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GenericUsername

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Finally moving into a house with a basement which means I can set up a proper reloading area. One of my major concerns, however, is proper storage of powder. People seem to suggest a 1" thick wooden box for amounts exceeding 20 pounds but not more than 50 pounds (which is probably the range I'll be in). Is this a suitable recommendation? Are there any local (in the triangle) places I should look to buy such a box? Are fire safety cabinets (such as these) overkill? Thanks!
 
#2 ·
GenericUsername said:
Finally moving into a house with a basement which means I can set up a proper reloading area. One of my major concerns, however, is proper storage of powder. People seem to suggest a 1" thick wooden box for amounts exceeding 20 pounds but not more than 50 pounds (which is probably the range I'll be in). Is this a suitable recommendation? Are there any local (in the triangle) places I should look to buy such a box? Are fire safety cabinets (such as these) overkill? Thamks!
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50#......good storage place is my house.
 
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#3 ·
I'm thinking about buying one of those fireproof cabinets as shown in the link you provided. My question is whether or not it's safe to store primers in the same cabinet.
 
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#4 ·
I_brake_4_camels said:
I'm thinking about buying one of those fireproof cabinets as shown in the link you provided. My question is whether or not it's safe to store primers in the same cabinet.
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Someone on here told me to keep primers in a different place than powder. So I do, but I would like the official answer.
 
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#5 ·
Remember what you are storing and its properties.

Check out this website.

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



If burning smokeless powder is confined, gas pressure will rise and eventually can cause the container to burst. Under such circumstances, the bursting of a strong container creates effects similar to an explosion.

For this reason, the Department of Transportation (formerly Interstate Commerce Commission) sets specifications for shipping containers for propellants and requires tests of loaded containers - under actual fire conditions - before approving them for use.

When smokeless powder in D.O.T. approved containers is ignited during such tests, container seams split open or lids pop off - to release gases and powder from confinement at low pressure.
 
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#8 ·
I found some good info on storing of powder and primers a while back. Can't remember where I found it, but it was by a google search, so start there.

IIRC, it was recommended to use a wood box, but I don't remember the thickness. DO NOT STORE IN ANYTHING THAT WILL NOT RELEASE THE PRESSURE EASILY. A fire proof safe is even a no-no.

I have thought about building a box using sheetrock instead of wood (for the fireproof rating of sheetrock). Have panels that will pop out. The idea is to keep the fire out as long as possible, but to not keep it inside at all once it starts.

On one of my searches, there was a good report from a fire fighter that had responded to a gun store fire. Lots of ammo and reloading supplies. Ammo and powder all cooked off during the fire. Only one fireman was injured, when the ammo was going off, a primer flew out and cut his ear. Interesting read, made me not quite as concerned as I had been about the safety aspect, but it is still very important.

I started out with my reloading equipment in the house. It is now mostly in a detached workshop. I feel safer about that. I am also less concerned if, for some reason, my insurance company decides to deny a claim because of whatever loophole they can find.
 
#9 ·
I keep my powder in a 20mm ammo can u used to see at the gun show. Lid not dogged down. Primers in the house in a closet. Take out 1 box at a time to reloading room.
 
#11 ·
Hmmmm, not more than 20 lbs in a residence unless stored in a wooden box. I've got 21lbs. I dont feel like building a special box. Anyone know of a good way to get rid of a pound of powder? :D I can think of a way, but it might take me a whole weekend and involve a trip to FLD. :thumbsup:
 
#12 ·
Toprudder said:
Hmmmm, not more than 20 lbs in a residence unless stored in a wooden box. I've got 21lbs. I dont feel like building a special box. Anyone know of a good way to get rid of a pound of powder? :D I can think of a way, but it might take me a whole weekend and involve a trip to FLD. :thumbsup:
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No way I could keep 20 lbs. of powder sitting around. As soon as I get powder I feel an impending urge to load like I'm on a mission.

I do have a lot of ammo, though. :banana:
 
#13 ·
Brass Buzzard said:
Toprudder said:
Hmmmm, not more than 20 lbs in a residence unless stored in a wooden box. I've got 21lbs. I dont feel like building a special box. Anyone know of a good way to get rid of a pound of powder? :D I can think of a way, but it might take me a whole weekend and involve a trip to FLD. :thumbsup:
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No way I could keep 20 lbs. of powder sitting around. As soon as I get powder I feel an impending urge to load like I'm on a mission.

I do have a lot of ammo, though. :banana:
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20 lbs. of powder is quite an inventory. Come to think of it, that's about what I have. :facepalm: Y'all have probably discussed, but one pound equals from 4,000 to 5,000 rounds of pistol loads. So 20 lbs. will arm your county sheriff's department for maybe a year!! Rifle loads, not so much.
 
#14 ·
Meckmeister said:
20 lbs. of powder is quite an inventory. Come to think of it, that's about what I have. :facepalm: Y'all have probably discussed, but one pound equals from 4,000 to 5,000 rounds of pistol loads. So 20 lbs. will arm your county sheriff's department for maybe a year!! Rifle loads, not so much.
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Funny thing is, most of those are different types of powder. I think I have about 13 different pistol powders, have been experimenting with a bunch figuring out loads for .45.

Not sure where you get 4000-5000 rounds, that would be way less than 2gr charge per round. For some powders it is more like 1000 rounds/pound, other powders might be as much as 2000 in something like .380.
 
#15 ·
Toprudder said:
Meckmeister said:
20 lbs. of powder is quite an inventory. Come to think of it, that's about what I have. :facepalm: Y'all have probably discussed, but one pound equals from 4,000 to 5,000 rounds of pistol loads. So 20 lbs. will arm your county sheriff's department for maybe a year!! Rifle loads, not so much.
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Funny thing is, most of those are different types of powder. I think I have about 13 different pistol powders, have been experimenting with a bunch figuring out loads for .45.

Not sure where you get 4000-5000 rounds, that would be way less than 2gr charge per round. For some powders it is more like 1000 rounds/pound, other powders might be as much as 2000 in something like .380.
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You're right. One pound is 7000 grains. At 3.5 per, that is 2000 rounds, 4.5 --- 1500+
 
#20 ·
And I thought I was a hoarder.....:stir:
 
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