Powder Storage.

[Northfromhere]

Hi all. Does gunpowder release fumes if it is not stored in an closed and or airtight container.

Thank you.

 

[madmixerman]

Not sure, but I would think it would possibly absorb moisture .

 

[Larryh128]

open containers aren't good for powder storage, it tends to pick up humidity.

 

[rardoin]

Hi all. Does gunpowder release fumes if it is not stored in an closed and or airtight container.

Thank you.

It will emit an odor but not release fumes that would be dangerous...if that is what you are questioning.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Hi all. Does gunpowder release fumes if it is not stored in an closed and or airtight container.

Thank you.

Gunpowder, AKA black powder is hydroscopic, meaning it absorb humidity and that will affect its power. (Hence the old saw about keeping one's powder dry.)

Smokeless powder is much less hydroscopic, since it's coated and is made of different stuff than gunpowder. Water on smokeless powder kernels would simply occupy space in the case.

It only releases gas during combustion. If there is a bad smell in the canister, that powder has gone bad. Don't eat it or use it. Dispose of it; best way being by spreading it around the garden.

 

[ScottVA]

It was learned in the mid 90's that N133 would not shoot to its potential until it had absorbed some moisture through humidity. Also, there is a reason why powder containers keep powder away from any light.

 

[Ned Ludd]

A number of smokeless rifle powders utilize diethylether as a solvent at some stage near the end of the manufacturing process. The smell of it in a freshly opened container of powder is very strong. Ether is quite volatile, so if your container isn't tightly closed, it might easily be giving off a whiff of it from time to time. The ether smell isn't coming directly from the the powder compound itself, but is merely solvent residue left over from the manufacturing process. For the same reason (volatility), with repeated openings over time, the ether smell largely dissipates.

Although ether is highly flammable, so is the powder, so I can't imagine it poses any more of a fire risk than the actual powder itself. I'd be much more concerned as others have mentioned that the powder itself is somewhat hygroscopic and will pick up moisture out of the air if left open very long. Keeping the lid tightly screwed on the container when not in use will minimize the amount of moisture the powder picks up, but other precautions may also be necessary if you live in an environment where the air is very humid.

 

[joshb]

I’ve always thought powder contained a slight amount of ether that will be released if left out in the air.

 

[JMayo]

Too strong for me to stick my nose in the jug . I hold my breath when pouring also.
Whew ..

 

[Mike7.62]

Too strong for me to stick my nose in the jug . I hold my breath when pouring also.
Whew ..

Sounds like homebrew liquor.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Sounds like homebrew liquor.

Or jenkem

 

[Mike7.62]

Or jenkem

TFF!

 

[Ccrider]

So, the powder I am leaving in my trickler is picking up moisture. Is it enough to effect performance?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Powder adsorbs moisture. No thats not misspelled look it up.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

So, the powder I am leaving in my trickler is picking up moisture. Is it enough to effect performance?

I seriously doubt it. Unless it rains in your house or you like 100% humidity and you leave it in the trickler for months on end.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

When powder adsorbs moisture from humidity it becomes fluffier and the load will change when loaded in a volume meter type dispenser like a harrels

 

[spclark]

Powder left in trickler will pick up water vapor from the air over time but as a trickler contributes what, maybe five - ten kernels per case charge max at a time I have to think it’s not going to affect charge performance either way (+/-) unless your charges are at or under maybe 5-10 grains... if then.

That be the situation I’d be emptying my trickler into my powder’s factory-supplied container at the end of a session, then screw lid on securely.