Last time I bought BP it was GOEX and it came in metal containers. This weekend I plan to buy some Scheutzen and it (same as Swiss for that matter) appear to come in plastic containers. Are metal containers and better or worse than plastic ones? Should I toss a little dessicant pack in the container?
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General Powder Storage - Plastic vs Metal containers.
- Thread starter pheenix99
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There's no need for desiccant if you keep the caps on snug. Metal or plastic makes no difference; Mary Anne or Ginger?
I would say Ginger. I have a thing for redheads
Either is fine for an unopened container. Plastic containers are less expensive to manufacture than a classic metal can.
How about an opened container?
Same, just store in a cool dry place away from sources of ignition. So don't put it next to your gas hot water heater or wood stove.
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Plastic containers work quite well, for both short term and long term storage. Even if you use all the powder, the plastic can be recycled after rinsing it clean. Same thing with the metal cans.
In my case the powder doesn’t last long enough for it to matter. 
I'm jealous.In my case the powder doesn’t last long enough for it to matter.
Retired 25 years, no golf, no fishing, small yard, same house for 52 years. Family, wood working and shooting at the gun club twice a week about sums it up.
I wouldn't mind owning enough land to have my own private range.Retired 25 years, no golf, no fishing, small yard, same house for 52 years. Family, wood working and shooting at the gun club twice a week about sums it up.
Not me. Too much work keeping it up.
My 50’x100’ city lot with its postage stamp size yards is about all the property I need.
My 50’x100’ city lot with its postage stamp size yards is about all the property I need.
Pete G
76 Cal.
Plastic does not rust.
Personal experience - as long as the container is used for the same powder, either original metal or plastic will be good to go for many years. (keep black powder in black powder factory container and substitute in the factory container it came in, topping off as you use).
Do not - I repeat do not - store powder in such things as a plastic dish soap container. My dad did this. Years later, the plastic deteriorated to less than eggshell consistency and actually fell apart when I moved it. Granted that was smokeless, not black, but I do not trust the substitutes not to do likewise.
Do not - I repeat do not - store powder in such things as a plastic dish soap container. My dad did this. Years later, the plastic deteriorated to less than eggshell consistency and actually fell apart when I moved it. Granted that was smokeless, not black, but I do not trust the substitutes not to do likewise.
Many a powder measure hopper has been discolored and rendered opaque by leaving powder stored in them.
hanshi
Cannon
Smokeless powders contain a solvent used to dissolve the base material which is chemically similar to photographic film, hence, it's affinity for dissolving some plastic containers.
N.Y. Yankee
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Never knew that!
I experienced this with some gun oils/solvents. Was throwing soaked/used patches in a cheap disposable plastic bowl and before I knew it, the bowl had melted onto the towel I had placed under it.
I've been buying smokeless powder for years in plastic containers and have never had any issues. Recently I bought 10 pounds of Schutzen in plastic containers. One thing I never do is store any powder in anything but the original container. I don't consider blackpowder in a flask as being stored.
It’s the type of plastic, apparently there are several compositions used. Powder measure hoppers aren’t the same plastic as the material used for the shipping and retail sales of either smokeless or black.
