Looking for ideas on custom powder containers

[Mike402]

So with the powder shortage, like everyone else I've been forced to buy whats available here and there. This has led to having multiple lots of each type of powder.

I've read that some powders are better than others w/ regards to lot to lot consistency, but I'm really not crazy about the idea of having to retest loads each time I use a new lot. I came across a post where someone mixes different lots together from the same type/brand of powder to create one 'custom' lot, and not worry about variations.

I thought this was a simple yet brilliant idea. Anyone else doing this? Any safety concerns beyond the obvious 'make sure its the same powder'? More importantly, what type of container are you using? I'd like to blend maybe 10-12lbs at a time (Varget for instance) and was curious if you can use regular plastic containers. Are the factory containers specially coated in any way to inhibit powder breakdown and/or contamination?

To answer the obvious question, yes I'd use empty 8lb jugs if I could find them, but I'd still like a little more capacity.

[blockfort]

I think the dark container is important, I think the powder breaks down faster if exposed to UV.

If you have two 8lb jugs of the same powder from different lots, mix them in a big bowl and then pour them back in to the two containers.

[kouye]

Why not just put them back into the original containers after mixing? Just label what is in them.

[Mike402]

Why not just put them back into the original containers after mixing? Just label what is in them.

Yea I can resort to that, but two reasons why I'd prefer not to:
1) 1lb containers take up a lot of storage space when you have a crapload of em
2) Just seems like the possibility of mixing things up seems much more likely if I'm labeling every single container, and trying to keep them separate from ones I haven't mixed yet.

[rm1911]

I don't worry about lot numbers all that much. I keep most my loads on the milder side so I don't expect wide variances from one bottle to the next. 5gr bullseye in a 45 isn't going to be problematic. I can see where it could be an issue for precision rifle shooters where 1/4" is a huge difference.

I wouldn't mix powders in a bottle but then again I've poured new powder on top of older powder in my hopper and never noticed a difference. Again, I'm not pushing it.

[outsidesmoke]

I've been using a gallon OJ jug that picked up from Walmart recently to keep shot. It has a handle and flip top cap that makes it easy to pour. Someone above me stated that it should be kept out of the sun so you would have to make sure it stored properly.

Other containers that I think would work well are jugs of Tide or even a Gasoline jug. Just make sure to label it properly.

[Mike402]

even a Gasoline jug.

Hey...I like that idea. Built in funnel spout as well.

I'm sure if its durable enough to store gas in, it could possibly work for powder

[Spyguy]

Hey...I like that idea. Built in funnel spout as well.

I'm sure if its durable enough to store gas in, it could possibly work for powder

I think it's a REAL BAD IDEA to be putting powder into other containers. I also think there's no reason to be mixing lots: if you're not a precision shooter, you'll likely never know the difference, and if you are, you'd probably not do this anyway. Just keep them in their original sealed containers. If you really must mix them, do it in a large container and then pour back into their original containers. You can put a tape label on the bottle telling what lots are mixed within. If you're really worried about getting confused by the correct factory labels on the original bottles (with lot number annotations), how are you planning on not screwing-up royally with your custom labels on generic containers?

One pound bottles can be stacked. You'll lose a little space compared to an 8 lbs jug, but not enough to justify risking life/limb/property. Btw, a plastic gasoline jug that has previously been used to hold gasoline will probably still have volatile chemicals diffused within the plastic walls and could seriously alter the properties of your powder.

[krwada]

Custom Powder Storage Container

This custom powder storage container sure beats using a big plastic garbage bag. When you purchase powder in 15 kilogram lots ... you need something to store them in.

I am not so sure about the idea of mixing different lots of the exact same powder however.

Please do not ask how one can purchase 15 kilogram lots of pistol powder. Possessing this amount of powder is supposed to be illegal here in California!

[Mike402]

This custom powder storage container sure beats using a big plastic garbage bag. When you purchase powder in 15 kilogram lots ... you need something to store them in.

I am not so sure about the idea of mixing different lots of the exact same powder however.

Please do not ask how one can purchase 15 kilogram lots of pistol powder. Possessing this amount of powder is supposed to be illegal here in California!

Tried clicking on that link & get this message: "Guests do not have access to download attachments"

[krwada]

2A Munitions

Tried clicking on that link & get this message: "Guests do not have access to download attachments"

I think you need to sign up. It is free.

2A Munitions is a very small web community ... mostly populated with competition shooters, reloaders, gun nuts and such. Other than the camaraderie ... we get nothing out of it. This site is basically the diaspora of the RCBS Reloader Hub. RCBS discontinued the Reloader HUB on the last day of June 2014.

As to the box ... basically, I think you are supposed to use it as a storage for all your 1lb tubs and 8lb kegs of powder ... or something like that.

I suppose you can use it to mix and store a bunch of powder in a plastic bag ... then store the plastic bag of powder in that box.

[opos]

I'm probably just an old fuddy duddy but I never put powder in "other containers"...in the past I've had some 1# containers that I emptied while loading and after a thorough cleaning and label removal I have put powder in those from a fresh 4# jug and immediately labeled it with lot#, etc...just my 2 cents but I've never mixed lots and never had powder in "non powder" or non labeled containers...enough ways to make a mess at my age...your mileage may vary

[Spyguy]

As to the box ... basically, I think you are supposed to use it as a storage for all your 1lb tubs and 8lb kegs of powder ... or something like that.

If those plans are for a wood powder storage locker, then it's for protecting factory containers of powder (1 lb bottles and 8 lbs jugs). It's not for "bulk storage" by dumping all your powder into a garbage bag.

[Carsgunsandchics]

To blend your powders just dump them in a plastic garbage bag and flop around in your hands, cut corner of the bag off to pour back into factory containers. Works very well for mixing dry rub spices for cooking.

[Divernhunter]

^^^^ If you use the same bag as the rubs you will also a nice smell when you shoot