Powder stored in gun safe?

[Gary in MD]

Guys,
Would storing gunpowder in a gun safe be ok? I have a friend that asked if powder is stored in a safe with a Golden Rod dehumidifier, if it would affect the powder in any way. Would it be safe? Would it change burning characteristics? I figured some of you guys may have an opinion that they would share....
Thanks, Gary

 

[Greg110]

The powder would stay "dry" and detioration would be therefore retarded. As to safe, I would rather not keep powder next to my firearms "just in case". remember, there are a lot of definitions of safe! Where do you have your gun safe located in your home?

 

[nfhjr62]

Keep my power in a separate area in a Fire Proof Magazine that can be moved

 

[ChipEckardt]

It not safe (no pun intended)!

Gunpowder stored in a locked metal box = BOMB if you ever have a fire.

Chip

 

[DaveWhite]

Well, unless you have a dedicated explosives magazine, what is a reasonable solution? There is not enough room in my (very large) safe for powder... For years I kept my powder in my loading bench (a Craftsman work bench with locking cabinet). When we last moved, I bought a contractor's job box to ship all the stuff I did not want the movers to see or handle, now it is my magazine for powder, and the primers and loaded ammo too. all are segregated within, in plastic totebins . If there is a fire in my garage, I'd be more concerned about two vehicles with a total of 40 gallons of gasoline in the tanks...

I guess you can not eliminate all the risks, but secure storage typically involves metal boxes.

 

[fivering]

Regulations on storing smokeless gunpowder call for WOODEN cabinets, NOT a metal container that would instantly become a bomb.

 

[nfhjr62]

Mine is made of wood

 

[TheSnake]

I say NO to inside your Safe. Agree with that being a bomb. I keep my powder inside the house in the AC where the humidity is much less than something like a garage. Here in Texas the humidity is always high and the powder, like me, likes it inside with the AC. I have some powders that are over 20 years old and from what I read, there are no signs of it gone bad and it still shoots fine.

 

[Gary in MD]

Thanks for the opinions and info guys.
Gary

 

[swampshooter]

Improper storage of gun powder could allow your insurance company to not pay if you have a fire. There are federal regulations on storing gunpowder in a residence that must be followed or your insurance is no good. Available on Hodgdon's web-site.

 

[TheSnake]

Improper storage of gun powder could allow your insurance company to not pay if you have a fire. There are federal regulations on storing gunpowder in a residence that must be followed or your insurance is no good. Available on Hodgdon's web-site.

Do you have a link? I searched the Hodgdon site and didn't find anything on the topic.

 

[Minesweeper3433]

Can a dynamite locker be used for powder storage? It is metal with really nice locks and oak lineing on the inside. I have been using it but if that voids insurance then that would stink. :-\

 

[TheSnake]

Interesting read on storage. Don't know how up to date it is but it states a metal box is not allowed. Only 26.4 pounds can be kept in your dwelling but only if in the proper container that is marked properly.

http://www.cdnshootingsports.org/legal_info_for_reloaders.html

 

[Minesweeper3433]

It took me awhile to figure out that was canadian law. Still good info I am going to see if I can find what the BATF says about it and post a link this evening.

 

[bheadboy]

Alliant powder has a good answer to these questions

http://www.alliantpowder.com/getting_started/safety/storage_handling.aspx#recommendations

Bob

 

[Minesweeper3433]

http://www.saami.org/specifications_and_information/publications/download/SAAMI_ITEM_200-Smokeless_Powder.pdf


Here is what saami has to say.
BATF has a really easy to read and use page on explosives but I cant find for sure if these regulations apply directly to smokeless powder or if there is a seperate set of regulations for that so here it is anyway. Also I dont know if these links will work but will check as this is first time trying to post links on this site.

http://www.atf.gov/explosives/how-to/explosive-storage-requirements.html

 

[CatShooter]

Those regs are for class "A" explosives (dynamite)...

.... not Class "B" propellants.

 

[Minesweeper3433]

So is it backwords compatible? Say can you store class B in class A storage and be within regs? It is what I am doing now but this heat is about to make me put it all back under the counter in the reloading room.

 

[hawghunter]

I tkink in Maryland you are allowed to store 5lb that is way you can not buy a 8lb jug in Maryland.
Has told to me by a worker a gander mountion might want to check it out.

 

[CatShooter]

So is it backwords compatible? Say can you store class B in class A storage and be within regs? It is what I am doing now but this heat is about to make me put it all back under the counter in the reloading room.

Yes, it is backwards compatible. I keep mine on shelves next to the loading bench (where I need it).