bulk powder storage containers- suggestions?

mpwolf

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The only thing I don't like about Higginson's is the powder comes in boxes. I seem to remember a discussion from quite a while back about appropriate containers, but I'm asking again. Obviously keeping the commercial powder containers is a good idea, but I've run out, so now I'm looking for an alternative. Is all HDPE #2 the same, in terms of composition? If so, then 2.9L laundry detergent bottles seem like a good idea. The pouring spout will come out w/ a bit of a pull, leaving a nice wide mouth jug. Obviously a thorough rinse is in order, but is there any reason not to use these jugs? I've also got quite a few #2 plastic containers, but they're clear, and I'm wondering about light breaking the powder down. Is that a concern?
 
If you cannot use the factory packaging - bulk boxes certainly leave something to be desired, your idea of plastic liquid laundry soap containers is very good. Make sure you mark each bottle so there can be no confusion. If your powder is not stored in a dark room, mine is kept in a locker, I would prefer colored plastic to clear.
 
I transfer bulk powder to the large plastic bottles that vitamin pills come in. The good ones are stamped HDPE on the bottom, usually below the recycle triangle.
These containers are opaque, seal tightly and are static free. No powder granuals flying around and sticking to everything. The large ones hold over a pound of powder and can be labelled with a felt pen very easily after soaking the original label off.
It's easy to store the powder in the Higginson package and just transfer what you're using to the smaller bottles for more convienient handling.
 
The big red Folgers coffe containers are perfect, just drop your bag from the box of bulk powder in it and snap the lid on. The larger containers take 7lbs. no problem.
A plastic 1/2cup measuring scoop is all that's needed for scooping out as much powder as you need.
 
I have to agree with the large plastic laundry soap containers, especially the ones with the pouring spout, which makes scooping the powder out unneccessary and less chance of spillage.
Don't get me wrong, all of the above suggestions are more than acceptable, but some just work better.
The main proplem with the soap bottles is getting the powder into them in the first place and that's not a problem with a proper sized funnel. bearhunter
 
I also use the opaque plastic Metamucil containers. They are perfect for storing powder and hold about 4 lbs of most powders.

Here's what I do: (colon)

- I first purge the container; (semi-colon)
- then I cleanse it;
- then with regularity;
- I dump powder that I pull from surplus cartridges;
- making sure that no waste enters the container;
- then I squeeze the stopper tight so there's no leakage; and finally
- I clean up and do the paperwork.

:p
 
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For those of us who are not old enough yet to have a large stockpile of metamucil bottles :p , I noticed that on recycling day the drugstores often put out bins of very large un-labeled pill bottles which I assume were used for bulk prescription medications that they dispence from the pharmacy.

Now the recycling contractors don't like people taking things from the bins, but Re-use comes ahead of Recycle in the 3 R's.
 
Quiet said:
For those of us who are not old enough yet to have a large stockpile of metamucil bottles :p , I noticed that on recycling day the drugstores often put out bins of very large un-labeled pill bottles which I assume were used for bulk prescription medications that they dispence from the pharmacy.

Now the recycling contractors don't like people taking things from the bins, but Re-use comes ahead of Recycle in the 3 R's.

Very good idea. Ask the local pharmacy for the big pill bottles. I store bullets in plastic bottles, so I will try hitting up the local pharmacy.
 
Get to know a couple of the high volume shotgun shooters at your local gun club. Empty 8 & 10 lb. powder containers aren't really that hard to come by.
The old labels on most generally strip off pretty easy. I've recycled a few of mine to store tumbling media, and use them to put (fired) primers in.
 
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