Storage,primers and types of powder?

[Jericho76]

Hi there all.
So I realize and understand why never to store powder and primers together, but what,beside impact or fire, can set off primers in storage? What type of fire extinguisher is best for controlling burning powder?

Then, does anyone have any links to articles/resources explaining the pro's/con's/applications of the different shaped grain powders? I realize that sounds like a huge topic in itself,so I don't expect anyone to commit a huge amount of time to this,hence just wanting links to existing literature on it.

Thanks gents.

 

[rcmodel]

What type of fire extinguisher is best for controlling burning powder?

There is none.
Fire extinguishers put out fires by starving the fire of oxygen.
Smokeless powder makes it's own oxygen as it burns.
Thats why it will burn inside a perfectly sealed up cartridge case.

If it starts burning, it is too late to make any attempt to stop it.
If you are that close, best grab your azz and kiss it goodbye!

Impact, fire, or friction is all that will set off primers.
Store them in the original factory 100 count packing trays where they are kept seperated from each other, in a cool dry place.
DO NOT dump all the trays into a container for storage as dropping it could start a chain reaction that will blow your socks off.

As for existing literature?
Reloading manuals are full of existing literature on it.
Best get sum.

rc

 

[Jericho76]

That makes sense about the extinguishing. I will be getting manuals in near future(dont worry,I am not going to load without them).

Thanks for the advice.

 

[jack44]

I store my powders in the basement

 

[Scimmia]

Fire needs three things, oxygen, fuel, and heat. You can stop the fire if you remove any of these three things. Since the powder itself supplies the oxygen and fuel, your only choice is to remove the heat. It's possible to do this with water, but you have to be careful not to spread the fire this way. Honestly, for a powder fire, I don't think you'd have time to worry about it.

 

[Hondo 60]

+1 to what rcmodel said ^^^^^

 

[medalguy]

I have about 250 pounds of powder in my loading building. I live in a remote area, not in town. But I can sure tell you, if my powder starts burning, don't get between me and the doorway!!

 

[Sport45]

The fire extinguisher will still come in handy for fighting the fire the powder burn starts. I keep a 10# ABC dry chemical unit in the garage for whatever might be burning.