Powder and primer storage ?

[hayseed]

I have been storing powder and primers in my basement since about 1970. I've had good luck so far, but I'm considering moving the stockpile out to my shop where my loading setup is. I'd appreciate your opinions...

I'm in Montana, so I don't have the humidity and extreme heat that some of you face. The shop is an all steel building, and like all, wants to sweat. It is fairly well insulated and I recently installed a good overhead heater that maintains 40 degrees min. in winter. Usually, I'm in the shop a couple of days a week with temp. up to 60-65 in winter.

I know best storage conditions are low and even humidity and temp. My plan for dealing with the shop situation is this - I have a pretty large cabinet that is fairly tight - should hold everything. For humidity, I'd use a large electric dehumidifier rod, like you'd use in a big safe, as well as dessicant cans. I really expect to be able to keep humidity quite low.

I guess temp. is my bigger concern. Daytime temp in the shop in summer might reach 85-90, although I would expect temp inside the cabinet would be somewhat less. We normally get down to high 40's or low 50's at night, even in the hottest months. Cabinet would be situated on the north wall, with a couple layers of insulation behind, so radiant heat from wall shouldn't be much of a factor.

I'd love to get the powder and primers out of the basement and next to my loading set-up. I think I could reduce humidity, but admit temp would be a little higher and would vary more. I just brought in a gob of small rifle primers, and would like to try to do the same with a couple types of powder... Just hope they'll still be in good shape in maybe 20 years. What do you think?

 

[JFMorgan]

Hayseed,
Get a small apartment size refrigerator,it doesn't need to be in working order) in which to store your powder/primers. Place it in your loading area. This should keep everything in good condition because the insulation will keep a more even temp.
Jim,

 

[ma96782]

Noting "fancy" is needed........just keep it, cool and dry.

Storage of Powder and Primers

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/60


Ammo Storage

http://www.alpharubicon.com/leo/longtermammo.htm

Aloha, Mark

 

[nfhjr62]

I also store my power and primers in the basement but in my case years ago when i moved into my house i built a cabinet out of plywood with double doors, inside i have a small gun cabinet that takes up one side of it and the other side i have mil. ammo cans staked up for my power, primer and primed cases in the three cal. that i shoot and it has been working well so far for me.

 

[acloco]

Hayseed,
Go one better....find a used full sized fridge...keep your loaded ammo in there as well.

Former "Hi Line" Montana boy!

 

[Forum Boss]

Mark -- thanks for the informative links.

Here's the highlight of the article on powder storage. That articles contains a section written by a prof. fireman who helped fight a fire at a gun store.

After quoting the fireman's report, the author states:

"My take is that if you store more than a few pounds of powder, it should be protected from fire with thick drywall or better yet actual fire board to keep the heat and direct flame contact off it as much as possible. I'd also suggest designing the storage unit with a large vent routed upwards and outside away from other exposures to safely direct cook-offs out and away from anything or anyone. First and foremost, I would not suggest storing in metal ammo cans or any other non-OEM powder can. The seams peel open on these cans and while they do "pop" they don't explode which is what you'll get with any type of heavy walled containment...as the comment was made about large frag grenades.

Location is another thing to consider. Store powder as far away from living and sleeping areas; and especially stairways or other escape routes if possible. If this means walking to the other side of the house to get the powder, it's a small thing to do when compared to what you can loose.Common sense goes a long way especially if you add some thought to it and think about all the things that could possibly go wrong. How many times have you heard of major incidents where the ending comment made was, "...well, we never thought all these things could happen at once..." They can happen and will if you don't allow for them and plan ahead.

Coming from a professional, and real-life experience, the above scenario underlines the importance of proper powder storage, and the importance of avoiding tightly sealed secondary powder containment practices."

 

[sewwhat89]

I fit into that last remark from the Moderator. I stockpiled up some powder before all the price increases. Have I used any of it? No. Have I actually built the storage/fire box for it? No.

It is always nice to get the mental reminder of something that you need to do when it doesn't cost you anything. . . like an explosion/fire.

 

[Skeeter]

Just for the sake of knowledge... how much powder do you all store at a given time? Here in Virginia the state regulations for residential communities is less than 20 lbs.

Skeet

 

[harvey13118]

I have a old office safe bought at auction $50. It on wheels used to store documents . Its 4 cuft very heavy and very fire rated.

It also acts as a large heat sink preventing extreme temp swings.

It will hold at least 1# of powder. I have yet to get close to filling it but I think I have enough for my time left. Well maybe another 20# of varget. JUST TO MAKE SURE!

Primers stored in bottom center of gun safe. THOUGHTS?