Reloading supplies Storage

[Northof51]

I haven’t found a specific thread on storage so I’ll start a new one. I’m starting into reloading on my own soon and don’t have room in the house for keeping components. I have an attached garage that I keep at 46 degrees in the winter and probably gets up to 75 in the summer
Is this too much of a temp swing for storing primers and powder?

 

[49ereric]

I haven’t found a specific thread on storage so I’ll start a new one. I’m starting into reloading on my own soon and don’t have room in the house for keeping components. I have an attached garage that I keep at 46 degrees in the winter and probably gets up to 75 in the summer
Is this too much of a temp swing for storing primers and powder?

Should be ok. My basement runs close to those temps. Keep the powder and primers on the bottom shelf in the garage If no flooding potential.

 

[Bufordtjustice]

I haven’t found a specific thread on storage so I’ll start a new one. I’m starting into reloading on my own soon and don’t have room in the house for keeping components. I have an attached garage that I keep at 46 degrees in the winter and probably gets up to 75 in the summer
Is this too much of a temp swing for storing primers and powder?

Not at all, have seen primers and powder loaded and used reliably that has been stored in a wider temperature range especially higher temps closer to 90. It will be fine, I’d be more concerned about humidity

 

[Northof51]

Thanks for the replies, humidity doesn’t get too bad in the summer. Usually have a fan going, good to know about bottom shelf.
I snuck in the conversion to Fahrenheit…. I’m a bit north of you guys but I remember some comments about our metric system from another thread!

 

[Andouille]

What about keeping your powder in 50-cal ammo cans with a reusable dessicant packet. That way external conditions don't matter and your powder will remain bone dry.

 

[49ereric]

Thanks for the replies, humidity doesn’t get too bad in the summer. Usually have a fan going, good to know about bottom shelf.
I snuck in the conversion to Fahrenheit…. I’m a bit north of you guys but I remember some comments about our metric system from another thread!

0°C = 32°F & -40°C = -40°F about all I know

 

[sdupontjr]

I thought I didn't have room either. Not sure how much you have, but I built a small compact little bench that sits in the corner of my game / CPU room. Some of my powders are on the shelf, while some is in plastic ammo containers below. No need to worry about climate issues.

 

[Northof51]

What about keeping your powder in 50-cal ammo cans with a reusable dessicant packet. That way external conditions don't matter and your powder will remain bone dry.

That’s something I might look at. I’ve got a large wooden cupboard in the garage for storage and can add desiccant packs in there as well.

 

[Northof51]

I thought I didn't have room either. Not sure how much you have, but I built a small compact little bench that sits in the corner of my game / CPU room. Some of my powders are on the shelf, while some is in plastic ammo containers below. No need to worry about climate issues.
View attachment 672396 View attachment 672397 View attachment 672398

That’s a really organized setup. I have a bench setup in a separate workshop that should work fine but doesn’t always have heat on so won’t work for components.

 

[Dos XX]

Wouldn't storing powder in a 50 cal ammo can basically be a bomb in the event of a fire? May not be a good idea.

 

[rayporter]

Wouldn't storing powder in a 50 cal ammo can basically be a bomb in the event of a fire? May not be a good idea.

personally that would not worry me but the alternative would be to use a plastic copy of an ammo can. humidity is a constant problem

 

[sdupontjr]

personally that would not worry me but the alternative would be to use a plastic copy of an ammo can. humidity is a constant problem

Thats what I use, all plastic. Plus being where I live where the humidity it 100% damn near year-round, metal will rust.

 

[Northof51]

Thanks, that had crossed my mind as a problem!! I’m looking at a reusable canister to have in the cabinet but humidity hasn’t ever been too bad, never have tools rust in there

 

[Eric_F]

Agreed with others that humidity changes is going to be your issue. *If* you get dessicant packs in containers which are sealed enough to not get spent quickly (but not sealed well enough to be an explosion hazard) then you're set.

See here for velocity vs humdity testing: https://chronoplotter.com/2021/08/19/how-does-humidity-affect-powder/

 

[logem]

You'll be fine to store in your garage without any other preparations beyond keeping the powder sealed in original containers, and possibly taking an extra precautionary step of keeping the primers in plastic food storage containers.

Extreme seasonal temperature swings are not an issue as long as powder an primers aren't stored above 100F for extended periods. Keeping temps below 90F is significantly better. Heat is worse for powder and primers than extreme cold temperatures.

As mentioned, humidity is of more concern.

I've stored powder and primers in a garage for over 20 years without ill effect in Houston. Luckily, I now live in New Mexico where the temperature swings are greater but the humidity is low.