Powder Storage

G

Groverino

CGN Regular
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Location
Nova Scotia
I'm new to reloading and just bought my first can of smokeless powder. Where do I need to store this so as not to break the law? My understanding of the explosives act 2012 is that it could be in my locked, painted metal cabinet where i store my ammo as long as it's on a different shelf than ammo/primers. Is this correct?
 
Don't jump to unnecessary conclusions. The Explosives Act 2012 is only a proposal. It has not be introduced to Parliament as a Bill (or regulations) AFAIK. The old regulations still apply. A single can of powder is not a large enough quantity to trip the various storage provisions of the act. Store it like loaded ammo.
 
no it is not
it has to be in a box (cabinet or such) made out of wood (or any non electrostatic materials) with no iron (or steel or titanium) fittings.
don't forget to write EXPLOSIVES in big contrasting letters on said box.
 
Many people build their own box out of plywood and other boards and may or may not use the right type of metal (brass) fittings. I don't believe anyone has been busted for having steel screws in their powder box (yet). I haven't read any cases of people being in trouble over powder storage and some local gunshops keep it on the shelf, not in any type of magazine. But of course everyone here follows the rules to the letter. Some people used to use old unlpugged refrigerators to store powder and I believe a member here that worked at a Canadian Ammo factory said they stored it in old fridges there too. An old SKS crate and a hasp and padlock would work for those with lots of powder.
 
IIRC here are the current regs:

137. In regard to any receptacle, the following provisions shall be observed:

(a) it shall be provided with a closely fitting lid secured by a lock, and hinges and fastenings, preferably of copper or brass, and otherwise closed and secured so as to prevent unauthorized persons having access thereto, and shall be kept locked except when required to be open for receipt or removal of explosives, or other necessary purpose;
(b) it shall be exclusively used for the keeping of explosives;
(c) it shall be made of wood, copper or other suitable material;
(d) the interior of the receptacle and all fittings therein shall be so constructed, covered or lined as to prevent the exposure of any iron or steel, or of any hard or gritty surface, or the entry, detaching, or accumulating of grit, iron, steel or similar substance;
(e) the interior of the receptacle shall be kept scrupulously clean; and
(f) the receptacle shall have the word “EXPLOSIVES” conspicuously displayed thereon on a contrasting background.
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http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._599/page-33.html#docCont

And here are the regs for storing them with other explosives:

141. When two or more explosives are kept on the same premises they shall each be kept in separate stores or receptacles, so separated from one another as to effectually prevent fire or explosion in one explosive from communicating with the other, except that

(a) the various explosives of Class 1 (gunpowder), Class 2 (nitrate mixture), Class 3 (nitro-compound), Class 4 (chlorate-mixture), safety fuse belonging to Division 1 of Class 6 (ammunition), and such of the various explosives of Division 2 of Class 6 (ammunition) as do not contain any exposed iron or steel, may be kept in the same store or receptacle with each other without any intervening partition or space;
(b) the various explosives of Division 1 of Class 6 (ammunition) may be kept in the same store or receptacle with each other without any intervening partition or space;
(c) such of the various explosives of Division 2 of Class 6 (ammunition) as contain exposed iron or steel may be kept in the same store or receptacle with each other without any intervening partition or space;
(d) the various explosives of Division 3 of Class 6 (ammunition) may be kept in the same store or receptacle with each other without any intervening partition or space; and
(e) the various explosives of Class 7 (fireworks) may be kept in the same store or receptacle with each other without any intervening partition or space.
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Shawn
 
Pretty much you have to have it custom made.
The law recommends wood that has to be a certain thickness (3/4" if memory serves me well).
I think certain plastics that don't get static electricity when rubbed are ok as well. You're also looking for brass or aluminum fittings.
 
Boolitcaster said:
Be sure to make it large enough to accomodate all the additional powders you buy as the reloading bug bites!:runaway:
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Good advice! I built mine to hold about 50 lbs of powder and wall mounted it, I still ran out of room once I started buying in 8 lb containers. I also store a lot of shotshell powders.
 
I just built my own using 3/4 inch wood from home depot. Bought the cheapest stuff they had that would work. Used brass screws and hinges and locks. I also put wood glue on all the joints. Took about an hour to build both. Was a fun little project and was cheap. Keep in mind they don't have to be fancy. They just have to work.

This is a photo of my powder and primer storage:

PowderStorage.jpg
 
ginnz said:
holy jeez. i keep mine in my drawer in my reloading table. but i don't have more than six one pound containers at a time, for the most part....
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As long as it is not made of steel and is locked and has the writing on it, you're good.
Make sure the primers are locked separately.
 
hk33ka1 said:
Many people build their own box out of plywood and other boards and may or may not use the right type of metal (brass) fittings.
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And many other people jut put the jug of propellant on a shelf in their reloading room/workshop.

Y'know... 'How they do it at the store.
 
Plastic toolbox from crappy tire with a padlock works as good as anything.Mark it as explosives and you're good.Also meets the requirement for being portable set out in section 136.Cabinets mounted to the walls or benches aren't portable.
 
667 said:
And many other people jut put the jug of propellant on a shelf in their reloading room/workshop.

Y'know... 'How they do it at the store.
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That doesn't make what those people do legal.

You are aware that in almost every piece of legislation there are usually two or more sets of laws depending on the group it applies to right?

Just because a business can do it does not mean you can.

Just like businesses don't have to lock firearms to ship them but we do.

Shawn
 
Thanks for this post, I was fully unaware as I too was following what the stores were doing.

I'm going to get a box whipped up. I only have one container now, but I want to be above board. I don't like the requirement for "EXPLOSIVES" written on it for concealment purposes, but what can you do. Hopefully the water meter guy doesn't freak out :)
 
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