BREAKING DOWN POWDER

[1911cwp]

This is probably a noob question, but we all start somewhere. Can you break down an 8 or 4 pound jug of powder and place it into smaller 1 pound quantities and seal it well enough to ensure that it will not degrade over time? Thanks

 

[SS427]

I always transfer a pound to a smaller container from my 8 lb jugs. Much easier to pour into a throw from a smaller container than the larger jug. Never bothered to transfer all of it at once to smaller containers, but provided the smaller container seals as well as the original 8 lb jug I don't see any problem.

I would be more concerned about getting things confused later on if they were not properly marked. Sharpie ink fades and labels peel off.

 

[CatShooter]

This is probably a noob question, but we all start somewhere. Can you break down an 8 or 4 pound jug of powder and place it into smaller 1 pound quantities and seal it well enough to ensure that it will not degrade over time? Thanks

No matter what you do... it will not degrade over time - at least not in this century. Relax and enjoy shooting.

 

[M-61]

Isn't there a particular type (what its made of) plastic jug that is preferred? I know I read it on this site a few months ago.

 

[BoydAllen]

Having thrown away some powder that went bad in the original container, I would have to say that I disagree. I have heard that some powders are more durable than others, ball powders in particular. Also, not all containers are created equal. If I were going to split up an 8#er for very long term storage, I would opt for something in opaque HDPE including the cap, and I would fill them to the top. Steel can rust. I have seen the old 1# IMR containers do just that, and there is no way that I am going to explosion plate my bores with rust particles, regardless of whether the powder is otherwise OK. I have also seen powder develop a smell that indicated that something had seriously changed. Generally, at my age, given the containers that powder comes in these days, I never give it a second thought.

 

[jlow]

This is why it pays to be a pack rat and squirrel things away. I always keep at least one empty 1 lb bottle from each type of powder and I do exactly what Otter do which is transfer from the 8 lb to a single “working” 1 lb bottle. This way the mother lode bottle does not get exposed to “new air” every time I dip in and it also makes it easier to scoop powder out from the shallower 1 lb bottle.

 

[1911cwp]

Thank you all for the advice. I was wondering as when I see, if I see, any 4 or 8 lb powder for sale I would not only like to save money but do it in a way that preserves it the best way possible. Thank you again.

 

[Goatsnguns]

Here is a little trick I do for long term storage. I have a MIG welder which uses an inert gas (argon/co2) to shield the arc. When I close an eight pound canister of powder I take the hose from the Gas bottle and purge the canister with it for a few seconds, enough to displace the oxygen. Probably over kill, but I sure don't worry about degrading powder. I've been doing this for years with no problems. Just an Idea for those of us OCD guys.

Gary

 

[wrangler5]

Inert gas is available in spray cans for those without a MIG welder. One brand is Bloxygen and is available at places like Rockler and Woodcraft (and Amazon), where it is sold for spraying into partially used containers of paints and finishes to keep 'em from skimming over and hardening. (I couldn't find a product like it at Lowes/Home Depot, but may not have been using the right search terms. OTOH, they may not want you to be able to keep paint in long term storage when they can sell you fresh stuff.)

I use another brand that I get from a casting materials supplier, to keep my 2-part urethane chemistry from absorbing moisture once I've opened the original containers.

The stuff is heavier than air, so you don't need to completely fill the extra space above the contents you want to preserve.