BLACK POWDER STORAGE

[bpd303]

I store small amounts in the powder horns or flasks in the house. The bulk of my powder is in the unattached garage in original containers and cardboard boxes. I probably have 25 or so pounds stored that way. Some of the containers were passed down to me from my grandfather mostly 4f priming powder which is at least 70 years old. Never any problems with it going boom.

 

[Tenring]

I keep BP in there plastic containers and then in a box for the reason it would just flash if there were a problem not go boom, but as for caps I keep bulk in Seal A Meal Bags with air sucked out .

 

[FishDFly]

Seems folks are always concerned about storing their BP, but do not worry about flammables and combustibles in their living spaces.

Wonder why?

 

[smo]

Powder? What powder??
Actually empty cans….some metal, some plastic

 

[Todd T]

My large amounts i store in a shipping container next to the shop in plastic coolers. In the house smaller amounts are in the basement in coolers. Insures that everything stays dry, even in the event of burst pipe or flooding. Also keeps the temperature swings to a minimum for outdoor storage. Plus in the event of fire the lids won't contain the gasses.
Todd

 

[smoothshooter]

How a bout some input on storing powder? I have several pounds of powder in my basement.cool, dehumidifer runs 24-7 It's in a explosion proof steel box with four heavy latches. I'm told by an oldtimer that it was used in the navy for big ships cannon. I wan't to relocate the box to a building that has no ventilation in summer,and portable heater in winter months. Will it store well? no chance of degredition in this enviromental storage? I have several pounds of powder, enough to last me till I pass over. Don't want to take a chance if it's the wrong thing to do. Also how a bout caps? will they hold up in this environment? I appreciate any input and forsite you may offer.

Do not store in a heavy, solid container. In a fire, the strength of the powder storage chest will cause more pressure to build up before letting go. Especially with black powder, detonation will be magnified like a big bomb.
A lightly constructed wood or sheet metal container is safer.

 

[1stnamebassist]

I keep mine in a hallway closet with lots of unmentionable ammo in ammo cans. Several pounds of powder including pyrodex, 777 and shooters world, plus Swiss and Schuetzen and many pounds of smokeless powder on the shelf not contained. I also make black powder out in the garage as well as percussion caps. I’m thinking of storing the black powder in a wooden box somewhere else, but space is limited. Maybe I’ll bury it in an underground vault at some point.

 

[flatcreek]

Keep mine under the bed, money under the mattress and gun under the pillow.

 

[S.Kenton]

I’ve just purchased a few extra lbs, so from what I’ve read, I can store this in my unheated detached shop. My fear is that in some of the summer/ late spring months, I’ve walked out to my shop before a storm, to see every piece of metal sweating in my shop. I’ll most likely put them in a metal cabinet, im thinking this should be ok? All my extra lbs are in metal cans btw.

 

[Rob M.]

Just keep it dry ....

 

[FishDFly]

View attachment 374154

Powder? What powder??
Actually empty cans….some metal, some plastic

Nice collection of stuff.

 

[FishDFly]

From a Goex can and a Swiss can:

Keep away from heat, sparks and open flame.

You must read warnings on side and back of can.

Store in a cool, dry place.

Do not store in same area with highly combustible materials.

Sounds like under the bed is the best place to do so, (climate control and dry) , and under your wife's side so there is room for guns under your side..

If Goex and Swiss lawyers all thought the fancy storage containers were needed would they not say so to cover themselves from law suits?

 

[smo]

Kinda funny that it’s shiped in a cardboard box…
But then it’s a HazMat box. I guess…

A Delivery driver left a case of powder sitting on my front porch once… in town!

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Maybe I’ll bury it in an underground vault at some point.

A friend who stores the stuff on his property, recently built a cinder block box into the side of a small mound in his back lot, with a door from a "barrel stove kit" and with a "French drain" beneath, BUT, his roof is made of 1/2" plywood painted with gray marine paint. He figures if the stuff ever went up it wouldn't harm his house, and the explosion would go upwards directed by the cinderblocks and mortar and heavy metal door, through the plywood in a harmless manner..., 'cept for perhaps smoldering bits of plywood coming down after a second or two.

LD

 

[smo]

Nice collection of stuff.

Thanks Fish..

That’s an accumulation of things from 3 households. I’m still not completely through going thru things.
One of houses I grew up in, so lots of fond childhood memories..

I think I have a problem…

But at least most of its out in my shop ..

 

[FishDFly]

Thanks Fish..

That’s an accumulation of things from 3 households. I’m still not completely through going thru things.
One of houses I grew up in, so lots of fond childhood memories..

View attachment 375209

I think I have a problem…

View attachment 375210

But at least most of its out in my shop ..

Again more nice stuff, like the saws.

 

[FishDFly]

Black powder in the container it is shipped in goes poof, there is no massive explosion.

Who intends to stay in the house while it is burning to find what happens?

 

[Omahkapi'si]

If I had any powder I'd keep it in a wooden box.

 

[smo]

If I had any powder I'd keep it in a wooden box.

That’s why I don’t have a wooden box..
No powder…