Storage of BP

[doubleset]

How much powder can you have in your possession in Upstate NYS?

It doesn't matter because you can't find any. At least I couldn't about a year ago.

 

[user 51067]

I store mine in the chicken house. No electric or heat sources. For daily use I just keep mine in the origonal cans in the shop. As long as it is kept dry, not exposed to heat over 150 degrees F, it will keep forever. I am always suprised by people who worry about storing black powder which stays where you put it. But do't worry about paint thinner, lacqour thinner, etc which will evaporate and spread out and is just as explosive.

Good Lord-did you even ask the chickens?

 

[Ben Meyer]

I keep it in the factory plastic containers in a wood box in the front corner of my attached garage. Is it perfect, no. But no in the house storage is perfect.

 

[deerstalkert]

While I have not read this report entirely, I can say that at least it introduces some genuine science to some of the "discussions" here. Since I haven't read it completely, I'm not sure what all the lessons in it are, or what reasonable conclusions are to be drawn from it. Nonetheless, it does rise above the level of mere opinion, stubborn belief, and outright speculation. I doubt that many readers of this thread will take the time to read and understand it, because that would be too much like work (or school), but it does have a few nice pictures in it. Anyway, here it is, and perhaps it will serve to focus debate on some genuine facts and actual tests. Perhaps.

The Introduction does mention prior studies and appears to indicate that the decision to endorse/require the use of wooden boxes was made prior to this study. I haven't tried to track down that research, but may attempt it when I get the time. And (since I haven't read the details yet), I don't know if this study ends up addressing the preference for wooding storage boxes over others.

Response of small-scale blackpowder storage in partitioned wooden boxes to external fire

Good Grief! that was like reading a legal brief.
only a .gov would waste good firewood and powder like that.

 

[kyron4]

Due to the fact that most BP now comes in well-sealed plastic containers, I keep mine in the freezer in my garage

Walt

Does it cause problems going from freezing temps to room temp. ? Like sweating ?

 

[BP Addict]

Does it cause problems going from freezing temps to room temp. ? Like sweating ?

Not that I've noticed. I've never had any problems with ignition, etc.

Walt

 

[Tumbledown]

How much powder can you have in your possession in Upstate NYS?

Five pounds. And it must be stored in original containers or horns, with those in a wood box with walls at least 1/2" thick, painted red, marked "LOW EX" in white or yellow letters 4" high. Said box can only be stored on the ground floor or in the basement, within ten feet of an exterior entry.

 

[Tumbledown]

While I have not read this report entirely, I can say that at least it introduces some genuine science to some of the "discussions" here. Since I haven't read it completely, I'm not sure what all the lessons in it are, or what reasonable conclusions are to be drawn from it. Nonetheless, it does rise above the level of mere opinion, stubborn belief, and outright speculation. I doubt that many readers of this thread will take the time to read and understand it, because that would be too much like work (or school), but it does have a few nice pictures in it. Anyway, here it is, and perhaps it will serve to focus debate on some genuine facts and actual tests. Perhaps.

The Introduction does mention prior studies and appears to indicate that the decision to endorse/require the use of wooden boxes was made prior to this study. I haven't tried to track down that research, but may attempt it when I get the time. And (since I haven't read the details yet), I don't know if this study ends up addressing the preference for wooding storage boxes over others.

Response of small-scale blackpowder storage in partitioned wooden boxes to external fire

Interesting report. The experiment involved placing the box on a bonfire of stacked pallets, though, conditions not often found in house fires.

 

[doubleset]

Interesting report. The experiment involved placing the box on a bonfire of stacked pallets, though, conditions not often found in house fires.

I'm not entirely sure of that around here -- but I would guess it's true where the experiment was done in England.

 

[Graybeard2A]

oops!

 

[SOLANCO]

Wonder how that compares to gasoline vapor?

As in a PAVE bomb.

 

[SOLANCO]

Our home was built in 1950. There is a door in the corner of the basement that leads to a short flight of steps to a fallout shelter out under the lawn. That's where I keep mine.

 

[david w]

Does it cause problems going from freezing temps to room temp. ? Like sweating ?

I keep my powder in a shed that is not climate controlled. Summer, winter, high humidity and low. My powder is still good to go. I have a few pounds that is around 40 years old.

 

[Gopher0]

I've used an old refrigerator (motor removed) for years. Fireproof and keeps temps and humidity fairly level. It's kept in a small storage shed.

Read the BATFE rules for explosives storage, it cannot be stored in an occupied space, must be in original container, must be stored in a BATFE approved magazine. Those are facts.

Good Idea !

 

[Tumbledown]

One thing to consider: if you have a "mishap" (fire or accident) that involves your powder, whether or not it's stored in a manner the manufacturers and laws proscribe can affect your insurance claim and any civil or criminal responsibility you may have.

 

[nhmoose]

Cool and Dry is best

 

[billcaster]

Five pounds. And it must be stored in original containers or horns, with those in a wood box with walls at least 1/2" thick, painted red, marked "LOW EX" in white or yellow letters 4" high. Said box can only be stored on the ground floor or in the basement, within ten feet of an exterior entry.

BTW Midcoast Maine is my favorite place…spent 25+ years visiting Damariscotta at LakeHurst Camps.

 

[Tumbledown]

BTW Midcoast Maine is my favorite place…spent 25+ years visiting Damariscotta at LakeHurst Camps.

I'm a recent transplant (Brunswick) but have been coming up to Maine since birth over 54 years ago. It's always been home in my heart.

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

Good Christ on this already!