Thread: Powder/ammo storage

I'm thinking about getting a storage container to put ammo cans and powder in, along with a damp rid moisture catcher, and I'm wondering what storage containers people are using, and what setups others have. I'd like to do a better job of controlling moisture of both powder and loaded ammunition.

I use a chilly bin for powder to lessen the temperature extremes

If its in a shipping container out in the open, no matter what unless you have climate control its likely to get too hot in the sun for long term storage and suffer condensation from winter chill in many parts of NZ. The change in temperature between night cold and day hot sun is also an issue..a small tin shed would be the worst. If a shipping container was in the shade like under a pole barn out of direct sun that would help with heat but not so much with condensation at low temp. An old insulated refrigeration container properly dried out (takes months) will smooth the speed of temp changes and maybe reduce the hi-lo.

Irrespective of insurance and safety issues, a room on the cold shady side of a house would be better for high temp. In winter a small blow heater on thermostat to come on at say 5C takes care of too cold.

Powder likes quick temp changes and hi-lo extremes least of all. A constant cool temp above condensation temps is most desirable. Small unventilated rooms unprotected from hot and cold would be the worst thing to do.

Now, if you were thinking like an insurance adjuster, you'd dig a post hole in the back yard as far from a building as possible and stick it all at the bottom of that with a heavy concrete lid on it.

Wooden boxes are used in the industry.
Alternatives would be:
Lightly built steel/ally box with insulation.

Greetings all,
My powder is stored in a timber cupboard located on the South wall of my garage. The wall is lined and insulated and the window and small door are double glazed. Ammo is stored in a steel locker on the same wall. The locker is ventilated and has plywood internal sides and shelves fitted. Powder will last a long time if it is kept from cold and heat and not contaminated. One thing I see suggested from time to time is the mixing the last of a the powder in a previous bottle of powder with that in the new one. I can think of no sound reason for doing this and plenty of reasons not to.
Regards Grandpamac.

Locked filing cabinet in my shed

Originally Posted by grandpamac

Greetings all,
My powder is stored in a timber cupboard located on the South wall of my garage. The wall is lined and insulated and the window and small door are double glazed. Ammo is stored in a steel locker on the same wall. The locker is ventilated and has plywood internal sides and shelves fitted. Powder will last a long time if it is kept from cold and heat and not contaminated. One thing I see suggested from time to time is the mixing the last of a the powder in a previous bottle of powder with that in the new one. I can think of no sound reason for doing this and plenty of reasons not to.
Regards Grandpamac.

That sounds like a very good set up.
My components and ammo is stored at the bottom of
(earthed) steel clothes lockers east side of garage.

Originally Posted by grandpamac

Greetings all,
My powder is stored in a timber cupboard located on the South wall of my garage. The wall is lined and insulated and the window and small door are double glazed. Ammo is stored in a steel locker on the same wall. The locker is ventilated and has plywood internal sides and shelves fitted. Powder will last a long time if it is kept from cold and heat and not contaminated. One thing I see suggested from time to time is the mixing the last of a the powder in a previous bottle of powder with that in the new one. I can think of no sound reason for doing this and plenty of reasons not to.
Regards Grandpamac.

Mostly this is to try and keep the Rh close to the same level for burn rate consistency as you transition from one container to the next, what would be your reasons for not trying to remain consistent GM?

Originally Posted by Jhon

If its in a shipping container out in the open, no matter what unless you have climate control its likely to get too hot in the sun for long term storage and suffer condensation from winter chill in many parts of NZ. The change in temperature between night cold and day hot sun is also an issue..a small tin shed would be the worst. If a shipping container was in the shade like under a pole barn out of direct sun that would help with heat but not so much with condensation at low temp. An old insulated refrigeration container properly dried out (takes months) will smooth the speed of temp changes and maybe reduce the hi-lo.

Irrespective of insurance and safety issues, a room on the cold shady side of a house would be better for high temp. In winter a small blow heater on thermostat to come on at say 5C takes care of too cold.

Powder likes quick temp changes and hi-lo extremes least of all. A constant cool temp above condensation temps is most desirable. Small unventilated rooms unprotected from hot and cold would be the worst thing to do.

Now, if you were thinking like an insurance adjuster, you'd dig a post hole in the back yard as far from a building as possible and stick it all at the bottom of that with a heavy concrete lid on it.

Sorry, I worded my question rather poorly.
I'm just meaning regular storage, like boxes, not whole storage/shipping containers.
Has anyone dabbled in using Polystyrene lined boxes for insulation.
Seems to be pretty good for insulating against heat, and all that may be needed is something for moisture control.
At least, that's what I've come up with.
Whether it would actually serve is another story.

All I’ve used is a wooden cupboard in the shed/garage at my two permanent residences for the last 45 years without problem. I recently loaded a few 308 rounds with some imr4895 dating from the ‘80’s, it still smelt ok and still at hit about the same poi at 50m as some other loaded rounds from the same vintage. Might have been lucky but some people get a bit more fussy than necessary when it comes to powder storage.

Polystyrene is highly flammable and I think can generate static. I'd investigate a bit before using that.
As mentioned wood is perhaps best option.

Old fridge?