BP Storage Temps?

[Bryan Austin]

Did a quick search but didn't see spacifics.

My shop gets hot, at least 130deg in July. I only keep a few pounds.

[Mako]

Jack,
The ultimate authority is probably Dutch Bill.  Have you ever been over to the Open Range?  Look for John Boy over there too.  I've never seen Bill over here.

Regards,
Mako

[Fox Creek Kid]

Trust me, all life on the planet would pretty much be dead before your BP ignited from storage temp, Al Gore nonsense aside. 

[Delmonico]

Old ammunition tended to deterioriate in storage that was that hot, but it was the mercury based primers that went bad.

[Bryan Austin]

Can you imagine how it it gets during shipment...lol

[john boy]

http://www.goexpowder.com/handling.html
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: Always store in a cool, dry place. Obey all laws and regulations regarding quantities of explosive material and methods of storage.
No definition of 'cool' ... I keep the caps screwed tight and the powder is in a locked backyard shed ... Winter - Spring - Summer and Fall

[Mako]

Jack,
I'll step back in for a second to say that Del is right and so is Fox Creek Kid (and John Boy has given the most legalistic answer I have ever heard from him  ).

Black powder is a mixture and not a compound or solution.  It is made up of single phase elements and no chemical reaction takes place to create it.  Because of that there isn't anything to break down without other elements, a catalyst or sufficient energy being being involved.  So a sealed can pretty much protects the BP unless enough heat or a spark is added to start a chemical reaction (ignition).  There is minimal oxidation of the three elements involved without external energy unlike a lot of other materials.

You still ought to get the 25 cent explanation form Dutch Bill if you ever get the chance.

Regards,
Mako

[Dr. Bob]

I store mine in an old refrigerator in the basement.  The refrigerator will give you plenty of time to exit the burinig house before the BANG!  Might not even bang if the fire starts above the basement.  It's not plugged in, just provides a good bit of insulation.  My dad used it befor I started.

[Professor Marvel]

Per prior discussions with the Mad Monk, master alchemist, (aka Dutch Bill) whilst 130 deg F temperatures may not be ideal,
the more important criteria is DRYNESS! BP is very sensitive to moisture and reacts most poorly to same. 130 deg F.
should not be a "safety" concern, but  Having said that, however, I personally would be inclined to keep the containers in an insulated chest. For rondy's and week-long camping trips without available ice I had constructed my own wooden cooler with 2 inches of rigid blue house insulation foam on all 6 sides. Even without adding ice, it can drop temps by perhaps 20 deg or more (assuming your shop cools off at night).

Or one could follow Dr Bob's example ... of course if one uses a refridgerator there can be other ... "issues" ... such as
Confusing Powder with condiments .. which might can we say, spice things up a bit?  Altho  those with Naval experience might recall the mess spicing the food with saltpeter...

Might I ask where on God's Green Earth you live that your shop gets that hot?
Might I humbly suggest perhaps shiny corrugated roofing and some insulation? Perhaps a Harbor Freight Solar powered ridge vent fan (assuming it doesn't melt!)

yhs
Prof Marvel

[Delmonico]

Well I don't know where he lives, but I used to paint bridge girders for a living as they came out of the shop where they were built.  Had to maintain 60F at least but I learned to remove my thermomoter when summer came cause if I didn't it would blow out the top.

[Dusty Morningwood]

I store mine in an old refrigerator in the basement.  The refrigerator will give you plenty of time to exit the burinig house before the BANG!  Might not even bang if the fire starts above the basement.  It's not plugged in, just provides a good bit of insulation.  My dad used it befor I started.

I have my powder in an old mini firdge, too.  It seems, however, that I read that there was a risk of ignitable gasses building up inside if all of the seals were left intact.  Also that opening the door might cause a static spark that would ignite said gasses.  I open it up from time to time to air out.  Is this a real or imagined risk?

[john boy]

Is this a real or imagined risk?

Imagined.  Nothing happens when the cap on a tightly sealed can of black powder is opened.  Right?
Original gun powder does not emit any ignitable gasses, even from cans of powder that I have which are over 50 years old

[Mako]

Imagined.  Nothing happens when the cap on a tightly sealed can of black powder is opened.  Right?
Original gun powder does not emit any ignitable gasses, even from cans of powder that I have which are over 50 years old

John Boy is correct, as I said earlier, BP is a mixture, not a compound or result of a reaction.  There is nothing to breakdown, therefore no outgassing or decomposition.  The single phase elements remain whole and those 3 are very stable ones.  Keep it dry and uncontaminated and it will last a VERY long time.
~Mako

[Paladin UK]

Like I`ve said ALL ALONG...............

The Holy Black is the only reeel natral `spolsive!!       That other stuff......Well `taint natral `n` cant be trusted!!

Paladin (Whuts gonna take his meds `n` sit a while ) UK

[Cornwell Kidd]

   New to this How do I store 25 lbs of 3f in bulk. I am picking up 25lbs in a bag I am told. The price seems to good to buy it in less 25 lbs cans about $3.50 a pound more in cans.      Cornwell Kidd

[Bryan Austin]

SO BASICALLY

KEEP AWAY FROM FLAME OR IGNITION SOURCE FOR SAFETY!

KEEP SEALED FROM HUMIDITY AND MOISTURE FOR LONGEVITY!

CORRECT?

[Bryan Austin]

double tap

[Mako]

   New to this How do I store 25 lbs of 3f in bulk. I am picking up 25lbs in a bag I am told. The price seems to good to buy it in less 25 lbs cans about $3.50 a pound more in cans.      Cornwell Kidd

I'll send you my address...

[Mako]

SO BASICALLY

KEEP AWAY FROM FLAME OR IGNITION SOURCE FOR SAFETY!

KEEP SEALED FOR LONGEVITY!

CORRECT?

Yep!

I'll send you my address too...

[Bryan Austin]

Since I don't smoke I guess I will store it under my pillow. At least I will be able to smell that wonderful aroma!