Storing Blackpowder

[Gun Lover]

How do you guys store blackpowder? Are the regulations different from those for storing smokeless powder?

I have been reloading for modern cartridges for years now, and even though I've owned a muzzleloader for about 5 or 6 years, it's one of those newfangled smokeless powder ones. I am however planning on buying a flintlock very soon, and knowing that getting the real blackpowder is kind of hard, I'm thinking about buying some even before I get the rifle. I have however been told that blackpowder should be stored differently than smokeless powder, that even the law says so, hence my questions. Thanks.

 

[Musketfire]

I treat my black powder storage EXACTLY the same as I would smokeless.

I am quite sure that the law does not see any difference between smokeless and black powder with regards to storage.

Even if Im wrong, I would rather be safe then sorry.

 

[mooncoon]

I think the law says that it is supposed to be stored separate from smokeless but also believe that is in terms of commercial amounts stored by stores and business. I only keep a can each of the granulations I use inside the house and keep the rest outside in a small magazine.

cheers mooncoon

 

[Shrapnel]

The only difference between smokeless and blackpowder when it comes to storage is that blackpowder is considered 1.1D explosives if stored in large quantities... For small quantities, store it in a cool dry place just like smokeless powder...

 

[john@]

I just heard this on the internet so may not be accurate,...

BP must be stored in a lockable wooden box made from 3/4" or thicker wood that is assembled with brass or other metal that can not cause a spark.

 

[Gun Lover]

Thanks for your answers guys. I asked because I've now bought a couple of pounds and the guy at the store told me BP should be stored "outside"! I am planning to store it just the same as my smokeless; because I just can't store it outside.

I have a shack in my backyard, but it is everything but cool and dry. That place gets freaking hot in the summer! I even tried using a camping cooler once, to see if that would keep the hot temperatures out, but it got even hotter inside of it than outside of it when in the shack, so I have to keep my powders in the basement. Good thing I don't have enough money to buy enough powder to make me worry too much.

 

[jethunter]

Storing small quatities inside (a can or 2) is no problem. BP is a true explosive, unlike smokeless powder which is a propellant. If you drop a match on it - BP goes KABOOM, while smokeless just fizzles and produces a horrendous bunch of smoke. Even a 1 pound can of black powder will make a good sized explosion if it ignites.

 

[mooncoon]

BP is a true explosive, unlike smokeless powder which is a propellant. If you drop a match on it - BP goes KABOOM, while smokeless just fizzles and produces a horrendous bunch of smoke. Even a 1 pound can of black powder will make a good sized explosion if it ignites.

That is not completely true. 1 lb of black goes up with a whooof and lots of smoke, assuming it is not contained. I would not hesitate to stand within 3 feet of same. I have set off 1 lb lots a couple of times.

Smokeless does not fizzle, it burns semi rapidly, with a brilliant yellow flame and no smoke, any time I have burned some off.

cheers mooncoon

 

[Levi Garrett]

Never store in anything other than what it came in..dark , and dry place, not confined where it becomes a bomb, out building with good vents is perfect if not damp.

 

[SandRoad]

That is not completely true. 1 lb of black goes up with a whooof and lots of smoke, assuming it is not contained. I would not hesitate to stand within 3 feet of same. I have set off 1 lb lots a couple of times.

Smokeless does not fizzle, it burns semi rapidly, with a brilliant yellow flame and no smoke, any time I have burned some off.

cheers mooncoon

We tend to treat BP much more carefully than smokeless. Anything more than a couple pounds is stored in a shed.

In doing various "experiments" over the years (you know, the young and foolish thing), we have had some very "surprising" results. Most of the time a train of BP does just go up with a whooof, but the odd time.......

 

[jethunter]

That is not completely true. 1 lb of black goes up with a whooof and lots of smoke, assuming it is not contained. I would not hesitate to stand within 3 feet of same. I have set off 1 lb lots a couple of times.

Smokeless does not fizzle, it burns semi rapidly, with a brilliant yellow flame and no smoke, any time I have burned some off.

cheers mooncoon

I know for a fact that FFFG is capable of making a bang when it is ignited inside a lidded tin container by external heat.

 

[mooncoon]

I know for a fact that FFFG is capable of making a bang when it is ignited inside a lidded tin container by external heat.

The key words are inside a lidded container. If the powder is sitting loose in a pile or in a bowl, 1 lb of 3F simply goes whooof for me. The amount of containment can be relatively slight to create the bang, I will admit.

cheers mooncoon

 

[Shrapnel]

I tried blowing up 1 pound factory metal cans of blackpowder (1f, 2f, 3f, 4f and canon grade) using electric matches... The results are unspectacular in every cases... The cans do not provide enough confinement to create a really powerfull explosion. I would feel confortable standing 5 meter away from a 1 pound can when it explodes... The danger is burns, not fragments as the can was just peeled open in all cases. That said, I would not recommend blowing up 1 pound cans!! Do NOT try it at home!!

 

[vagrantviking]

Its much more spectacular if you bury the can a couple feet down.

 

[Sly Old Fox]

Black Powder Storage, ?

50 years ago, I bought 25 # from CIL and still have some left

In the last few weeks, I've made several 3/4" boxes, non ferrous hardware and separate ones for smokeless, BP and primers. Over the years, when I have accumulated powder at reasonable prices, I have done so and can detect no degredation visible or in use in any, whether IMR, Hogson, or otherwise.

For What it is worth.

 

[Shrapnel]

Much much more spectacular when you bury 30 pounds underground! Or blow up ten pounds in several 1 1/2" holes bored in rock, using blasting caps.... I love BP!

 

[The Queens Medalist 8687]

WWI .303 powder sticks, chew well, and burn good too. Saw both at a party!

 

[Sly Old Fox]

Powder Storage

I just heard this on the internet so may not be accurate,...

BP must be stored in a lockable wooden box made from 3/4" or thicker wood that is assembled with brass or other metal that can not cause a spark.

I just finished making 4 boxes, edge glued pine, all brass fastenings, hinges, etc. as the regs require.

Two of the boxes are for smokeless, one for BP and the last for primers.

Can't get Photobucket to run right or I would have posted images.

 

[SCHNEIDERSAUTO]

i store mine in little and bigger brass cases . they do go bang with cloud of smoke

 

[cant_rope_the_wind01]

I think the law says that it is supposed to be stored separate from smokeless but also believe that is in terms of commercial amounts stored by stores and business. I only keep a can each of the granulations I use inside the house and keep the rest outside in a small magazine.

cheers mooncoon

what do you mean magazine ????
outdoorlife , sears ,penthouse ??? pls explaine