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Safe storage temps for reloading equipment

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  • dscoduc
    Senior Member
    • Jan 2012
    • 845

    Safe storage temps for reloading equipment

    tl/dr:

    Can anyone help me with information on what is considered safe storage temperatures for smokeless powder and primers?

    Long story:

    I have an un-insulated shed where I do reloading and whatnot and would like to store my reloading equipment out there but am concerned about the morning cold (low of approx 30 degrees) and mid day temps (high of approx 110 degrees).
  • #2
    JackEllis
    Veteran Member
    • Nov 2015
    • 2731

    Those temps aren't extreme but if you're really worried and depending on how much you have, store them in a box full styrofoam packing pellets or something similar. That'll protect the powder from the extremes.

    Comment

    • #3
      dscoduc
      Senior Member
      • Jan 2012
      • 845

      Originally posted by JackEllis
      Those temps aren't extreme but if you're really worried and depending on how much you have, store them in a box full styrofoam packing pellets or something similar. That'll protect the powder from the extremes.
      Would an ice chest cooler work for maintaining a constant temperature?

      Comment

      • #4
        JackEllis
        Veteran Member
        • Nov 2015
        • 2731

        Originally posted by dscoduc
        Would an ice chest cooler work for maintaining a constant temperature?
        No reason why not. I was trying to think of something cheap and readily available but even a cheap cooler would work. Having some extra "thermal mass" inside would help even out the temp swings and that could be just about anything - containers of water, motor oil, packing peanuts...

        Comment

        • #5
          sofbak
          Veteran Member
          • Aug 2010
          • 2628

          If you want some storage a little more secure, better insulated, and potentially lockable-look for a cheap "dorm room" refrigerator (running or not). Used on-line, they can be had for $25-40, new from about $50. Add a hasp and lock if security is a concern.

          Plenty of insulation value for powder storage.
          Tire kickers gonna kick,
          Nose pickers gonna pick
          I and others know the real

          Comment

          • #6
            17+1
            Veteran Member
            • Jun 2010
            • 2847

            I keep my powder and primers in the house. I leave projectiles and everything else in the poorly insulated single car garage where my reloading bench is.

            I eventually plan to build a tuff shed work shop when I move, with 3D printer, mill, lathe, reloading bench, work bench, etc. will probably run AC and a small heater in there to control the temps.

            Comment

            • #7
              Bigtwin
              Veteran Member
              • May 2010
              • 2639

              I have always left it in the garage without issue. Some of my primers and powders are 10 years old and I get 110 Degree Days as well as below freezing days where I live. I just keep it in the original container.
              NRA MEMBER

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              • #8
                the86d
                Calguns Addict
                • Jul 2011
                • 9587

                Originally posted by JackEllis
                Those temps aren't extreme but if you're really worried and depending on how much you have, store them in a box full styrofoam packing pellets or something similar. That'll protect the powder from the extremes.
                I wouldn't use Styrofoam, as the static is a concern...?

                Comment

                • #9
                  GW
                  I need a LIFE!!
                  • May 2004
                  • 16078

                  Originally posted by the86d
                  I wouldn't use Styrofoam, as the static is a concern...?
                  That and its a PITA to work with.

                  I haven't had any issues with my uninsulated shed and the primers and powder stored there are still good.
                  I am assuming that the OP's temp range 30 to 110 is not in the same day but over the course of the year.
                  sigpicNRA Benefactor Member

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Fizz
                    Senior Member
                    • Feb 2012
                    • 1473

                    Originally posted by dscoduc
                    Would an ice chest cooler work for maintaining a constant temperature?
                    Powder/explosives (primer) and enclosed boxes generally do not mix. Powder is only really flammable until it's pressurized.

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