storing powder in other jugs

[PiratePast40]

I have an opportunity to get into a group buy of some Power Pistol. The guy says that he's trying to buy a keg. I haven't been able to figure out what size that is, but the guy says we would measure out our shares. Just wondering what the best way is to store powder when it's not in the original container. Are there any precautions I should be taking to minimize moisture?

Thanks in advance.

 

[gmartinnc]

I keep all of my empty containers just for that reason. Do you or any of your friends have any? If not, an ad on Armlist or at a LGS might produce a few.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

Since all the containers tell us NOT to re-use them, I, too save mine!

When it comes time to consolidate things a little--for example, I'm near the end of a four pound jug, and won't be replacing that particular powder--I put a label on each giving the name of the powder I'm putting in it, the lot number, and a "Smokeless Powder--Flammable" notation.

Since nobody else will be getting into any of that powder, I don't get too worried...

And just to remember days gone forever, when I got started reloading, I'd go to the sporting goods or gun store, tell the fellow I needed a pound of XYZ powder and he'd disappear into the back. In a couple of minutes he'd return with a small paper bag, marked "XYZ 1#" and relieve me of about $3. And off I'd go... I'm not sure there were as many people in town then as there are agencies out there today who'd be involved with the response to such a request today!

Rick C

 

[Jimbo357mag]

The Alliant site only shows that Power Pistol comes in 1 pound and 4 pound containers.
http://www.alliantpowder.com/products/powder/power_pistol.aspx
If it does come in larger amounts then old powder containers or other plastic air-tight containers would seem to be suitable if properly labeled.
I would skip the glass jars.

 

[mikld]

I have purchased surplus powders in gallon bleach bottles (opaque white). Make sure you clearly label the contents...

 

[gmartinnc]

I must confess.
I have some WW748 stored in one of those black plastic containers from Walmart, made for putting used motor oil in.
Seems to be doing fine.

 

[PiratePast40]

Looks like I was definitely overthinking this!

 

[RSIno1]

I'd look for something that won't produce static electricity.

 

[gmartinnc]

Good point! I guess it would be ok to put a dryer sheet inside the jug wouldn't it? Here is the container from Walmart mentioned earlier. It seems to be the same plastic as used by the powder manufacturers, and perhaps even thicker.

 

[gramps]

I wouldn't use a dryer sheet. They have chemicals, and you don't have a clue as to how it would change your powder!
gramps

 

[Mobuck]

I would suggest finding and using the correctly labeled container. But that's not how if often works.[ Most any plastic container] with a positive seal should work fine. I don't use any desiccant packs in powder as any moisture it draws will be in contact with at least some of the powder.
A qualifier may be in order: some plastics may react to the nitro content of the powder making them unsuitable

 

[gmartinnc]

I wouldn't use a dryer sheet. They have chemicals, and you don't have a clue as to how it would change your powder!
gramps

They work real well for keeping powder from sticking inside the plastic hopper of a powder measure. Perhaps putting them in the jug with the powder wouldn't be a good idea but I've seen nothing to make me think they were needed, anyway.
I really see nothing wrong with the jug from Walmart. Actually, I like it a lot. The small opening is great for pouring it in the measure, the large one is great for filling it, and both seal off tightly. I would think they are pretty chemical resistant too, because used motor oil is full of some nasty ones. Anyway, at the time I needed it, I had nothing else.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I really see nothing wrong with the jug from Walmart. Actually, I like it a lot. The small opening is great for pouring it in the measure, the large one is great for filling it, and both seal off tightly. I would think they are pretty chemical resistant too, because used motor oil is full of some nasty ones. Anyway, at the time I needed it, I had nothing else.

Great idea. The powder manufacturers could learn a thing or two here.

 

[Laserbait]

I have an opportunity to get into a group buy of some Power Pistol. The guy says that he's trying to buy a keg. I haven't been able to figure out what size that is, but the guy says we would measure out our shares. Just wondering what the best way is to store powder when it's not in the original container. Are there any precautions I should be taking to minimize moisture?

Thanks in advance.

All 3 kegs that I have seen have been 25 lbs. Buddy of mine used to buy them with a group of people in his bullseye league.

 

[Bucks Owin]

I have some 700X and PB stored in metal coffee cans w/plastic lids from back when I loaded shotshells commercially. That was back in the 80s! :shock:

It still burns as advertised near as I can tell. Labelling: VERY important! Container itself: Not so much IMHO...

Not advocating, just sayin'... :wink:

PS: Been in temps from -30 below to 120+ degrees too!

 

[Bayouhunter]

I use my old 1 lb plastic powder containers to store my loaded rounds in. Works well for that. So relabeling for another powder will do no harm.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

I have used a steel (tin coated with plastic cap) 1 gal. paint thinner can to store some
Hodgdens 4831 that I got from a friend about 40 years ago. I just used the last of that
War surplus powder a couple years ago and it still shot great and had no rust or strong acidic smell to it.
My friend bought that powder from Hodgdens back when you could buy a large keg for about .50 cents a pound right after WW11. The oldest powder I have ever used. I am shooting this now in .38 sp. Works great.

 

[Dale53]

A number of years ago, I bought several 150 lb "bottles" of surplus ball powder (WC 820) for a club group buy. We broke it down to eight pound jugs (clean milk jugs). We had no problems with those jugs whatsoever. I still have a few pounds left in a jug or two...

FWIW
Dale53

 

[contender]

The biggest thing I see about changing the container of ANY powder,,, is to MAKE SURE of proper labeling. We do not want to be responsible for somebody having an accident with our stuff.
Example;
I buy an 8 lb keg of powder. It gets low & I put it in a different container, not fully labeled. There is a horrific accident & I'm killed. My son gets my reloading stuff. He grabs a powder thinking it's one type & loads it in a gun. Kaboom & my son joins me in heaven. Not what I'd wish to happen.

 

[LAH]

I have purchased surplus powders in gallon bleach bottles (opaque white). Make sure you clearly label the contents...

Me too.