Powder in the freezer?

[PoorRichRichard]

I recently aquired some new lockable freezer space. What do you guys think about storing gun powder in the freezer?

[pacrat]

I recently aquired some new lockable freezer space. What do you guys think about storing gun powder in the freezer?

I personally would never consider doing so. Ever seen "freezer burnt" food?

A freezer removes moisture from a product and deposits it inside the container as "frost". Then when it is thawed it does not return to its original state as a viable part of the product. It returns to its water state inside the container. Which makes bread mushy when thawed.

I believe the same would happen to gun powder.

Properly stored gun powder will last longer than the life of the person storing it, without such measures. So why do it?

JM2c

[PoorRichRichard]

So why do it?

Lack of space in gun safe. I go through quite a bit of shotgun powder (primarily 700x & 800x), so do you think short term storage (6 months) would screw up my powder?

[bsumoba]

i wouldn't...

[PatC415]

I have always stored gunpowder in a "cool, dry place." Not sure the freezer would fit the "dry" part.

[M1NM]

Don't keep it in the safe. It goes boom in a cartride because it's confined - same as a large quanity in a safe. I've got mine on a shelf in the spare bedroom. Never had a problem in 40+ years.

[highpower790]

i wouldn't...

2nd...Locked freezer will contain pressure creating a bomb.Not advisable unless some sort of pressure release is made!

[Mot Mi]

Why would you even consider such a thing? Powder will store fine in most places within the house. Just store it in a closet or shelf in a cool dry spot like the above poster mentioned. I've had powder stored in my reloading room for over 2 years and it loads perfectly fine. If you're concerned just load it all and store the ammo.

[sealocan]

Sooooo...



what I hear you guys saying is...




the microwave is also a no go ?






(I do have it on the low setting.)

;-)

[ExtremeX]

Lack of space in gun safe. I go through quite a bit of shotgun powder (primarily 700x & 800x), so do you think short term storage (6 months) would screw up my powder?

That is pretty dangerous... storing powder in any container that wont vent easily it a VERY bad idea.

[stilly]

I would store it in a freezer if that freezer was vented and not running. Else I would put it on a nice shelf in the garage.

[74c5]

Storage of pyrotechnics in aerospace/defense is never, ever, at cold. If it can be afforded, it is stored at 130 to 150F.
The mere act of placing a normal container in a freezer will condense out any moisture in the air.

[JMP]

I personally would never consider doing so. Ever seen "freezer burnt" food?

A freezer removes moisture from a product and deposits it inside the container as "frost". Then when it is thawed it does not return to its original state as a viable part of the product. It returns to its water state inside the container. Which makes bread mushy when thawed.

I believe the same would happen to gun powder.

pacrat, while I do not store my powder in a freezer as temp control is not an issue in SoCal, I am wondering why you believe you'd get "freezer" burn with powder. Food and meats are heavily H2O based, which is why you see this in your bread. If the container is sealed and has never been opened, what type of moisture will come out of the smokeless propellent to freeze?

Would this cause a major issue for guys in Wisconson that stored their powder out-doors, which is even colder than a freezer?

I am not trying to argue as you think I might be, rather, I am just trying to understand the logic of your post given the properties of smokeless propellants vs. a loaf of bread that has significant water content. I am a fair weather reloader, so cold hasn't been a big issue for me.

Thanks.

[pacrat]

JMP asked

pacrat, while I do not store my powder in a freezer as temp control is not an issue in SoCal, I am wondering why you believe you'd get "freezer" burn with powder. Food and meats are heavily H2O based, which is why you see this in your bread. If the container is sealed and has never been opened, what type of moisture will come out of the smokeless propellent to freeze?

I am actually rather reluctant to reply. You JMP, and several others here on the reloading forum. Seem to have a propensity of taking something, or for that matter, anything I did "NOT SAY" and somehow magically inferring, implying, or outright claiming. That I actually said it.

That said again, I will explain my reasoning for making the statements "I DID MAKE".

Freezer burn and bread were just "examples" of how condensation during freezing occurs. And the [changes of state] that occur during the process.

Not used as a direct comparison by me of [bread to powder] and/or their relative moisture contents.

Everything "OUTSIDE A PERFECT VACCUUM" contains a "certain percentage" of "moisture". The moisture used in making modern smokeless and even old school black powder is [water]. Which is necessary as a part of the production process of blending the ingredients. Just like bread dough, powder is then "cooked" to remove the majority of that moisture. But a certain small percentage remains as part of the powder.

That percentage would be susceptible to the changes of state that occurs during freezing.

If the OP [vaccuum packed] the powder that he froze, it would greatly slow the process. But why bother?

As I stated in the original post I made. That you did not include in your quote of my post.

Properly stored gun powder will last longer than the life of the person storing it, without such measures. So why do it?

JM2c

[Lead Waster]

You can store it at my house, I will in turn, store it in small brass containers, sealed with lead lids. Probably store between 4 and 5 grains per container. I will then store those containers in a 10 container "magazine", if you will. I will occasionally release the pressure of the containers, by popping the lead tops off.