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[hntnnut]

What I can't understand is how anyone can let powder or primers get that old. to begin wth.


Richard

[rsrocket1]

What I can't understand is how anyone can let powder or primers get that old. to begin wth.


Richard

The OP wants to store some 50BMG powder that he thinks won't be available a long time from now.

As for other powders and loaded bullets, some of us are old enough to discover reloads that we put together in our teens or 20's and decided to try the loads out. My older brother kept meticulous records of his reloads and labeled all the boxes he gave to me. I've shot some 20 and 30 years later and they all shot just fine.

As for me, yes my reloads don't sit around for more than a couple of months and most of my powders are all used up within a year or two of purchase.

[Distinct_Editz]

I haven't done it with powder, but I've done it with paint cans. Stretch some saran wrap over the mouth then screw the lid on.

Ah I'll keep that in mind.

And for all the other comments, 1) I'm storing a discontinued powder, which means it is now sacred to me. A collectors item. 2) Yeah the temperature swing problem was solved. 3) Thanks for the general consensus on how long powder should last. My worries are set aside.

[ORNGXTC]

I am still shooting powder and primers I bought 25 years ago. I moved, got married, had kids and busy life kept me from enjoying the hobby. Mine was stored in my garage in card board boxes the whole time. This is Winchester 231, 296, SPP, and LPP. I have not had one issue with any components. I had even left some 231 inside my 650 press powder measure. I tested it with a few 38 rounds first. The cap was tapped closed and another covering the vent hole in the top. No issues with that either. It did stain the clear plastic powder magazine yellow.

[tomcat315]

I put my in a fire safe indoors. I wonder if that's not such a great idea because its in an enclosed space.

[Divernhunter]

^^^ Not a good idea. Especially if it was much powder because you just built a bomb.
H50BMG powder is the one powder that you cannot store. I can come by or you can send it to me and I will dispose of it in a safe manner for you at NO charge.

[JackEllis]

I put my in a fire safe indoors. I wonder if that's not such a great idea because its in an enclosed space.

I built a small cabinet out of plywood. It's supposed to be an inch thick but all I had was 3/4" so that will have to do. If your home catches fire and the fire lasts beyond the firesafe's rated time, the powder will eventually ignite and burn rather quickly, turning the safe into a bomb as Divernhunter points out.

You're probably better off putting it in a cooler.

[Metal God]

I like to keep mine wrapped in a heating blanket , under water with the lids loose , hmm is that just me ?

[RestrictedColt]

How does the factory put on those peel-able air tight seals? Anyone know of a way to duplicate this process?

I've removed those and re-installed them and they seal back up to where you would be hard pressed to know they'd been removed. They don't stick quite as hard, but do stick and seal.

And for those who say that any powder can be stored forever; that's mostly true, but there are some that will decompose and do unexpected things. Just minor stuff like spontaneously ignite.

[tomcat315]

I'm going to take your advice guys. I'll store it where it can burn but not explode. I mean if you place is burning down a couple powder cans won't make or break you.