place and it will likely outlast most of us. If you want to load it in small containers for convenience or some other reason, go ahead, although keep in mind the manufacturers recommend always keeping powder in the original container.

 

[Lj1941]

I too put my powder in smaller easier to handle well labeled powder containers. The reason manufacterers warn against repackaging their product is to cover their butts as was stated earlier.They have no way to know whether their product is put in a properly labeled-proper container.

 

[dickttx]

I have the 8# containers spotted around my home, in various closets. The same with 10K of primers (not in the same closet) (10K here, 10K there, I wish 10K everywhere).
I refill a 1# bottle from the open one, with appropriate notes on blank labels.