best way to store an opened 8lb container of powder

[rockwind1]

i use h1000 for my main hunting rifle but I really don't load for it that often so the 8lb container is going to last a long, long time i think but it has been opened so,,,,,,. i would assume it is best to tightly seal the container,,, has anyone experimented with good ways to seal the cap? i put a double layer of saran wrap over it and then screw the cap on. seems tight. i also keep it inside my house where the temp is consistent.

any other thoughts? thanks in advance

 

[OKyote73]

Sounds good enough to me...

 

[skeeljc]

If you save the white insert that was under the cap originally it will seal the container just fine.

 

[alf]

I started using some H-322 this past year that I bought new in 1991.

It had been opened previously, all I did was screw the lid back on per normal.

Powder and primers get stored in a middle of the house closet, which doesn't see drastic temperature or humidity changes.

 

[rkittine]

I screw the cap back on and it goes in my modified refrigerator (Door latch removed and replaced with a magnetic lock that will blow open with very little pressure, way before any pressure would build up), which I picked up for free from someone upgrading their home refrigerator. Runs at the base setting to keep out moisture.

Bob

 

[Ranger007]

If you save the white insert that was under the cap originally it will seal the container just fine.

+1 THIS. A few kegs I have going on 7 years and zero issues.

 

[lightman]

What you are doing should work. If it would make you feel better you could put a couple of wraps of electrical tape around the cap where it meets the neck of the jug.

 

[Shooter13]

I have seen guys store (EDIT) the container in a plastic zip loc baggie (Glad I think), they would squeeze the air out and seal. Not sure if it is any better than just the cap and insert.

 

[cw308]

I have two one pounders of two different powders that I stopped using , they sat in my cabinet for at least 8 years , started using them due to the shortages and they worked fine , both were two thirds used. As long as you close the cap on the 8 pounder you'll be fine. 8 pounders are hard to find now a days , your a lucky guy or you spent and arm and a lung for it..
Chris

 

[450shooter]

I've wondered about what kind of shelf life you could get out of powder or primers if you vacuum packed them?

 

[rockwind1]

I have two one pounders of two different powders that I stopped using , they sat in my cabinet for at least 8 years , started using them due to the shortages and they worked fine , both were two thirds used. As long as you close the cap on the 8 pounder you'll be fine. 8 pounders are hard to find now a days , your a lucky guy or you spent and arm and a lung for it..
Chris

well, no, i bought them way back pre B.K.(bidenkamala), during the reloading golden years. i've been slowly using them for like 2 or 3 years now. hence my storage question,, i just did what made sense to me but checking with The Collective to make sure I am not missing any good ideas. haven't been on here in a while. speaking of 8 lber's, i just passed on 2 8's of win748 @199$ each because of the 60$ added on for tax and haz and shipping. probably should have got it. oh well

 

[rockwind1]

If you save the white insert that was under the cap originally it will seal the container just fine.

yah,,but i don't have good luck with those things, like they tear or something usually

 

[Adam in WI]

I've got a bunch of 25-06 and 7 mag brass I could store it in for you...

 

[338 dude]

i use h1000 for my main hunting rifle but I really don't load for it that often so the 8lb container is going to last a long, long time i think but it has been opened so,,,,,,. i would assume it is best to tightly seal the container,,, has anyone experimented with good ways to seal the cap? i put a double layer of saran wrap over it and then screw the cap on. seems tight. i also keep it inside my house where the temp is consistent.

any other thoughts? thanks in advance

Make sure the cap is tight keep it in a temperature controlled environment will last for many many years

 

[338 dude]

I've wondered about what kind of shelf life you could get out of powder or primers if you vacuum packed them?

As far as primers go I have 1000 at my reloading bench just in the drawer in my house temperature controlled of course and any in reserves are in an extra gun safe and I vacuum seal them as soon as I get them

 

[michaelb]

Truth: cool dry storage in original container is optimal.
I shoot IMR8208 that was de milled from military M-16 ammo without any problems. This was originally loaded in the mid 1960's.

 

[Ol Thumper]

I have a really really great idea for you, just since it’s you and your a really really special guy I’m going to offer you this special deal just this one time. Tighten the lid really really good and ship the jug to me and I’ll store it in a really really “REALLY“ great place where it will be completely dry, I have a complete tub full of new brass and I’ll be happy to store it inside say 500 cases where you will never “EVER” have to worry about it again. This is an exploding offer so act now before its to late


Sorry for the gibberish, the lads have already answered your question. On a serious note it sounds like you seriously need to burn some more powder, that stuff has rights to you know and needs to be set freeeee

 

[coldboreshot]

i use h1000 for my main hunting rifle but I really don't load for it that often so the 8lb container is going to last a long, long time i think but it has been opened so,,,,,,. i would assume it is best to tightly seal the container,,, has anyone experimented with good ways to seal the cap? i put a double layer of saran wrap over it and then screw the cap on. seems tight. i also keep it inside my house where the temp is consistent.

any other thoughts? thanks in advance

I store in-home as well and utilize the white inner lid seal but I also use a small desiccant packet that I tape to the inside of the lid. Just put scotch tape on each side of one end and stick it to the lid so it dangles freely. Packet will not interfere with the seal. Been doing for many years with no complaints.

 

[coldboreshot]

I've wondered about what kind of shelf life you could get out of powder or primers if you vacuum packed them?

Plano type dry storage boxes with the o-ring seal similar to what Cabela's has with a desiccant packet inside. For the primers.

 

[jackson1]

Been a handloader since the 70's. Last month used up the last of my paper can Hercules Bullseye, shot it with no problem. Have a paper can of Hodgdon 4831 that I plan on still using. Did have a can of DuPont 4320 that went bad, that I bought in the 70,s when I was just starting, believing I needed to try all their powders. Discovered when I started shooting a 17 Remington around 2004. Store my powder and primers in a cool dry place and keep the factory seal in the lid. Still using primers that I bought for under $10.00 per thousand. My older primers consist of mainly magnum primers. Also have several hundred Remington 57 shot shell primers from that era. They work well with inline muzzel loaders. For the most part have not found the use by date on most of my powder and all of my primers.