Powder/Primer storage temp?

[Les K]

Hi everyone,

Since it really got hot today, I was just wondering what is a safe temperature to store my powder and primers? I have them in the garage but in a low level cabinet about two feet off the ground.

Even though they are in the cabinet, I would bet the temp is 90 degrees or so in there. Do y'all think that this might be too hot?

TIA,
Les.

[Divernhunter]

They will be fine. Over the years I have stored powder/primers/ammo in the garage without any harm to the ammo or the ammo made from stuff stored as such. I even have ammo I made in the 1970's stored there and it shoots well.

[CaliforniaLiberal]

I don't think any definitive research has been done but it has been suggested that high temperatures and big variations in temperatures might shorten the shelf life of ammo.

Like only lasting for 20 or 40 years in your hot garage but lasting 80 or 120 years in an inside closet.

Sounds plausible, but who knows for sure.

[joelogic]

Too hot for what? Break down? spontaneous combustion?

I have accidentally run 9mm ammo through the washer and dryer and they still fired fine.

[Les K]

I don't think any definitive research has been done but it has been suggested that high temperatures and big variations in temperatures might shorten the shelf life of ammo.

Like only lasting for 20 or 40 years in your hot garage but lasting 80 or 120 years in an inside closet.

Sounds plausible, but who knows for sure.

Too hot for what? Break down? spontaneous combustion?

I have accidentally run 9mm ammo through the washer and dryer and they still fired fine.

Thanks for the answers folks, but I was not concerned about the finished ammo, but rather the bulk powder and primers. My concern was that the garage temps might make the powder or primers unreliable after using it to make the finished ammo.

I guess that might actually be the answer anyway: whether stored in bulk or in the form of finished ammo, the powder and primers are still subjected to the same temperatures, and you guys say it's OK. I guess I'll stop worrying about it now.......