Old Question from New BP Guy

[nematode]

Hey guys - I have missed the action in here for quite awhile but need your expert advice on a very basic question that is vital. I sold both of my bp cannons because I could never get powder and supplies. Now that they are gone a friend brought me a bag containing bp and pyrodex yesterday. I could not use the pyrodex even if I had the cannons but now I am faced with a problem - what to do with the powder? I do not have a garage or outbuilding and live in a one floor space. What is best way to store the powder? Thanks very much in advance. I know the question is so basic to all of you but for me, I have no idea and thus my forum name "nematode"

[Artilleryman]

What type of containers are the powders in?  How much powder?

[BoomLover]

Nematode, you have another option... ...acquire another cannon! Don't forget, powder suppliers will ship to your address, check with them as to sending powder to them, they can give you all the necessary info as far as safety, handling, shipping precautions, etc.....BoomLover

[Artilleryman]

Assuming proper containers, store the powder in a cool dry place.

[nematode]

The bp is in original metal can about pint size. Pyroxed is in original plastic jar - looks like about a quart size. Some small pencil shaped plastic containers that have a pocket clip are also in the back - I presume they have powder in them? All the powder is currently in a brown paper bag in the tool box behind rear window of my truck. I'm concerned that the powder will ignite and am tempted to pour it out on the ground and mix it with dirt and light I did that once before and it seemed a safe way to get rid of the powder. Any other suggestions will be appreciated.

[Artilleryman]

If you are just getting rid of the powder assuming you can't find someone else that wants it, just  broadcast it on your lawn.  The nitrates in it will act as a fertilizer.

[flagman1776]

There really is nothing unsafe about storing a reasonable amount of BP or Pyrodex in the original containers.  There's a Federal limit of 50# of BP and a shipping case is 25#.  I'd put the BP can in a steel ammo can & put it in your dwelling in a cool dry place...  away from heat source.  (Don't store in the furnace room or against a heater.)   Pyrodex is even safer.   
The small containers are probably premeasured charges for hunting. 
I would not ignite the powder for disposal.  It could be spread on grass where it will break down & the nitrates will be fertilizer.  Even better if it rains soon after.  I would dispose of the small charges.
I would save for my own use or give away the Pyrodex & BP containers.   
     

[rmagill]

we keep a couple cans on a shelf in the pantry and feel totally safe, small amounts are no big deal. Serious amounts are kept elsewhere where it stays cool and dry. Works for us.
Bob

[onegreatshot]

Another Idea is put the powder in a small insulated cooler and store it on the floor of a closet, were it is cool and dry.

[nematode]

Thanks everyone - appreciate the suggestions and thoughts. I created a short video to show how I have stored the powder for the time being - I value your thoughts or approval for this method.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuW8ImOEqIM

[GGaskill]

Seems fine to me.  If you have any children in the house, I would put a lock on the box.  Just don't lose the key.

[Victor3]

 In addition to keeping whatever container the powder's stored in locked, I'd clearly indicate the contents on the outside.
 
 Years ago a friend of mine had an unmarked "magazine" (1/4" steel plate box) with ~25# of BP stored in the back of his yard. It was stolen. I hate to think of what might have happened to someone (even a theif) if they tried to cut it open with a torch.

[nematode]

Thanks for both suggestions to lock and identify contents - will do - thanks again.

[KABAR2]

One thing to add to this make box big enough so you can add about 1" of sheet rock on all sides bottom and top of box and be tight fitting this will help keep it from going boom for some time in the event of a fire......

[Artilleryman]

One thing to add to this make box big enough so you can add about 1" of sheet rock on all sides bottom and top of box and be tight fitting this will help keep it from going boom for some time in the event of a fire......

Along these lines you may want to have a box that if it did blow the blast would be directed upward and not outward.   In other words a lid that comes off more easily than the sides flying outward.  You really don't want your container to be shrapnel if it does blow up.  In saying this I don't want to scare anyone about storing powder. 

I might note also that I have heard, from a reliable source, that in one case at least that when one container of powder in a box with other containers blew the rest did not.  So breaking powder down into one pound cans is a good idea.

[KABAR2]

One thing to add to this make box big enough so you can add about 1" of sheet rock on all sides bottom and top of box and be tight fitting this will help keep it from going boom for some time in the event of a fire......

Along these lines you may want to have a box that if it did blow the blast would be directed upward and not outward.   In other words a lid that comes off more easily than the sides flying outward.  You really don't want your container to be shrapnel if it does blow up.  In saying this I don't want to scare anyone about storing powder. 

I might note also that I have heard, from a reliable source, that in one case at least that when one container of powder in a box with other containers blew the rest did not.  So breaking powder down into one pound cans is a good idea.

Agreed I should have said snug fit and no hinges would be a better idea....... perhaps a locked box is not such a good idea........

[Victor3]

Along these lines you may want to have a box that if it did blow the blast would be directed upward and not outward.   In other words a lid that comes off more easily than the sides flying outward.  You really don't want your container to be shrapnel if it does blow up.  In saying this I don't want to scare anyone about storing powder. 

 I've often thought that one of the fireproof document boxes that looks like an ice chest might be good. Mine (made by Sentry) has a kind of flimsy desk drawer type lock that would probably let the lid go if the contents did ignite.
 
 

[rmagill]

 The old style Coleman coolers used to be popular for keeping powder.  I've seen several stores that keep small amounts on hand use them.