Suggestions for storing container for powder.

[Ronniefromalabama]

I have acquired a quantity of relatively old powder. While the powder, by all appearances, is in usable condition, the storage containers are very dilapidated, rusted, and in general poor condition.

Any suggestions on what type of containers would be safe and worthy of restoring this old powder, once I've verified that it is indeed good and usable.

I intend to load a few shells in .38 Special to use for testing the powder in my revolver. I'll use moderate loads and appropriate safety measure when firing. I'll test the loads through a chrono and compare with new powder of the same brand and type.

Any other suggestions on using and testing the powder?

 

[rcmodel]

If the factory cans are rusty inside, the powder is very likely breaking down and off-gassing nitric acid fumes causing the rust eating the cans up.

It's lawn fertilizer now.

If it smells fresh, like medical ether, and not like acid?
And the cans are not rusty inside, it may be still be good.

In which case, you can buy empty paint cans and lids just about anywhere that sells paint.


rc

 

[Master Blaster]

Use the powder to fertilize your garden it's not worth the risk. If the containers have deteriorated to the point you describe the powder is also degraded.

 

[Ronniefromalabama]

Hmmmm..... food for thought.

The cans are shiny on the inside and no peculiar odor. it looks and smells just like new powder.

I have plenty of good powder anyhow, I just might dispose of it just to be safe.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Metal God]

I'd say if you must use a different container . Use a modern plastic powder container . I load rifle and go through 1lb bottles rather quickly so empty's are not hard to come by . Just peel the old label off and apply a clearly marked new one . id use something like a index card that is attached with packing tape that covers the whole card and wraps completely around the bottle ( may take two strips ). This way it should not fall off or fade away

 

[TimSr]

I still have a couple of rusty powder canisters from years back, and have finished using up several others. If the rust is only on the outside, there is really no need to change containers, and if its all the way through, the powder is fertilizer.

The best container for storing powder is a container that was designed and made for the explicit purpose of storing powder. A great deal of engineering goes into the proper packaging for preserving the contained product.