Safe Storage of Actual Black Powder

[Puffer]

How do You Safely Store  Actual Black Powder

[Spotted Bull]

I keep mine in the original container and those are kept in a powder safe in my gun closet. Powder safe is just a big red fire proof box with a lock.

[BEAVERMAN]

Mine are on a shelf in the garage, after talking with Chief out at Ravensdale about this, ( he's a retired fireman), the original Goex tins are designed so the solder of the tins melt to allow the powder to flash, not explode during a fire, the new plastic is the same same, he told me that fireman are not that concerned about powder too much, they're more concerned with the half full propane canisters and metal tins of lacquer thinner, paint thinner, and other flammable chemicals that can explode under pressure.

[Bigsmoke]

Well, Beav, that sets my mind at ease, as that is how I have always stored my powder as well.  On a shelf, in a shed.  Or in a garage, as the case was.
Another way to store it safely is to put it in an old refrigerator.  Put a hasp and a good padlock if you are concerned with theft.  That will slow someone down, anyway.
I think Coonie's in AZ(?) used to sell/give away labels that said something about DANGER - black powder.  Nice label for that refrigerator.
John

[Ohio Joe]

Mine are on a shelf in the garage, after talking with Chief out at Ravensdale about this, ( he's a retired fireman), the original Goex tins are designed so the solder of the tins melt to allow the powder to flash, not explode during a fire, the new plastic is the same same, he told me that fireman are not that concerned about powder too much, they're more concerned with the half full propane canisters and metal tins of lacquer thinner, paint thinner, and other flammable chemicals that can explode under pressure.

That's the same thing I was told a long time ago when talking with some of our local firemen...

I keep mine stored in an old gutted small college dorm refrigerator down in one of my outer area rooms in the basement where it's cool all the time... Works well.   

[Uncle Russ]

Mine are on a shelf in the garage, after talking with Chief out at Ravensdale about this, ( he's a retired fireman), the original Goex tins are designed so the solder of the tins melt to allow the powder to flash, not explode during a fire, the new plastic is the same same, he told me that fireman are not that concerned about powder too much, they're more concerned with the half full propane canisters and metal tins of lacquer thinner, paint thinner, and other flammable chemicals that can explode under pressure.

Good information!

 

[prairie dog]

In the shipping boxes, under my bed.   

[Winter Hawk]

An old fire safe in the garage.

[Uncle Russ]

In the shipping boxes, under my bed.   

Well, that's likely the last place a "tweeker" might look.
I strongly suspect there just might be folks who'd try snorting that stuff if given the opportunity.

[JB67]

Check your state and local laws.

In NY, I can store up to 5 lbs at home, but it is to be stored in original containers or a powder horn/flask, and those are to be in a wood box with 3/4" thick walls, painted red and marked LOW EX. I can transport it in the car, in said box, with a couple additional requirements.

Oddly, this is found under NYS Dept of Labor laws.

[Oldetexian]

In the shipping boxes, under my bed.   

Steve, I am hoping you don't smoke...at least not in bed...  

[Nessmuk]

Check your state and local laws.

In NY, I can store up to 5 lbs at home, but it is to be stored in original containers or a powder horn/flask, and those are to be in a wood box with 3/4" thick walls, painted red and marked LOW EX. I can transport it in the car, in said box, with a couple additional requirements.

Oddly, this is found under NYS Dept of Labor laws.

Oh Boy! I drive to my cabin in upstate NY every summer. If the state police pull me  over I  am  totally  screwed. A red wooden box? Seriously ?

[Ironhand]

I got a old (free) refrigerator and installed a lock on it. It sits in a outbuilding.
Each can of powder goes into a ziploc bag and then into the fridge.
Between the bag and the door seal I never have problems with moisture. Works well for ammo too.

IronHand

[Uncle Russ]

I got a old (free) refrigerator and installed a lock on it. It sits in a outbuilding.
Each can of powder goes into a ziploc bag and then into the fridge.
Between the bag and the door seal I never have problems with moisture. Works well for ammo too.

IronHand

I used that same thing for years when I lived on the coast.
A lot of others did it too, that is where I got the idea, and it was a good idea for that damp climate!

 

[Uncle Russ]

My own Black powder storage is likely very illegal, considering WA State's law of 5# on premises, and that is just Black Powder.

My powder is stored on a closed door shelf over my reloading bench.
(I was really hesitant to show these following pictures because there's a bunch of other reloading "stuff" in the picture. I used to be a recognized shooter in the long-range Silhouette program while shooting AA Class, and I shot and loaded a lot, still do on occasion, especially the 45-70, and a particular .35 Whelen Custom I built back in Gunsmithing School over 25 plus years ago.
To say I'm a "experimenter" with about everything that shoots would be something of an understatement.)

Still yet, for the past 30 or so years my main interest in shooting ls with all the Muzzleloading Rifles, and making them shoot as well as possible!



Here is that shelf door open... there are 7 cans to the row, except the Swiss on the left, only 3, and the four "other" cans on the far right.
Our own Beaverman, and the Green River Mountain Men is a BIG reason I still have a nice collection of powders. Beaverman used to stop by on occasion and change out four, or five pound of one grade for another, depending on what I was experimenting with...On a halfway good day, I can go through a pound of powder every day, if I'm practicing for a Match, or trying to get a particular gun to shoot just right for me, maybe a little more than a pound....

The last couple of years has been up and down insofar as my health, and that's another reason I have so much powder on hand.
Some of that powder has a price tag of $17.95 on the can, and that speaks for itself....Jus'sayin



You don't know how many times I wished I still had that refrigerator I mentioned in the above post..it was truly the cat's meow!