Storing powder in a metal container

[evan price]

Continuation from the previous thread RE: Storing primers

Point was made to never store powder in a metal container-

I submit to you, the large number of metal powder cans that came that way from the factory. I've got a sealed 1/2 pound can of 800-X that has a tightly screwed lid on it. How is this more or less dangerous than keeping a can of powder in an ammo can?

Comment?

 

[Sport45]

I believe the original containers have seams that are designed to burst before a lot of pressure is developed. My IMR-4320 8# cans have plastic pull-out nozzles that would limit pressure.

The thin cans really can't contain a lot of pressure anyway. Nothing like a pipe bomb would.

 

[Walkalong]

Manufactuers did it for years. The cans will split down the seam under pressure. Plastic is cheaper now, with an added side affect of being a little better medium for powder storage.

I too still have some powder in cans. Still good to go.

 

[Jeff H]

This is straight off the Alliant website. Notice it doesn't say plastic containers only, but instead says D.O.T. approved containers.

Once smokeless powder begins to burn, it will normally continue to burn (and generate gas pressure) until it is consumed.

D.O.T. approved containers are constructed to open up at low internal pressures to avoid the effects normally produced by the rupture or bursting of a strong container.

Storage enclosures for smokeless powder should be constructed in a similar manner: 1. Of fire-resistant and heat-insulating materials to protect contents from external heat. 2. Sufficiently large to satisfactorily vent the gaseous products of combustion which would result if the quantity of smokeless powder within the enclosure accidentally ignited.

If a small, tightly enclosed storage enclosure is loaded to capacity with containers of smokeless powder, the enclosure will expand or move outwards to release the gas pressure - if the powder in storage is accidentally ignited.

Under such conditions, the effects of the release of gas pressure are similar or identical to the effects produced by an explosion.

 

[woodsoup]

I store mine in an old school locker. Vents in the door prevent pressure buildup by releasing the gasses produced by burning powder. I did however line it with 5/8" fireboard to minimize heat transfer in the case of a house fire.

 

[Walkalong]

That is an excellent idea woodsoup. Be sure to put a hazmat label on it (or two) like comes on a powder shipment so fire fighters can see it and will know to take caution.

 

[Otto]

Containers are sold specifically for the storage of powder and they're made of metal. This one is sold by Cabelas and holds 50 lbs.

 

[woodsoup]

True, but my locker only cost me $22.45. And that was for the spray paint and the locker. The fire board was scrap given to me at a condo construction site. Well, it did cost me a six pack. So make that $29.00 even.

 

[Slamfire]

I have access to an Insensitive Munitions expert.

I have asked him many questions about the mechanisms of powder deterioration.

As powder deteriorates it releases nitric acid gas. This will rust the interior of metal cans. Rust particles then fall down into the powder. Iron Oxide acts as a catalyst with the surface of the powder, increasing the rate of powder deterioration.

 

[woodsoup]

What?
I store my powder in it's factory plastic containers in the locker. I have no powder in metallic storage cans from the factory. I use it up to fast to have it laying around that long. In fact given the choice of purchasing brand xxx powder in a metallic container VS a polymer one, the polymer one wins.

 

[FROGO207]

All those powder storage containers that are sold will vent per specifications of a powder magazine before dangerous pressure develops. As stated before the ammo cans will vent before exploding also. This is the same reason auto gas tanks have a plastic or rubber section in the fill line. It prevents explosions due to pressure buildup due to a fire.