Powder Storage

[bench]

I feel I have to much powder in my house (basement) and would like to store it some where out side of the house as a stand alone powder shed or something like that.
Do I need heat to keep the temp and humidity some what the same day to day.
Live in Michigan and lots of temp swings and high humidity.
How do you store your powder?????

 

[StevenDzupin]

An old inoperable refrigerator in a tool shed.

Completely insulated and has a magnetic door lock that opens easy

to relieve pressure just incase.

Stores quite a bit !

Even has adjustable shelves !

Adjustable cable lock to keep people out.

Regards,

Steve

 

[DeltaBravo]

bench,

I've got 40 lbs of LT-32 and it's now stored in my FATBoy 64 safe in the garage. Just feel safer doing it that way. You could build a wooden case for each box/container and keep them in the basement. The wood actually insulates the powder in case of a fire; it needs to be 1-inch thickness IIRC. Outside in a garden shed would really put some extreme temp/humidity swings on it.

Dennis

 

[M-61]

I am not familiar with a "FATboy 64" safe. Is that a type of steel safe designed to secure firearms?

 

[bench]

The temp swings and humidity are what I worry about the most,and I dont want to store it in the garage becaquse of all the stuff I have stored.
If I did not have so much stuff in the garage(polebarn) I would do so because I have a warm room in part of it I keep 50 degrees.
I hate the thought of another building just for powder.

 

[savagedasher]

Powder should be stored in a cool dry place. In a ventilated wood cabinet where you don't have temp or humidity changes. In those conditions powder will last for ever. Mine is stored in my reloading room where the temp is 76 and humidity is 65. Larry

 

[DeltaBravo]

FATBoy 64 is a Liberty Safe. Bought mine at Gander Mountain about a year ago. Free in-garage delivery and $50 to bolt it to the floor. It is HUGE!!

I've got pistols, rifles, ammo, powder, primers, tax papers, old military records, etc. It's about 60% full now, but it still has open space. It will theoretically store 64 rifles. Look it up on Liberty Safe website. They also make a 48.

Dennis

 

[Tnslim]

Pardon me if I'm wrong but doesn't putting gunpowder in a metal safe make a bomb?

 

[Syncrowave]

Sounds like a DAISY CUTTER to me!

Also, storing bulk primers with powder isn't the smartest idea.

You might want to check NFPA, DB.

 

[JamesnTN]

I had an underground concrete bunker built with a air vent and also a dehumidifier installed. I know out of most folks price range to do so but now days you can by prebuilt storm shelters to store underground.

 

[sdean]

Sure sounds like a mythbusters show idea.


Pardon me if I'm wrong but doesn't putting gunpowder in a metal safe make a bomb?
[/quote]

 

[LHSmith]

Pardon me if I'm wrong but doesn't putting gunpowder in a metal safe make a bomb?

It is a bomb and would open you up to liability issues in the event of a fire or even if a nervous neighbor finds out and notifies authorities. ( From the NFPA 495-85 regs (in force since 1985) " Powder must be stored in DOT approved containers constructed to open up at low internal pressures to avoid the effects normally produced by the rupture or bursting of a strong container."
It also states Up to 20 # may be stored in original containers in residences......or if in a wooden box with at least 1" thick walls up to 50# is permitted.
So, unless your gun safe is DOT approved, the legal system will consider it as a bomb.
Lastly, if fire marshal determines you exceeded the legal amount, you can kiss your insurance coverage goodbye.

 

[Shynloco]

Personally, I've never understood why folks store gunpowder in any container (whether a shed, refrigerator or who know what other ingenious home made container (in any area where there is a temperature swing in either direction) but especially hot. And to me, putting gunpowder in a safe alongside you rifles is NUTS! The inside of most people's homes has the least temp swings and humidity there offers probably the best controlled environment simply because the inhabitants want to be COMFORTABLE. So if you want to create potential craters in your backyard, knock yourself out. Sometimes common sense offers you the best way to store powder safely. But then again, if you want to store a gazillion pounds of powder, maybe an ammo dump is your best bet. I'm sure your neighbors will love that as well, not to mention the fire department, ATF and who knows want other agency want so see you powder container.

Alex

 

[M-61]

Sounds like a DAISY CUTTER to me!

Also, storing bulk primers with powder isn't the smartest idea.

You might want to check NFPA, DB.

Pardon me if I'm wrong but doesn't putting gunpowder in a metal safe make a bomb?

Yes and Yes. Could be considered a heck of a pipe bomb or if dropped from an aircraft a miniature Daisy Cutter.( Used, sometimes, to create an instant helicopter LZ.) Surely the largest and possibly one of the last bombs dropped during the war in VietNam. (Koh Tang Island-Mayaguez incident).

Basically I agree with SHYNLOCO's answer. I would make the room in that pole barn (garage) you mentioned.

 

[Tozguy]

Amen to LHSmith's comments. My powder is kept in two different locations in the basement. One for current use and another for long term storage. Cabinet are made of 1'' pine and can easily be evacuated in case of a fire. Always kept in original containers. Respects all federal regulations. I would never store powder in a 'strong' cabinet. No climatic control but temp in the house is constant. Huge seasonal humidity swings but have never 'lost' a can of powder in more than 30 years.
Primers are kept seperate in locked metal file cabinet.

 

[Charles]

How about storing it in a ice chest cooler in a stable environment?

 

[bench]

So you guys that have more than twenty pounds of powder where do you store it so you dont have to worry about your insurance agent finding out if you ever have a claim??