Which is better...storing powder or reloaded ammo

smokingunns

smokingunns

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I'm a new reloader and am wondering what would be better:

1) To buy larger quantities of powder (i.e. 8lbs powder jugs) and reload what I plan to use in a given time period (i.e. 2-4 weeks) or,

2) Reloading, then storing them to a long period (i.e. - reload and store what I will use for 6-12 months).

I've been reloading different combinations and have a couple that I like using...I usually load about a 2 weeks supply at one time.

Is there any draw backs to either option (i.e. powder going back when in the containers after the container has been opened or the powder causing any problems with the casing/primer if stored for long periods of time).

Lastly, how long is unused powder good for before it goes bad (or does it ever go bad...I'm talking after the seal is broken and the lid has been opened)?

How long is reloaded ammo good for after it has been reloaded (I keep reloaded ammo in a safe inside the house...clean and dry place).

Thanks,
 
Your last part first. Do not store powder or ammunition in a safe. I presume you mean a steel safe, and if so, it is very dangerous. If it burns, the pressure will be confined, like in a gun, and result in an explosion, probably BIG. Store it in something that won't hold pressure, if it burns.
I really don't know how long powder will last in storage. Much of my powder is in the forty year old class and some is from WW2, like near 70 years, and it is all in good shape, so can't tell you how long it will last! Same goes for loaded ammunition. My storage is just cool and dry, period.
 
IIRC, as per Explosives Act, you have to store powder in a wooden box with brass fittings and store primers separately.

I remember the look I got from a Home Depot guy when I told him I needed to get some boards cut to make a box for explosives :D .. he turned out to have a friend who reloads too and awkward moment turned into smiles :D
 
I store mine in a cheap plastic 3 drawer stand. I can't see it being anymore lethal than a wooden box should the powder ignite. No metal hinges either. PS H4831, he says he stores his reloaded ammo in his safe, not powder:p.
 
Store your powder out of daylight (in a container that is not translucent, as if any powder ever came in a see-through container) and away from extremes of heat & cold. Basement floor is good for this.

Store your loaded ammo the same way.

They will both last for years & years.

If you are planning on long term storage loose powder in a container can be sniff tested for a strong ammonia smell to see if it is going bad or decomposing.
 
PS H4831, he says he stores his reloaded ammo in his safe, not powder.
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I said, Do not store powder or ammunition in a safe. The same applys to both.
 
H4831 said:
PS H4831, he says he stores his reloaded ammo in his safe, not powder.
__________________

I said, Do not store powder or ammunition in a safe. The same applys to both.
Click to expand...

Correct...I store reloaded ammo in a safe. I store my powder in the garage on the top shelf out of reach (need a ladder to get to it)...this is the same for my primers.

I can see the other point of view that powder in a sealed metal safe would create a large amount of pressure...as an example, if powder is burned on a concrete floor, it just fizzles however if ignited in a sealed container such as a brass case, it would create pressure (I believe this is how loaded ammunition works)....GOOD POINT!

I like the wooden box idea (or a lockable plastic one)...maybe I'll consider this as another winter project and build one with a locking system.

So from the sounds of it, reloaded ammo and powder can last for a very long time so long as it is stored properly (cool and dry place).

Thanks for the input everyone.
 
P.S. - The only draw back I can see from a plastic container is static electricity...this could ignite the powder. Plastic would generate more static electricty...which wood would not.

But this theory goes out the window as my powder comes in a plastic container...unless the plastic they use eliminates the static.
 
smokingunns said:
P.S. - The only draw back I can see from a plastic container is static electricity...this could ignite the powder. Plastic would generate more static electricty...which wood would not.

But this theory goes out the window as my powder comes in a plastic container...unless the plastic they use eliminates the static.
Click to expand...

Sure, all sorts of static, including the powder itself. Nitrocellulose is a type of plastic.

But without a ground, static never goes anywhere.
 
smokingunns said:
P.S. - The only draw back I can see from a plastic container is static electricity...this could ignite the powder. Plastic would generate more static electricty...which wood would not.

But this theory goes out the window as my powder comes in a plastic container...unless the plastic they use eliminates the static.
Click to expand...

Like it or not the Explosives Act has a specific requirement for the storage of powder and it doesn't include plastic.
 
762shooter said:
Like it or not the Explosives Act has a specific requirement for the storage of powder and it doesn't include plastic.
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But don't you find it odd the manufacturers put the powder in plastic containers?

Don't you find it odd that retail outlets can leave the powder and primers sitting on a shelf 24/7? But in a residence even a single primer not installed in a cartridge must be kept in a special wooden box?

Don't you find it odd that the regs say you need a special wood box, but if you load all the powder in cartridges you can then store the same amount of powder in virtually any container you want?

Don't you find it odd that up until a few years ago, you actually bought powder in a metal can? Don't forget, there were no incidents that called for changes either.


Yes I know what the regs say. ;)
 
I just bought a 1\2 full keg of 800X, came in a little metal drum...... I couldn't care less about the "regs". I put up with this registration crap to a certain point and that is the end of my effort to be a good little boy.
 
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Going back to the original question - I'd hold off on buying large quantities of powder and then loading up large quantities of ammo until you're comfortable with your load and loading abilities. Use smaller containers (side note - I believe that the days of the 4# or 8# jugs are going as well - 1.25# might be the new max from something I just read, and can't find the link for, so take it with a grain of salt), as there's less worry about humidity or aging variables, until you settle on a favourite powder.

I say this from experience - when I started out, I bought an 8# can of W748 to load up a bunch of 55gr bulk Remington bullets based on the reloading manuals and some magazine articles - no work-ups, no testing. 20 years later, still have about 1-2# left of the W748 and have almost used up all of the reloads on gophers with my mini-14. Turns out I needed to use a small base die for the AR ... and 55gr don't shoot worth a darn in my 1x9 twist AR (or in my 1x7 mini). I'm a lot more cautious about bulk reloading now.
 
joe-nwt said:
But don't you find it odd the manufacturers put the powder in plastic containers?

Don't you find it odd that retail outlets can leave the powder and primers sitting on a shelf 24/7? But in a residence even a single primer not installed in a cartridge must be kept in a special wooden box?

Don't you find it odd that the regs say you need a special wood box, but if you load all the powder in cartridges you can then store the same amount of powder in virtually any container you want?

Don't you find it odd that up until a few years ago, you actually bought powder in a metal can? Don't forget, there were no incidents that called for changes either.

Yes I know what the regs say. ;)
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Joe, that is the good old days you are talking about. It makes me sad to even talk about all the things that we have lost.
 
smokingunns said:
P.S. - The only draw back I can see from a plastic container is static electricity...this could ignite the powder. Plastic would generate more static electricty...which wood would not.

But this theory goes out the window as my powder comes in a plastic container...unless the plastic they use eliminates the static.
Click to expand...

doesent powder contain graphite to reduce static as well?....


i think relaoding regs specify that you use wood anyway....


as for the OP's question as long as both are stored in a cool dry place both will last for many many years so its really to you:)
 
rivetc78 said:
So... if I had 40 lbs of powder.... I should have a wooden box for it ....just asking.......

....in case I start to reload.....
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Anybody come knocking on the door asking if you have powder in the past? Why should you expect them to start now?


I'm being bad. You should follow every rule on the planet.;)
 
Like H4831, I have some military powders from the WW2 Era, and it is still working just as it always did. I started reloading 45 years ago, and I have only occasionally run into powder that showed deterioration. [Oddly, in every case, it has been IMR 3031] I believe it is usually related to storage issues. A cool dark place is best. I would be wary of a shed where temperatures vary a lot, summer to winter. High up would be worse than close to the floor in this respect. Regards, Eagleye.
 
joe-nwt said:
But don't you find it odd the manufacturers put the powder in plastic containers?

Don't you find it odd that retail outlets can leave the powder and primers sitting on a shelf 24/7? But in a residence even a single primer not installed in a cartridge must be kept in a special wooden box?

Don't you find it odd that the regs say you need a special wood box, but if you load all the powder in cartridges you can then store the same amount of powder in virtually any container you want?

Don't you find it odd that up until a few years ago, you actually bought powder in a metal can? Don't forget, there were no incidents that called for changes either.


Yes I know what the regs say. ;)
Click to expand...


Sure, but I often find the posted speed limits to be kind of odd, too!
 
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