gunpowder flammability and storage question?

easy_money

easy_money

New member
Hi Guys, /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowingsmilie.gif

I just got my reloading kit and misc. tools. I set up my bench in my basement in the same room as my furnace and water heater.Was that a mistake? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

I know I wouldn't work with gasoline in close proximity to a furnace or water heater, or any place in the basement because of the fumes, but does gunpowder have this same danger. Does it give off dust that may ignite? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif I'n not going to be sloppy /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif with The gunpowder and my bench is 8' from the water heater and 10' from the furnace. What do you Think?

I wanted to store the gunpowder and primers in a cold storage room that we have where the temperature varies between 35 and 70. Is that too cold for long term storage?

Thanks guys, Your knowledge is greatly appreciated /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
You'll be fine, No gunpowder doesn't give off "fumes" or "dust" that will Spark.

35-70 is good just make sure it's dry.

for storage, don't put inside a safe or a metal ammo can. In case of fire you don't want a "bomb". Plastic tupper ware containers are good for storing powder.

remember, gunpowder once lit will continue to burn and the more pressure around it the more it will burn thus creating more pressure and heat and burn more.... you do not want to contain this pressure. Quick release is the way to go. Plastic containers will burn away quick and release this pressure and thus reduce heat. A metal container won't.
 
Good advice from the guys above. I keep my powder in my workshop in a closet. Just store your primers in a different drawer. Cool and dry is the advice from most powder makers.
 
I use an old wooden cabinet for powder storage and keep it off the cement floor and broke the lock hasp off, if by chance it ignites the door is not latched so the pressure to open the door will be released but kept from the surounding area. I also loosened the top so it will be lifted if there is a ignition I keep primers in another cabinet also wood away from sunlight in the original packages. The danger with powder or primers is moisture and humidity cooling then heating can cause a build up of dampness from a buildup of humid, warm air that then gets cooled off fast. This is what causes damp basements your furnace should keep things dry though just make sure the powder and primers are not on the cement floor keep them on a shelf preferably away from direct sunlight.In the original packages /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
The gun powder we use today is a propellant, not an explosive. It's only dangerous when burning under pressure. It can't explode like you see in the movies and on TV.

I store my powder on a wooden bookshelf above my reloading bench. Powder in the factory containers is safe because they are designed to release pressure (not explode) should they be engulfed in fire. Just be neat and tidy when you relaod and clean up any spillage afterwards.

Primers are a different story. They are explosives and should be kept away from your powder. I have a little 1' cube "ammo safe" I picked up from Dicks Sporting Goods a few years ago for about $30 and keep all my primers and loaded ammo in there. It is vented to release gas pressure is designed to contain any primers (or bullets) flying around in the event of a fire. If you drop a primer, find it because if you step on it, it could go off which could cause injury.

None of this is a big deal - just keep track of what you are working on, go step by step and only take out what you need for the step in the process for the loads you are making - no more.
 
Omega nailed it, If you are talking "smokeless" powder, Black Powder is an explosive.
except for the 1 cubic foot safe and keeping "all" your ammo in there??????
I couldn't put 10% in a 1 cubic foot space.
LOL
Carl
 


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