Storage & Handling of Smokeless Powder
for Reloading Ammunition

 

Smokeless Powder for
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If you reload ammunition you probably have a small quantity of bulk smokeless powder (gun powder) in your home. It is essential that know and use safe handling and storage procedures for the safety of your household and neighborhood. The following is "my take" on the information that I researched on the proper handling and storage of smokeless powder before I started reloading ammunition in my home. Don't take this as legal or 100% factual information (because it was mostly pieced together from various sources from the internet). I hope this helps some future re-loaders. See also Ammunition Reloading Instruction & Reviews.

  

STORAGE OF SMOKELESS POWDER FOR RELOADING AT HOME
     
RULE   REASON
Store powder in original container or approved shipping container. Do not transfer powder from an approved container into one which is not approved   Approved container with original labels allows you to identify the powder.
Keep powder container capped when not using   Prolong shelf life, maintain quality, reduces exposure to open flame/heat..
Store in a ventilated, cool, dry place. Recommended storage conditions - 70 deg F, 50% relative humidity   Prolong shelf life, maintain quality
Don't store powder and primers together   Separates ignition source from flammable material
Limit quantity of powder to about 1 lb.   Minimize hazards
Minimize exposure to sunlight   Prolong shelf life, maintain quality
Do not smoke in areas where powder is stored or used.   Ignition source
Do not store in areas near heat sources, sparks, open flame, explosives, solvents, combustible materials, where mechanical or electrical equipment is in operation or near electrical outlets or equipment.   Ignition sources
Do not purchase or accept powder that is not in its original, factory sealed container   Unknown powder
Do not mix powder with any other type or batch of gunpowder.   Unsafe practice, minimize hazards
Store powder as far away from living and sleeping areas; and especially stairways or other escape routes if possible   Common sense
Do not store in metal ammo cans or metal containers   Powder in metal container can be explosive
Do not keep old or salvaged powders   Degraded or unknown powders
Keep out of reach of children   Child endangerment
Keep storage areas clean. Clean up spilled powder promptly   Minimize hazards, good work practice
Do not store in same room as food, drink   Minimize exposure

Your local gun shop or sporting goods store (that sells smokeless powder) may be able to inform you about local requirements for safe and legal smokeless powder storage and handling. Also, read and follow the manufacturers Safety and Handling Instructions on the packaging. Some cities may have specific rules regarding storage of gun powder. Check out your local ordinances.

 

SMOKELESS POWDER INFORMATION AND REFERENCES

 

What is Smokeless Powder?

"Smokeless powder is the name given to a number of propellants used in firearms and artillery which produce negligible smoke when fired, unlike the older gunpowder (black powder) which they replaced" ... "Despite its name smokeless powder is actually not completely smoke-free and does not take the form of a true powder. Smokeless powder allowed the development of modern semi- and fully automatic firearms. Burnt black powder leaves a thick, heavy fouling which is both hygroscopic and corrosive. Smokeless powder fouling exhibits none of these properties. This makes an autoloading firearm with many moving parts feasible (which would otherwise jam or seize under heavy black powder fouling).
ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smokeless_powder

 

STORAGE CONDITIONS; Single Base Smokeless Powder MSDS
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET; IMR POWDER COMPANY

Store in well ventilated area. Store in cool place. Keep container tightly closed. Do not store with other explosives. Store in accordance with National Fire Protection Assoc. regulations. Store in accordance with Federal Regulations. Do not store or consume food, drink, or tobacco in areas where they may become contaminated with this material. Store in approved type magazine.
ref: http://avogadro.chem.iastate.edu/MSDS/smokeless_powder.htm

 

Handling & Storage Precautions; Single Base Smokeless Powder MSDS
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET; IMR POWDER COMPANY

ref: http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/AccurateSinglBasePropellant.pdf

  1. For handling and storage see CFR 1920.109

  2. This product may react with acids, oxidizing agents, alkalizes or amines (organic) and should not be stored near such materials.

  3. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light.

  4. Recommended storage conditions - 21 deg C (70 deg F), 50% relative humidity.

  5. Keep away from heat, sparks and open flame.

  6. Store in a cool, dry place.

  7. Do not store smokeless powder in the same area with solvents, flammable gases or highly combustible materials.

  8. Must be stored in original DOT approved containers or shipping containers.

  9. Do not smoke in areas where powder is stored or used. (50 feet minimum distance required).

  10. Do not keep old or salvaged powders. Check old powders for deterioration regularly. Destroy deteriorated powders immediately.

 

Smokeless Powder & Primer Storage

By Marshall Stanton on 2005-08-27
ref: http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/60

 

Recommendations for Storage of Smokeless Powder

http://www.alliantpowder.com/getting_started/safety/storage_handling.aspx#recommendations

  1. STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE.

  2. Be sure the storage area selected is free from any possible sources of excess heat and is isolated from open flame, furnaces, hot water heaters, etc.

  3. Do not store smokeless powder where it will be exposed to the sun's rays.

  4. Avoid storage in areas where mechanical or electrical equipment is in operation.

  5. Restrict from the storage areas heat or sparks which may result from improper, defective or overloaded electrical circuits.

  6. DO NOT STORE SMOKELESS POWDER IN THE SAME AREA WITH SOLVENTS, FLAMMABLE GASES OR HIGHLY COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.

  7. STORE ONLY IN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION APPROVED CONTAINERS.

  8. Do not transfer the powder from an approved container into one which is not approved.

  9. DO NOT SMOKE IN AREAS WHERE POWDER IS STORED OR USED. Place appropriate "No Smoking" signs in these areas.

  10. DO NOT SUBJECT THE STORAGE CABINETS TO CLOSE CONFINEMENT. STORAGE CABINETS SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED OF INSULATING MATERIALS AND WITH A WEAK WALL SEAMS OR JOINTS TO PROVIDE AN EASY MEANS OF SELF-VENTING.

  11. DO NOT KEEP OLD OR SALVAGED POWDERS. Check old powders for deterioration regularly. Destroy deteriorated powders immediately.

  12. OBEY ALL REGULATIONS REGARDING QUANTITY AND METHODS OF STORING.

  13. Do not store all your powders in one place. If you can, maintain separate storage locations. Many small containers are safer than one or more large containers.

  14. KEEP YOUR STORAGE AND USE AREA CLEAN. Clean up spilled powder promptly. Make sure the surrounding area is free of trash or other readily combustible materials.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STORAGE OF SMOKELESS POWDER

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) is an association of the nation's leading manufacturers of firearms, ammunition and components.
ref: http://www.saami.org/publications/200.pdf

 

Safe Storage of Propellant Powders

- "Proper storage of canister powders involves not only the temperature and humidity at which powders are stored, but to insure that those powders are maintained in their original DOT approved packaging and shipping containers. These containers are specifically designed to reduce the hazards of violent explosion in the event that these canisters are exposed to either fire or high temperatures. Too, so long as the powders are in their original packaging, labeling and identifying powders doesn’t become and issue."
- "In addition to the fire-related issues regarding smokeless powder storage, are the safety issues with children."
- "improper powder storage can be considered child endangerment, and result in some really ugly legal issues if the wrong governmental agencies become involved."
- "In the event of a fire, this proper storage of powders can become a literal life and death issue, not only for the occupants of the structure, but for those emergency personnel who come to assist during the event."
- "First and foremost, I would not suggest storing in metal ammo cans or any other non-OEM powder can."
- "Location is another thing to consider. Store powder as far away from living and sleeping areas; and especially stairways or other escape routes if possible."
- "13-3.1 Quantities of smokeless propellants not exceeding 25 lb (11.3 kg), in shipping containers approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, shall be permitted to be transported in a private vehicle."
- "13-3.7 Smokeless propellants intended for personal use in quantities not exceeding 20 lb (9.1 kg) shall be permitted to be stored in original containers in residences. Quantities exceeding 20 lb (9.1 kg), but not exceeding 50 lb (22.7 kg), shall be permitted to be stored in residences where kept in a wooden box or cabinet having walls of at least 1 in. (25.4 mm) nominal thickness"

The above information is abstracted from;
Smokeless Powder & Primer Storage :: By Marshall Stanton on 2005-08-27
ref: http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/60

 

The laws governing powder storage nationally state that if you're going to store over 20 lbs of powder for your personal use in a residence, you need a wooden box or cabinet with a nominal thickness of no less than 1 inch. Storing more than 50 lbs of powder in your residence is in violation of the law.
Is the requirement for wood a precaution against sparks?
The concept of the box is that it should not be able to withstand much pressure before it opens; that's why a wooden box is desirable. If there is a fire, what does it matter if the box burns or not? The idea is that, if there is a fire, the powder storage box won't become a bomb.
ref: http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=201516

 

Black Powder Handling, Storage and Safety Precautions

Handling and Storage Precautions:
Avoid impact, friction, heat, sparks and open flame.
Never smoke while handling black powder.
Never handle or use black powder after drinking alcohol or using mind-altering drugs.
Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.
Do not mix black powder with any other type of gunpowder.
Do not purchase or accept black powder that is not in its original, factory sealed container.
Do not dispense black powder directly from the canister, flask or horn into the firearm.
Do not dispense substantial amounts of black powder in close proximity to the firearm.
Learn and obey all laws and regulations regarding quantities of explosive material and methods of storage.
Do not store black powder in the same area with other flammable materials.
Do not store black powder within the reach of children.
Store black powder only in manufacturer approved containers.
ref: http://www.norwestcompany.com/safety.htm

 

Handling Precautions (Black Powder)

Handle with care. Avoid impact, friction, heat, sparks and open flame. Prevent contact with smoking material. Keep
containers tightly closed when not in use. Clean up any spilled powder. Use brush and dustpan. Keep away from children.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Do not mix this powder with a powder of any other type.
Do not purchase or accept any GOEX black powder not in its original container, factory sealed..
Do not dispense black powder directly from the canister into firearm. Do not dispense a substantial amount of powder in close proximity to the firearm.
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: Always store in a cool, dry place. Obey all laws and regulations regarding quantities of explosive material and methods of storage.
Do not store in the same area with highly combustible materials. Do not store within reach of children. Store only in GOEX-approved containers.
DISPOSAL: If disposal is necessary, black powder must be disposed of in accordance with all local, state, federal laws and regulations. Consult the manufacturer for more details on disposal. Do not dispose of the container into a fire.
WARNING! EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE! FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR DEATH! KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN! KEEP AWAY FROM HEAT, SPARKS AND OPEN FLAME! AVOID IMPACT AND FRICTION!
ref: http://www.goexpowder.com/handling.html

 

Comments & Questions

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Sent: Thursday, September 02, 2010 11:09 AM
Subject: Smokeless Powder Storage Box Cost

Recommended storage for smokeless powder is wood cabinets which are also partitioned off with 1" thick plywood. how much do these cabinets cost?

Mike

 

Response - Mike

Sorry it took so long to respond.

I don't know about the cost or where you can find complete cabinets but it looks like you can find suitable wooden crates on Ebay for anywhere from $10-$50. Go to Ebay and search for "wood crate", "wooden wine crate" or "wood ammo box". You may have to email the seller and ask about the thickness, but you can probably find what you need. Or you can make your own.

Best regards,

Tanner

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