Powder storage

[beefyz]

OK, I know about storing your powder in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and sunlight, from primers, and away from other chemicals, paints etc etc.
Of late i'm using 2-3 different spaces to store my powder in their original containers. Just to simply , I was wondering if it would be OK to make a large plywood "toy box" and store all the powder in that 1 box in the cool, dry basement ? Anyone doing this? If so, what's the max you would/could store in this fashion ?

 

[thomas15]

According to the information in the free Hodgdon basic reloaders manual you can store up to 50# in a residence in a wood box of 1" thick. This of course may conflict with local or state laws or your insurance carriers terms.

I personally have way more than 50 pounds but I keep none of it in the house. I have wood cabinets with 50 pounds each in different sheds and our detached garage. I think if I needed more room I would build an underground storage bunker rather than have it inside the house.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I'm brand new to reloading and bought powder and primers for the very first time on Saturday. I decided to keep the powder in a Coleman cooler to keep light away, and to shield it from temperature fluctuations.

Is that a stupid idea?

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

^^
Nope, it's a good idea . I've known folks who keep their powders in old freezers and refrigerators.
I use a metal locked box that Powder Inc. had on sale many years back for my smokeless. The "holy black" is kept in a separate locked cabinet away from the house.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Good deal. Thanks.

 

[Bronx kid]

Keep in mind, that if you keep it in any kind of box the lid should not be locked so if there is a fire & the powder somehow gets ignited the pressure of the burning powder has a way to escape & not cause an explosion.

 

[Drail]

Yup. Be sure whatever container you store powder or primers in can "vent" gas pressure rapidly if the contents start to burn. Otherwise you have just built a bomb.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

I scored one of those OSHA flammable cabinets that was getting scrapped at work. I keep my powder and primers in there.