gunpowder and primer storage

[Redseal11]

So I have been relocating my powder and primers....wife wants it out of the house. I know enough to not store in metal container. So I was thinking about building a 1" cabinet with some insulation on the walls and lockable doors. I'm also considering buying an old "college dorm room refrigerator" as I have a place under my work bench that I think it will fit. Of course I would install lock on door.

So my 2 options are in the garage (in Texas- I'm alittle concerned about heat variances and humidity - garge is not climate controlled of course). Or my second option is in a storage closet in my garage in my wife's old tack box (box for her riding gear).

Is there a commerical alternative (powder box) out there which will help with humidity/temp?

What do yall say?

FYI storing 40-50lbs of powder.

 

[MrOneEyedBoh]

Re: gunpowder and primer storage

Im interested in this too. What about old wood cabinets?

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: gunpowder and primer storage

All powder mfgs say store in a cool dry place. I'd think a garage in Texas summer heat would be a killer.
I'd be to building up some pussy points fast, or trying to convince her otherwise.
If storing up to 50lbs like you say, there's no way you can go through it fast enough.
It might be wise to contact powder maker and find out how long it can withstand heat.

 

[Redseal11]

Re: gunpowder and primer storage

heat - thats why I was considering old small refrig instead of wooden cabinet. Anyone else store powder in one in thier garage???? that lives in hot climate

 

[hlee]

Re: gunpowder and primer storage

First, why does she want it out of the house? It is no less of a safety concern in the garage than it is in a closet. If it is space requirements, just find an out of the way place to store it. An extra closet works great. Time to get rid of some old clothes.

I have her convinced that we need to move the washer and dryer into the garage and turn the utility room into a gun/ammo storage room. Now I just need to get rid of enough stuff in the garage that it can house the appliances...

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: gunpowder and primer storage

Red,
I guess if the fridge works, keep it 65deg and it'd be perfect. I just assumed it didn't work.
If the fridge won't run that warm a guy can buy an external thermostat to get it up that high.

 

[former naval person]

Re: gunpowder and primer storage

A fridge if not running will eventually assume the ambient temperature of the climate. The best place is underground...one of the West Texas unused outhouses will help keep it cooler than the climate outside.If you have the backyard room, dig a hole and almost bury a HEAVY duty plastic trash can. Leave about a foot of the topside exposed and cover with a ventilated locked shed. Humidity is controlled by keeping the screw tops tight on the powder and the dry-boxes for primers. I'd recommend keeping them in separate holes though. When I was stationed in South Georgia the military made shallow holes and covered them with a few feet of earth creating a "magazine". Even in the August heat it was pleasant inside.