LonewolfMcquade
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Cheaper & easier just to get a new wife? KIDDING!!! 
Would you prefer to store powder outdoors or load it and store ammo outdoors?
- Thread starter CQB45ACP
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That was my first thought.Cheaper & easier just to get a new wife? KIDDING!!!
barnfrog
Member
Actually, I think he's kind of just saying there are lots of options for improving the outdoor storage situation, which is true, dependent only on what you're willing to spend and how creative you can be.
I think the underground storage option might be cheapest in the long run. You can improve the insulation of inexpensive coolers by drilling a few holes in the outer shell and squirting in some of the expanding foam used to fill gaps around windows (Google "diy yeti cooler"). Put your powder in, dig a hole deep enough to fit the cooler and put a couple hay bales over it. Should keep the temp very stable from day to day.
I do agree it's a little extreme to say you should give up reloading before exploring all the possibilities.
Soonerpesek
Member
How many different cartridges do you load for. If it's just a few, I would also suggest the "find a friend" approach.
Are you able to keep 1 lb of powder in your controlled environment for your most loaded cartridge?
If it's just a few that you are loading for, double your 5,000 round count and reload when needed.
You have only spoken about powder.....re primers off limits also...?
I understand your concern. But I keep my powder and do my loading inside my home. There is the risk of making things worse if there is a house fire. But that is a risk I'm willing to take. Like you, my only other option is to keep it outside in a non climate controlled environment. And I'm not doing that.
CQB45ACP
Member
Thanks for all those constructive comments.
Together we’re going to find out in real time how long 15 lbs of powder will last in a northern Virginia outdoor setting unless and until other arrangements can be made.
I’ll probably post a “for sale” sign at the NRAHQ range where I shoot but beyond that I don’t know of any reloaders here in the people’s republic of wokism.
Had I known in advance I’d lose my indoor storage option perhaps I’d have bought less. Probably not though.
Perhaps I’ll keep reloading until the cartridges smell foul and simply go pfft.
Together we’re going to find out in real time how long 15 lbs of powder will last in a northern Virginia outdoor setting unless and until other arrangements can be made.
I’ll probably post a “for sale” sign at the NRAHQ range where I shoot but beyond that I don’t know of any reloaders here in the people’s republic of wokism.
Had I known in advance I’d lose my indoor storage option perhaps I’d have bought less. Probably not though.
Perhaps I’ll keep reloading until the cartridges smell foul and simply go pfft.
CQB45ACP
Member
Just 45ACP & 9mm. I do keep 1lb of whatever I’m using in the house till it’s gone—when I unseal a pound of Bullseye for instance I use it until it’s empty.
Primers are safe and warm here in the house.
I like your suggestions. Thanks.
CQB45ACP
Member
Okay
CQB45ACP
Member
Thanks.
CQB45ACP
Member
Thanks
CQB45ACP
Member
Okay
What did people do before there was air conditioning? Keep it dry as best you can.
Personally I'd store it as loaded ammo. If some of it goes bad you still have ammo.
In the mid 1970s we took about 10,000 rounds of rifle ammo out of one of my uncles non air conditioned Wisconsin farmhouse and milk shed. Some of it dated back to the early 1950s. It was all dry and all good. The dynamite that was in his basement is another story.
Personally I'd store it as loaded ammo. If some of it goes bad you still have ammo.
In the mid 1970s we took about 10,000 rounds of rifle ammo out of one of my uncles non air conditioned Wisconsin farmhouse and milk shed. Some of it dated back to the early 1950s. It was all dry and all good. The dynamite that was in his basement is another story.
I've done all my reloading, including storage of bullets and powder in an non air conditioned shed for over 20 years. I do use a ceiling fan to circulate the air. Powder stored in metal cabinet, ammo in GI ammo cans. I check all powder for deterioration before use i.e. smell test, clumping, rust etc. before using. I haven't had any issues to date with any opened powder containers and some have been opened for many years. All the ammo has gone bang when used.
So far so good... BTW it gets HOT here in Va. Beach.
So far so good... BTW it gets HOT here in Va. Beach.
CQB45ACP
Member
Excellent points
CQB45ACP
Member
You and @kidneyboy have given the answers I’ve been waiting for…a textbook example of confirmation bias on my part
Yes, Va Beach gets hot. Lifeguarded there during summers while going to ODU and spent honeymoon there (but that was February).
3 pages and no solution. Air conditioned shed solved my issue when I lived where I did not have room in the casa. There was mention that a lot of people reload in a garage that is not climate controlled. Obviously these people do not live on the Gulf Coast with 100 degree days at 70-80% humidity. I reload in the house and keep all my ammo and supplies in the house. If there was a fire it would not be because of my stash and supplies. ymmv
Akula69
Member
While I get the opinion you don't want to do this....Looking at your investment in components, I would most likely trench and run power to the shed. Simple job that takes a weekend. Then go the Lowes or HD and but a small window A/C unit (even if you have to cut a hole in the shed wall you can still mount it). Shed not insulated? You can fix that as well. Depending on the size of the shed, you might be looking at $400-500 dollars...about the same price as 16 lbs of powder.
Don't want to do that (or can't spend the money)? drive to the nearest member in here you can trust and ask them to store your components for a small fee. Recover as needed.
Finally, the military has stored completed rounds in high humidity and heat with frequent rotation and checking. It can be done...but don't think you are gonna get decades of utility (maybe 1-5 years max).
Don't want to do that (or can't spend the money)? drive to the nearest member in here you can trust and ask them to store your components for a small fee. Recover as needed.
Finally, the military has stored completed rounds in high humidity and heat with frequent rotation and checking. It can be done...but don't think you are gonna get decades of utility (maybe 1-5 years max).
Soonerpesek
Member
I would say there have been many ideas offered up for the OP to consider...
Ideas yes, solution no. Take one and run with it...
CopperClad
Member
My real solution would cause marital strife.
Thankfully my lady is fully supportive of my hobbies, and participates as well.
Howland937
Member
Loaded ammo stored in uncontrolled climate is likely going to last longer than sealed powder. I've got 20+ year old factory ammo in my dad's barn that I don't hesitate to use and never worry if it'll work... because it always has. Pretty durable stuff really. Over 100F in the summer to below 0 in the winter. Get some pretty miserable humidity too. Maybe not to the extent of southern states, but enough that the bread will go stale on the sandwich you just made before you're done eating it.
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CQB45ACP
Member
I hear ya. People here complain about the humidity but then obviously haven’t spent any time in New Orleans or Pascagoula or Mobile. A bunch of us flew to a Redskins game in early September. Oppressive doesn’t do it justice. Locals told us Pat O’Brien’s hurricanes would offset the humidity. They did but we don’t really remember the game either.
Edit: that was September 1985ish
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FROGO207
Member
OP we all find our selves in a situation from time to time.
I store my propellant in factory containers so I can watch for deteriorating conditions. The brass is processed well ahead of time and awaits assembly as needed. This also simplifies things if something happens to me as componants can be readily sold but reloaded ammo not so much.
My recommendation would be to get a small chest freezer and run power to the shed to keep it cold. Get some 14 guage underground feed wire and incase it in 1/2 inch conduit. You could use regular PEX but that is hard to feed the wire through if it is over 15 or so feet. Burry it to protect. Buy replacement cord ends and wire them to the ruggedized "extention cord". Secure well enough by locking the door to the garden shed. Add a couple gallon jugs three quarters full of water (or some frozen food) to help keep the efficency of said freezer good. Just plan on letting the can warm up a couple hours before pouring out the contents to stop condensation. Good luck on figuring it out. Let us know what you decide in the end.
I store my propellant in factory containers so I can watch for deteriorating conditions. The brass is processed well ahead of time and awaits assembly as needed. This also simplifies things if something happens to me as componants can be readily sold but reloaded ammo not so much.
My recommendation would be to get a small chest freezer and run power to the shed to keep it cold. Get some 14 guage underground feed wire and incase it in 1/2 inch conduit. You could use regular PEX but that is hard to feed the wire through if it is over 15 or so feet. Burry it to protect. Buy replacement cord ends and wire them to the ruggedized "extention cord". Secure well enough by locking the door to the garden shed. Add a couple gallon jugs three quarters full of water (or some frozen food) to help keep the efficency of said freezer good. Just plan on letting the can warm up a couple hours before pouring out the contents to stop condensation. Good luck on figuring it out. Let us know what you decide in the end.
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