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repackaging powder for storage?

non mortuusnon mortuus Member Posts: 649 ✭✭✭✭
I recently got a large container of smokeless powder. The container it came in is not something I want to store it in. Does anyone have any suggestiongs for possiable storage containers?

No I don't have any empty old powder containers (and the labels say not to do that anyway [V]). Thought of canning jars, but not sure If I like the idea of breakable glass but on the other hand not sure how well some plastic containers I've looked at would be would be. [:I]

Comments

  • Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,381 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Why not? It was good enough to ship and warehouse the powder. I go the other way, taking out a pound or less at a time for convenience on the bench, but most of the powder stays in the big factory container.

    Do NOT store in glass.
    How do you know you are looking at a compatible plastic?

    If you just must, check the paint stores, you might find clean new quart metal cans as used to be used for powder.
  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,438 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Nope. Bad idea. One, factory powder containers are designed to meet fire codes, anything else would not. Two, even if you label the new containers, labels can fall off or become illegible.

    If you have an eight-pounder, buy a one-pounder of the SAME powder as well. Re-fill the one-pounder as needed. That's the only safe and sane way.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
  • rotarymetertecrotarymetertec Member Posts: 30 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rocky has a point. Glass will work use a marker and put a slip inside of what it is.
  • carbine100carbine100 Member Posts: 3,071 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Used and well cleaned clorox plastic bottle. Write on the side of it with a sharpie.
  • ryanek9freakryanek9freak Member Posts: 41 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    What difference does it make? If your house is on fire, I don't care what it's in, it's gonna blow.
  • non mortuusnon mortuus Member Posts: 649 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hawk Carse, are there plastic containers that would react with powder somehow? ("compatible plastic")

    To ryanek9freak & others, its not a fire protection issue, I just don't like its current container. Its a big weird shape that doesn't fit well with the other containers I already have.
  • 270cowboy270cowboy Member Posts: 170 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hell try some old coffe cans (metal)
    powder use to come in metal cans.
    I still have some
  • Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,381 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    There are plastics not compatible with smokeless powder. Stupidly enough, they are even used on powder measures. I had one batch of powder that actually etched the hopper on my Dillon. And another turned the hopper on my CH yellow.

    I guess you could look at the recycling code - number in a triangle - on the big container and then look for pound cans of the same grade. But metal would be a safer bet.
  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,438 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    There's more to it than that. Factory plastic containers are black not just to keep light out, but because they are made of a special conductive plastic. That's so the powder doesn't create a static buildup inside the can and spark itself.

    Put the powder in something else, shake it around and ...

    Factory containers are also designed to fail without bursting if the powder does catch fire (or is in a fire). If pressure builds inside, the container will fail with a PHOOSH instead of a KABOOM.

    These things are more than just "cans."
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
  • non mortuusnon mortuus Member Posts: 649 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Rocky Raab
    There's more to it than that. Factory plastic containers are black not just to keep light out, but because they are made of a special conductive plastic. That's so the powder doesn't create a static buildup inside the can and spark itself.

    Put the powder in something else, shake it around and ...

    Factory containers are also designed to fail without bursting if the powder does catch fire (or is in a fire). If pressure builds inside, the container will fail with a PHOOSH instead of a KABOOM.

    These things are more than just "cans."

    So what would you suggest putting the powder in?
  • ScottCScottC Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    NM-I have actually spoken with an engineer from alliant. Some of these posts are very good advice, as the factory containers are more than just bottles or cans. Powder should only be stored in the original factory containers. It will also have a normal shelf life of 30-35 years when stored in a cool dry envirnment.
  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,438 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    As I mentioned earlier, if you have a large and unwieldy keg, just buy a single pound container of the same powder (and same lot if possible). When the one-pounder gets low, haul out the keg and refill the small container.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
  • non mortuusnon mortuus Member Posts: 649 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Rocky Raab
    As I mentioned earlier, if you have a large and unwieldy keg, just buy a single pound container of the same powder (and same lot if possible). When the one-pounder gets low, haul out the keg and refill the small container.

    [V] I swear everyone keeps assuming its a keg...
    No keg, box. Not a keg, Its a Box. The powder is not in a keg, it is in a Box. An ugly unwieldy cardboard box (one huge sealed plastic bag inside), but still a box.
  • haroldchrismeyerharoldchrismeyer Member Posts: 2,213
    edited November -1
    Store it the way it was meant to be. In a brass case, with a bullet on top, and a primer on the bottom.
  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,438 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    -- sigh --

    All rightie, if you wish to be treated like a nine-year-old, here:

    As I mentioned earlier, if you have a large and unwieldy kegCARDBOARD BOX, just buy a single pound container of the same powder (and same lot if possible). When the one-pounder gets low, haul out the kegCARDBOARD BOX and refill the small container.

    Would you need instructions now on how to use a scoop and a funnel?
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
  • chappsynychappsyny Member Posts: 3,381 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    How big a keg is it?[}:)][;)]

    Just kidding. [:D]

    Try buying a 5qt container of engine oil then dispose of it (properly, if you so desire), wash it out, dry it, then store your powder in there. Anything has to be better then a bag in a box.
  • csteinhcsteinh Member Posts: 41 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Powder manufacturers consciously package their product in containers designed to minimize pressure if the contents ignite. Consequently, the powder burns, but does not explode, if it is ignited. The best storage container is the original container. If you must repackage it, then using a smaller original container (like the one pound size) is the best alternative.

    Cort
  • sandwarriorsandwarrior Member Posts: 5,453 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I do what Rocky does. I save all my old plastic powder cans with the labels on them. For convenience I refill them from my 8lb. keg as needed. Those powder jugs are the safest way to handle powder. So, why not use them that way.
  • drobsdrobs Member Posts: 22,620 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Call the powder manufacturer and ask them. All my manuals state that you need to clearly mark whatever container you put it into with the powder type.

    I would go so far as to put an addition pc of paper inside the new powder container that also has the type of powder on it.

    The ABC's of Reloading has a section on powder and powder handling that goes into other containers.
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