powder storage

C

confederatemule

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I have an approximate three x four-foot chest type freezer that is no longer freezing. After it is unplugged and allowed to completely dry out will it be suitable for powder storage?

Thanks, Mule
 
As long as the top can open under internal pressure and it has at least a 30 minute rating for fire protection it should be fine. The fire code states a box constructed of wood, one inch thick with a lid that will open to release pressure.
 
The lid is held shut by a magnetic gasket. I have no idea about the fire rating. It is an old Montgomery ward freezer. I am sure all walls are insulated and the exterior and interior walls are metal. At least a magnet will stick to them and they have rusty spots on them.

I live in the country, no city codes, but I am concerned about the safety of my Bride and I. And my family if they ever happen show up at our place.

Thanks, y'all, fer the replies.
Mule
 
I would question the kind of insulation used in a freezer. Foam insulation is great for cold but in a fire it will melt away and do little to stop the heat. You could check with your county fire department.
The federal standards are typically accepted at every level of government within a year after the codes are released.
 
Buy yurself a sheet of 3/4" plywood, build a box, put it on top of the freezer and store yer powder in the brand new wood box.

1" thick wood is hard to come by at most retail outlets. I guess you could nail some 1/4" plywood over the 3/4" plywood and be within the guidelines of the NFPA.
 
I rarely build anything to the minimum specs so my powder magazine has 1.25" walls made of fire resistant materials. It turned out heavy enough that I plan on putting wheels on it. :)
 
The actually says "1" *NOMINAL* thickness", which translated into English means "3/4" wood".

I made a box as an extension to my bench which gave me some extra bench space for tools and to isolate my scales from vibration and bumps on the main bench.

The walls are nailed onto the frame with small finishing nails so they will easily come apart under pressure, and the hinged door has a small brass hook and eye latch (brass fails easier than steel). I used 3/4" plywood.



 
Can you get rid of the magnetic gasket? I'm pretty sure you want the lid and/or walls to "give out" with as little pressure as possible. A container that allows pressure to build is not what you are looking for.
 
Generally speaking powder likes being stored in a cool dry place / location. Alliant Powder has a few thoughts on the subject then too, as was mentioned any State and Local laws may apply. Our friends at SAAMI mention all of this including NFPA 495. Anyway, any laws aside powder likes a cool and dry storage location.

Ron
 
Well, some may call me "cavalier" about my storage ideas but I think some fellers here are overthinking this situation. If there is a fire in your home/garage/shed where the powder is stored are you or your family going to enter the area in case of fire? The only "rules" about powder storage are those laid down by fire officials; National Fire Protection Association (?), and how are their rules enforced/used?

In my 35+ years of playing with shooting and reloading I have never had a fire. I have never lived in "brush country" where wild fires can destroy my home. I have stored my powders (only up to 40-50 lbs) in plain old metal cabinets in temps from 32 to 110 degrees from 10% to 100% humidity and still use, none have gone "bad" and I, like most people, have much, much more dangerous items to worry about in case of fire. (have any spray paint cans around? Look under the kitchen sink and in the bathroom for spray cans (hair spray is a bomb). In your shed or garage; any insecticide or weed killers? How about any paint thinner, solvent, acetone, lacquer thinner, extra gasoline for the mower?).

I'd unplug the freezer, dry it out and keep my powder there...
 
The rules are different for black powder, if memory serves me. I know that the amounts that can be stored are different. I only have a one pound can and it's half full. Since I got rid of my canon I don't use much any more.

A quick search shows a 20 pound maximum federally and a 5 pound maximum in Washington state. Store separately in one pound containers in a magazine with separate compartments for each container. Do not store with other flammables or acids. So you can't store black and smokeless in the same magazine.
 
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So, I need to construct a box fer black and a box fer smokeless and do not store in the same area. Then I need a box fer primers, in a different area.
 
confederatemule,

I would be concerned about heat and humidity in the summer. I live in the Phoenix area where temps can reach higher than 100 degrees on a regular basis. I'm new here so I've not experienced what the locals call the monsoon season where it is not only very hot but very humid. I thought about a small fridge with temp gauge set on a warm setting but eventually decided to store powder and primers in my house for the season.

By way of a local forum, I learned some are not concerned about the heat and have been storing in their un-air conditioned garages for years without problems. Un-air conditioned, now there's a new word.
 
The link to the NFPA ..standards...are recommendations...not fire codes.

Fire codes vary by state...and in some cases by municipality.../...and there are limits and requirements on powder storage in a residence in my state.

In my state the fire codes allow you to store up to 25 lbs of powder in OEM DOT approved containers on a shelf or whatever....you can have up to 50 lbs of powder in a residence - but there are specs on a cabinet or strong box with a minimum of 3/4" plywood box walls and top and bottom....no requirements for venting in my state on the 3/4" plywood box.

Check your states local codes.
 
If you want some surprising information contact your insurance company. Don't bother your agent he will say most anything to sell coverage.
You can contact your local fire department for their requirements.
You can ask the powder manufacturers but their information may be less stringent than local codes.
Local police departments or sheriffs office are good sources as well. They usually have a code enforcement division that can answer you questions.

I will caution you that some of these agencies are legally bound to report transgressions to law enforcement so you should approach them as though you are looking into purchasing and storing supplies in the future. Do NOT say that you are currently storing "X" amounts of powder and want to know if it is legal or recommended. :o
 
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