SAFE BLACK POWDER STORAGE

[@Nick-wn1xw]

I have limited space so mine sits in an insulated plastic cooler. Love the supply of powder you have!

[@briand4000]

My fear is a house fire getting to my powder/ammo supply. Boooom. Underground vault maybe?

[@W1ldt1m]

Might have mentioned that It should be in the original container. I understand that they are supposed to split and allow the powder to burn rather than keep it contained and let it explode.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Right you are. Original container. 👍🏻 Thanks!

[@gunsnwater2668]

Primers and percussion caps should be stored away from any powder.

[@kobusnl]

thanks for the tips again 👍🏻and digging the T-shirt there🪕 greetings from the Netherlands

[@TXGRunner]

So you’re saying precariously balancing it on top of a gas water heater next to flue is less than ideal? Thanks. I envy your supply.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Very slightly less than ideal. 🤣👍🏻

[@jamesgold3328]

Eye-opening advice. thank you Old 50 caliber metal surplus cans won’t cut it anymore. I’ll have to find a wooden box, inside a wooden box.

[@BlackPowderTV]

James, it was hand made by Eric Ewing of Ewing’s Creek Pouches and Accoutrements. He makes stuff for BP enthusiasts. 👍🏻

[@Robcalitrek1]

There’s an old saying “shiver me timbers” that’s all that comes to mind when I see that wooden chest

[@4570duplex]

I found your channel just recently and have been enjoying it immensely. I've been shooting all things black powder since the late 1970's, from flint locks to percussion to cartridge - rifles, pistols, and revolvers, and I still learn valuable information from your channel. Thank you very, very much. That said, one very important aspect of black powder (and all reloading supplies for that matter) is the law regarding their storage in your area. In my area, we are limited in quantities of primers, smokeless powder, black powder, and loaded ammunition. Limits on primers and smokeless powders seem somewhat "generous" at 25,000 primers and 25 lbs of smokeless, but many avid reloaders easily exceed both. The limit on black powder, however, is quite strict - no more than five pounds. In addition, each of these separate items must be stored no less than 25 feet from any other combustibles. Not many of us have homes or shops large enough to meet that requirement, especially when we include common "garage" items such as motor oil, brake cleaner, spray paint, paint thinner, etc. Bottom line, however, is that no one is ever going to knock on your door demanding to inspect your storage facilities. The real issue relative to all of this is your home owner's insurance. "Illegal" storage of these items, should there ever (God forbid) be a fire, will give your carrier a ready reason to deny payment of any sort of settlement. We all need to be up to date on our local laws regarding all of this, and take pains to heed them. Keep up the good work!

[@steelfin2]

I sure wouldn’t store it under that wall of beautiful rifles...

[@BlackPowderTV]

Lol. I was wondering when someone would mention that. I keep the guns in a safe. Thanks for the comment!

[@charlespayne1061]

Great video, I don't know about having that much BP in one place.

[@BlackPowderTV]

It's not as ideal as less powder that's for sure but it's safe double boxed.👍🏻

[@troyupshaw3846]

I helped pull a shoot box out of a burning tipi once. It was hot enough that the wooden top had burned off, loose lead balls had melted and two of the three one pound cans (metal) of black powder had the paint burned off one side. Dumped water on them as soon as we pulled it out.

[@BlackPowderTV]

That’s what I call a close call. Yikes.

[@georgeblackburn5643]

Did I see a corn whisky still, moonshine, yes I did,

[@BlackPowderTV]

What you saw, kind sir, was a still that I used to distilled my lovely wife her fine essential oils, distilled water, and other perfectly legal substances…. 🤟

[@blackhillsrider2626]

Primers near powder is a bad idea. Impact can set off the primer which could possibly set off powder. Better to keep them stored separately.

[@jjohnston94]

I like that "peninsula" of bench!

[@BlackPowderTV]

jjohnston94 Thanks! It’s attached to the main bench with c-clamps so it can be removed. I really like being able to work all around guns without moving them. 👍🏻

[@kentwilliams4152]

Yesr sir, based on what I see on your wall you probably prefer flint lock long guns, but in this video you surprised me when you said that you stored caps in the chest. (?). Thanks...

[@BlackPowderTV]

I show mostly my flintlocks. We’ll be showing more of the percussion guns starting in the Spring. I have percussion small and large calibers rifles, smoothbores, and revolvers.

[@supersophisticated9943]

i ain't using mine for guns but this has been a VERY helpful video. i was just gonna store it in separated borosilicate glass vials originally or get like a blast resistant safe to shove it all in.. i hope your tips go for all types of black powder! mine's substituting the usual saltpeter with potassium chlorate and just ground charcoal briquettes instead of straw charcoal. P.S.; would you happen to know what the containers for the black powder itself are made of? could I just reuse old hydrogen peroxide bottles that have been thoroughly cleaned and such?

[@UncleSasquatchOutdoors]

Most all my black powder is in a wooden box except for what is in the horns, flasks or finger primers. Good advice buddy!

[@BlackPowderTV]

Uncle Sasquatch Thanks US! Mine too. 30 pounds in the box, probably 5 pounds in various horns on the wall.

[@blackpowdermaniacshooter]

Great advice my friend. Those editing skills are getting much better! Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the next one.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks Mark!

[@paraplegichistoricalsports5700]

i'm jealous. I love the chest and shop!

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks! I just finished rebuilding the shop last Fall. I found the chest at an antique store and couldn't pass it up. My wife couldn't find a place for it so i did!

[@hunterford1865]

Where can I find those wooden ammo crates for sale any longer. Seems like in years past you'd see them at any gun show. Not so much so any longer. Thanks for the video.

[@BlackPowderTV]

You’re welcome. I pick them up at auctions or antique stores whenever I run across them. 👍🏻

[@410mossberg]

@@BlackPowderTV Thanks. I'll check some of those stores out.

[@michaellittle226]

Thanks for sharing

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks Michael!

[@joesbarbecue1]

I almost always, without fail, feel good about my all my loads,. All great points Bob. I would certainly hate to blow myself up with my black powder. That's why I keep it under the bed, on my wife's side. I keep it in a tightly sealed steel container, inside a wooden crate with all my other precious belongings like primers, nail sets, visco fuse, and some old silver salutes. I call it my 3 way safety system. A box in a box under my box.

[@solinvictus39]

Why not store the BP in its original plastic containers within a plastic ammo box, the kind that Cabelas and Bass Pro sell? Seems like a safe option to me. Maybe put packing peanuts or bubble wrap around the powder in the box for twice the safety?

[@OMGWUNSIU]

Cool video, great channel. Thanks for good information.

[@ralphperez4862]

All my powder is stored by all my powders. Also, I keep a pound of each (Pyrodex) in the plastic muzzleloader box for my rifles. For my revolvers, the pyrodex that I use is in the pouch with all the gear. All of this is stored in my basement, in my Man Cave.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Sounds perfect!

[@fashionstreet1]

Great and awesome 👌 video thanks I learned a lot from this video I have a question where is the best place to store my powder in a safe way in my car or van safely stored in the original container like it is?

[@JoeLeone636]

Hi there, Bob. I'm a newcomer to the black powder realm and having a hell of a good time with it. I noticed in one of your replies you mentioned a static discharge that ended up detonating a stash of powder you were carrying and wondered if the plastic pyrodex containers I'm carrying around have the same potential or if they're treated somehow to mitigate a static discharge? Love the videos by the way and wish you the best.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks for the kind words Joe. No, there is no concern about a static discharge. My accident happened carrying powder from the 1800’s that I had removed from collectible powder tins so I could send them to a collector through the mail. The old powder was uncoated with graphite and much of it had been reduced to powder from the years of beating around in the tins. It was a very special circumstance that basically can’t happen with modern powders. You’re good to go. 👍🏻

[@JoeLeone636]

@@BlackPowderTV Wow, what a freak thing to happen! Glad to know the modern stuff is a bit more stable. Thanks for the reply and I look forward to the content. Take care!

[@jamesluck2969]

You can use a wood lined metal container who's fasteners are not exposed. This is also within atf magazine guidelines. It is ofcourse a good idea to make sure your box may direct the blast, but if your storage kicks off burns arent your worry its shrapnel.

[@davefellhoelter1343]

I came up on a couple free LARGE pelican boxes, I store all My Powders inside my pelican case with desiccant for moisture control, then inside a well ESD grounded Steel cabinet well away from my welding/grinding/fab area in my detailing work area. I may Build a 2 hr fireproof safe soon from an old hydraulic tank sitting around? I keep my primers away from any powders in ammo cans with desiccant, stored in my ammo storage area. Pay attention to the little thing. Thank for keeping Me Thinking! Keep those Smoke poles SMOKING!

[@hatersgotohell627]

What do you mean in a cool place? Sometimes my apt gets to be like 80 degrees in the hot summer. Is this safe to store in here?

[@bullthrush]

The metal bolts or studs on the lid of the outer chest would be a concern, depending the severity of an explosion. Otherwise a nice setup.

[@S.V.M-MCMXCIX]

Yepp of that goes off hes in trubble for sure😂

[@mountainman.4478]

Great video. I live in Florida; Wife doesn't want it stored in the air-conditioned house. my only opinion is the garage. but gets 100 degrees or more in there. I keep in a similar wooden box. on the ground floor. what are your thoughts on the dangers?

[@joetaylor8687]

I inherited a couple pounds of GOEX (one FF. one FFFF) from my dad, and it's probably 35-40 years or more years old, in the original cans, stored in a cool basement. Any concerns with that? I used a little to make my own firecracker awhile ago, and it seemed fine. Any concerns with that? (Seems to make some pretty cool larger-than-cherry-bomb fireworks, by the way).

[@BlackPowderTV]

No problems at all. I’d expect it to shoot just fine and be quite stable. 👍🏻

[@joetaylor8687]

@@BlackPowderTV Thanks for the input.

[@theluth9046]

Just came across your channel this evening, it looks very interesting so I went ahead and subscribe. but now I got a question I like your idea about storing your black powder in a wooden storage container that does not contain the explosion but releases the energy. But now how about if I've got it in a wooden box but instead of another box could I put that inside of one of these plastic tote containers not so much a protection but for humidity control? Oh boy do I like the looks of your shop when I seen that, I was like a little kid in a candy store I didn't know where to look first! Oh yeah and one more thing I seen all that powder and this is April 20-21 which is a couple years after you made that and you can't hardly get that stuff nowhere and like ammo if you do, you will have to give arm and leg for it which is not good for us that likes to punch holes and make noise. Sorry to be so long-winded, you take care StayWell!

[@geneslodysko6150]

I currently store my blackpowder in my gun safe. Thoughts?? Future ideas... I love watching in depth shooting videos, gun performance, comparing loads, history of a gun & then a shooting video of that gun. Can you get your hands on various schools & demonstrate/shoot?

[@BlackPowderTV]

I don't think it's a terrible idea to store a smaller amount of powder in a gun safe as it's largely protected from most outside influences except static. The downside is that it is one huge fragmentation grenade/shape charge if anything were to go wrong and you had a large amount of powder in the safe (read: static discharge with you standing in the open door of the safe). I was carrying (long story) 4 lbs of 19th century powder in a tupperware container several years ago and it exploded from static electricity. 3rd degree burns over 11% of my body. I spent some seconds standing there stunned, and on fire.) - Those are exactly the videos I like and I plan to do here on the channel. I have a great collection of original guns, custom made guns and hand crafted accoutrements. I have plans to turn my collection over pretty fast to bring lots of different schools and eras into the mix. Keep letting me know what you'd like to see! Hope to hear from you again Gene. Thanks!

[@taylorman1949]

I live in an apartment and I am short on space so I've been storing 5 1lb containers of Black in a 50 Cal can in my closet. I have a couple of wooden boxes I think I'll switch to after watching this video. I don't like keeping powder in the same room I'm sleeping in though but what can I do. Thanks for great videos

[@BlackPowderTV]

taylorman1949 Thanks Taylorman! Sometimes we do what we’ve got to do. That is best practices, but tucked away in a .50 can is better than on the countertop in the kitchen! Thanks brother!

[@dtnetlurker]

Some are paranoid about keeping any in the house and think it will just spontaneously explode. Nothing could be further from the truth. Just always keep it away from flame or heat (also hot sparks like from a flint or percussion cap) and you will be fine. Should be absolutely fine in the closet, nothing to worry about what so ever. Just as long as it is in a proper box (I personally like wood over metal) and sitting in a stable place and not teetering on the edge of a shelf or something, also dry (climate controlled is the very best) and away from any electrical outlets or appliances (just to make extra sure). I know some that buy in bulk and have whole unopened 25lb cases of GOEX in the cardboard shipping boxes they arrive in, stacked up in their closet. Not sure I personally would have that much as too much stacked on top of itself could maybe (however unlikely) present an unsafe situation due to the weight and pressure being compressed on the powder on the bottom. Keep it down to around ten or twenty pounds and you should be perfectly fine as long as all of the lids are on tight. It will keep for years and years, if wanting to store long term, and ten to twenty pounds should be plenty to keep you occupied for a good while before needing more.

[@timunknown6724]

So i shouldn't store it in those metal grenades? 😆

[@carlosenriquez2092]

Say an old man in Bessemer, Alabama, sold me 3 glass boxes with glass lids not flimsy things. the glass is 3/8 thick, and the lid fas an inner step and a glass handle. They holds well over 10 pounds of powder each. He told me that this was common for storing powder way back when, but so help be God. I have yet to find another box like it have you heard of such a thing. And where perhaps I can find more.

[@alifr4088]

Meanwhile i store mh powders in a used water bottle 😂

[@sesa2984]

Like your tshirt. Who's your favorite old time country artist?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks! All time fave is Merle Haggard. 👍🏻

[@sesa2984]

I'm fully onboard for that! Merle was fantastic. My fiancee and I play a few of his songs, and some he did with Willie. I'm a huge Waylon Jennings fan and I think he cites Merle as his favorite. @@BlackPowderTV

[@markkeplinger6218]

The only problem I see with your method is the containers laying on their side. I was told by a state fire marshal that those metal cans are designed to explode from the top. Just my 2 cents.

[@corey7348]

up on a shelf in ammo cans for me dont got room for all that

[@BlackPowderTV]

A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. If you're shooting BP that's good enough for me. Thanks for the comment.

[@trsgringo]

Why would you not be better off just having it sitting in the open on a shelf, maybe spread out around the room? It seems like keeping it all together and inside a container like a box is like making a bomb.

[@markgoostree6334]

Today is 6/13/21. Yesterday I received my first shipment of powder. I was concerned about storage. Looks like that old army foot locker will now have a good reason to be in my loading room! Going to be fun finding that sweet spot load for the .50 T.C. Hawken.

[@cpaoutdoors9926]

I make black powder let's reason with it its not that unstable but something im sure everybody does use is much more unstable explosive flammable and toxic yet it is treated with complacency most every time it gasoline ⛽ 🛢🏴‍☠️

[@BlackPowderTV]

You are very right. 👍🏻

[@georgew.5639]

If you have a fire where that room is fully engulfed in flame, that powder will explode putting you and possibly fire fighters in jeopardy. It doesn’t need to be touched by fire to explode. It just needs to reach ignition temperature. Mine will go in a shed far away from the house. There’s no electrical power to the shed to cause a fire. The other option is to put the powder and container in a zip lock bag. And put it in a freezer. If there’s a major fire as I described the freezer will protect it from heat long enough for fire fighters to get the fire under control. This isn’t my idea. Dave Ehrig in his book Muzzleloading for deer and Turkey gives this very wise suggestion for storage inside the home. If you don’t like the idea, your argument isn’t with me.

[@cvcoco]

How do factories store theirs?

[@BlackPowderTV]

In plastic containers in a static free environment, which is exactly what we are trying to recreate in the large wood chest.

[@mcgiver9474]

What about a cooler in a safe place?

[@BlackPowderTV]

A cooler would be fine as long as you don’t let moisture build. 👍🏻

[@davidforbes7938]

Is it safe to use a plastic container as a dispenser? As well as to pre measure a few loads for in the feild? I’m more so thinking triple 7 substitute?

[@richardflores6138]

What size is the ammo crate that is holding the BP? And color of stain? It looks badass

[@davejones67]

You got a still or something going on there?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Yep. I used to distill essential oils for soaps and stuff and water for different projects.....

[@dunno6442]

I used to know someone who stored his bp in a metal box outside and we get 40c degree summer's here in Australia, let's just say I never went near that thing.

[@mosbysmen]

how far apart on the outside are those hooks for hanging rifles

[@jimpollard7624]

I built a thin shelf in my gun safe utilizing the dead space in the corners. Can store 25 lbs easily

[@bratt-38128]

The point of the wood box with a loose lid is to keep the powder from building pressure. 70 grains of black powder burns pretty fast in a pile on the ground. The same 70 grains in a 45-70 cartridge contained in a rifle barrel accelerates a 500 grain bullet to the speed of sound in milliseconds. The box does shield the powder from random sparks or flames (and curious fingers) 25 pounds of powder in a steel safe is a bomb!

[@BogeyTheBear]

The point of the open-top box is that, worst case scenario, the explosion gets directed _up_ where it's least likely to hit people. Powder stored in a metal container deliberately designed _not_ to open easily? Bomb.

[@3buffalo13]

Do you empty your horns and flask/s after every shoot? How about the horns hanging on the wall behind you? Thanks.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Hey Buffalo. No they are not emptied. They go in the box when the camera is off. Thanks!

[@dugefresh7063]

Can you post links to the Chest and Ammo Box?

[@randyreichert5911]

If I keep my Goex powder in the plastic container it is sold in and put the container in a metal box in my room, what is going to cause it to just randomly "go off"? Why or how would the powder in your wooden crate go off? Does the stuff just spontaneously explode or what?

[@BlackPowderTV]

It’s a really good question. The easy answer is it won’t, unless it’s banged, dropped just right, or exposed to high heat. BP is susceptible to impact, static, and heat. Mainly the down side to a metal can is a house fire were when it does go off it will act as a frag grenade and if you or a firefighter is present it’ll be bad news. In a wood crate with the lid unlatched the wood will insulate long enough for you to get out and without the pressure formed by the lid latched the BP will not explode, just burn. Hope that helps. Safety first. Thanks for the great comment!

[@randyreichert5911]

Ok thanks! That makes sense.

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

👍 = there is nothing left to say! Everything perfect!

[@shroomy8918]

If you keep it in a box what are the ways of it exploding and is there any way of making it so if it explode it will keep it in the box like if it Was in a 4 inch thick steel box would it be able to keep it inside of it

[@BlackPowderTV]

I'm not sure there are any ways short of a lightning strike. No, you couldn't build anything big enough to contain an explosion. The more you tried the more shrapnel you would have. Build in a pressure release valve, which is your unlatched lid. Thanks Spoon!

[@ChacoteOutdoorRecreation]

Hey Bob I live in the desert and temps get to 120 at times, I have been storing my powder in a deep freeze that is unplugged and not in use, is this safe or am I kidding myself? also noticed that Goex is now in the black plastic container and the aluminum or tin cans are no more, what is better? Have considered a earth buried root cellar but then again summers here are brutal with extreme temps a safe method for desert storage of black must exist, what did the foreign legion do?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Hey COR! I think a deep freeze would be ok. Perhaps not great because of potential fragging. That said, the biggest thing from my research and experience is keeping it temperature stable over time if you store a lot of powder over a long period of time. I think the plastic containers are just fine as all modern powder is graphite coated and will be stable so long as they’re sealed well. Not sure what the Legion did but I would guess it involved wood crates and constant resupply. You’ve given me something else to research. Thanks! Thanks for the great comments!

[@euroman12000]

In case of a fire what do you think is going to happen? Lol I wouldn't put it in such a open area

[@destinationunknown7857]

Curious on just how long black powder will remain useable if kept sealed in original container? Will it naturally degrade or remain stable?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Stable. I’ve shot BP over 100 years old. Shot just like powder made yesterday. 👍🏻

[@BallisticSuperiority]

i keep all my BP substitute in ammo cans. i read your story about static discharge. i often worry about my powders getting moist. i had the idea of putting the original BP/sub container in a zip-lock gallon baggie. i would remove the BP/sub container and keep it out of the bag while using it. would the static from the bag increase the risk of detonation eve with the container being sealed? maybe out some dryer sheets i the bag to prevent static buildup? whats anyone's thoughts on this?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Justin Shortt I think there’s little to fear regarding static discharge with modern graphite coated powders and probably no worries with substitutes. I’m not a scientist but that’s my understanding of the products. The main thing is to keep the moisture out which means keeping them in their original containers and keeping the tops screwed on tight. Remember, my incident was caused by pouring old powders into a large Tupperware and it was likely the dust floating around in the Tupperware that caught the spark. Don’t do what I did and you’ll be fine.

[@BallisticSuperiority]

Thanks for the reply

[@russellbrill3721]

I put mine in 50cal amo cans for 40 some years

[@BlackPowderTV]

I’d say 10,000 people could do that for their entire lives without anything going wrong. I wouldn’t even say it was unwise. The historical literature is full of missing hands from BP and unfortunately I’m the one guy I know who was injured by a black powder static detonation. Nothing like spending time in the burn center to get me back to doing it like I was taught as a Private. Thanks for the comment. Please hang around. Love having the old salts around to keep us on the straight and narrow.

[@AFpaleoCon]

Any chance of a video on how to lighten a trigger pull? My new Pedersoli Brown Bess is super super heavy.

[@weaintfree]

Is it better in the shed or in the home? I’m guessing in the home properly containered. I’d feel a lil better with in out in the shed than in Home underneath the bedrooms. I moved a few months back and currently have my BP stored in a wooden box out in the shed. However, summers coming and it gets purdy toasty here so I imagine at least during the warmer months I should move it at least into the garage. Probably safer in the corner of the garage double containered anyhow? I’d thought about in my ammo safe......but Yes if were to “magically” blow in there that’s be one heck of a grenade!!

[@BlackPowderTV]

I think in the garage, double boxed is probably best. I like to climate control mine.... It is somewhat of a hazard, technically, so I do keep my grinders on the other side of the garage...

[@weaintfree]

Thank you for your response and your video Sir. Have a Great day!

[@davidoplinger6265]

I have 30 cans of goex inherited from father in law. Probably 20 years old. Stored in plastic vapor tight sealed bin, inside a wood box. Cans all look new. I’m not a black powder guy., don’t plan to be. Is this likely safe? I have some folks interested in the powder but I’m not comfortable even giving it away. A local range will take it for proper disposal and thinking that’s best destination. Any suggestions or guidance would appreciated.

[@davidoplinger6265]

Just to clarify - I reload straight wall and neck cartridges with similar pounds of smokeless powder on hand. Stored appropriately as well I believe. I just simply don’t know squat about black powder and ok to admit it. I suspect a BP aficionado would enjoy some free powder but I want to be responsible.

[@davidoplinger6265]

And it’s 2 F

[@BlackPowderTV]

Yes, it is likely safe. Powder stored that way will be just as stable as when new. I would find someone who would use it and get it to them instead of disposing it any other way. I often shoot powder stored that way that is from the 1800s. If you want to send me an email I can probably help you find someone near you who would love to take it off your hands.

[@davidoplinger6265]

Thank you very much! I didn’t share the BP passion with my FIL but we spent many many hours talking about and putting together modern cartridges. I cherish all that he and several others I’ve befriended over the years have taught me. Easily more than all the books and manuals I’ve poured through. And like them, I thank you for your contributions to this community. I have a fairly large cache, no pun intended, of supplies. So as I thought about ‘finally dealing with’ all this last night; and you confirming what I believed - there’s nothing wrong with what I got - the thought of perhaps starting a new hobby has emerged. Maybe I would enjoy it as much as he? Crap! I got some more pondering to do on this now. Thanks again. If I decide to not pursue, or decide to start a new journey, I’ll be circling back. Do you know of any groups or just an old salty or two in the San Antonio area that enjoys bringing along newbies?

[@BlackPowderTV]

You’re welcome. I don’t anyone in the SA area personally but if you get on the muzzleloadingforum there are state and local groups represented there. I’d just get in and introduce yourself and say you are looking for folks around there and many will respond I’m sure. I was born in Houston and have family in Boerne. Love the hill country. Keep in touch!

[@williamflood8296]

Where did you get the big box ?

[@BlackPowderTV]

I found it in an antique store. It was hand built c1900. 👍🏻

[@todhurley3756]

I keep mine in a Ammo box inside of a Yeti cooler with the dehumidifier from dollar tree. It stays at 70degrees and 28%humidity.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Sounds like a solid way to store your BP! Thanks!

[@bullhippo9023]

How long can I store un opened black powder before it degrades?

[@BlackPowderTV]

It doesn’t degrade so much as BP will suck up any moisture out of the air so if you are in the desert it’ll be ok for quite a while but in Louisiana not so long. It will clump and eventually get hard. 👍🏻

[@bullhippo9023]

Black Powder TV I am in Ozark, Al. Humidity started here and spread across the globe. I bought 7 lbs of Goex 3f this week, maybe things will be okay.

[@BlackPowderTV]

I misread your original question. I thought you asked about a container left open. No, if you keep it tightly closed it will last forever. I’ve shot tons of black powder that was 100-170 years old.

[@flcracker3030]

What about in my gun safe with the dehumidifier

[@BlackPowderTV]

I think it would likely be fine there though it's not ideal. The main concerns are that if there is a fire there is something to retard it going off and secondly, if it does it doesn't fragment the container, ie an ammo can. I'm dubious that a few pounds could blow a safe but it certainly couldn't frag it.👍🏻

[@flcracker3030]

@@BlackPowderTV thank you sir appreciate your channel and your replies.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@jeffreypainter5648]

So is this only for if it’s in a environment where there is sparks and the like? Like if I store it inside my house where no sparks, would that be alright?

[@BlackPowderTV]

It’s specifically for where there are either sources of sparks or a danger of fire. I would still double wood box if it was in my house. Wood is a great insulator and even surrounded by fire will still be cool inside for some time. No to mention it will not explode like a metal can. In case of a fire in the house the wood boxes will give everyone time to get out. Remember, this is just ‘best practices’ and there are probably other ways to store your powder was good or nearly as good.

[@PaulMooneyOutdoors]

Good information. I recently stocked up on powder. I had previously stored mine in a wooden box, but now that my supply has outgrown that box I put it in the plastic ammo can type containers. I store mine in the cool basement that is humidity controlled. I figured plastic cans were better than metal for the frag reason. Do you think that is an acceptable storage solution? Should I maybe leave the plastic cans unlatched?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Hey Paul, I think it’s a good solution. I wouldn’t worry about leaving the lids unlatched. With the metal you want the lid to release before the box frags but the plastic boxes would act differently in that one part or another would give way without creating much back pressure. The big advantage to the wood is that you’d have some good insulating properties in case of a house fire buying everyone time to evacuate with no fragmentation to deal with. The plastic doesn’t offer that but it’s a decent solution that doesn’t come with the extra dangers metal does. 👍🏻

[@PaulMooneyOutdoors]

@@BlackPowderTV thanks for the information it is appreciated!

[@cory8791]

Great vid!!!!! Too Add to this please for the love of god leave you bp in its original container!!

[@BlackPowderTV]

Great comment! I absolutely agree!

[@ReichenbachEsq]

cory8791 I’ve always wondered why black powder was stored in metal or plastic cans. Aren’t they able to spark or have static electricity, respectively?

[@mikem4432]

yeah,.. you want it far from your valuables like your HOUSE! CAR!.. I just put it in a plastic bucket you can get for 5 bucks with a lid.and bury it about half way and hang it from the bottom in a air tight zip lock bag.

[@BlackPowderTV]

That works too! Thanks Mike!

[@R.N.M-]

What kind of plastic container do you use to store the blackpowder in? Inside the wood boxes

[@BogeyTheBear]

Those plastic containers are the bottles in which powder gets sold these days. That's simply how you find them of the store shelf.

[@kurtmohnsam7588]

The static electricity issue has made me wonder why that does not seem to be an issue with manufacturers all going to plastic containers. Since they started selling BP in plastic "cans," I started to keep my BP "cans" in the original cardboard shipping box, then put the cardboard boxes inside a large moisture-proof plastic heavy storage bin with the top just gently snapped on (so any explosion would go up, rather than the container turning to shrapnel). Is that a bad idea?

[@BlackPowderTV]

They started coating the powder in graphite some time ago and ive read studies were they tried to fire the coated BP with static electricity and failed without the addition of lots of BP dust. I would say, for the most part, that static is no longer an issue with modern BP. That being said, i occasionally mess with pre-1900 BP and an super careful with it. I would say your system is fine. There is 'ideal' and there are lots of ways that are close to that. I would have no problem storing it that way as long as I made sure the lids were tight. Thanks!

[@kurtmohnsam7588]

@@BlackPowderTV Thanks for the info! Subscribed and I'm binge watching some of your vids. Great work!

[@dtnetlurker]

According to GOEX the new plastic containers are made up of High density polyethylene terephthalate. They have electrostatic discharge protection. Many modern chemicals and hazardous materials use this type of plastic container. They are not just plain plastic bottles. Regular plastic can build up a charge but these won't. Also, today's modern method of making black powder with graphite which Goex and most modern powders use along with the corning process (one of the most dangerous parts of making modern black powder) that is used to bind it all together, makes it extremely difficult for just a mild static charge to get an ignition and it also keeps the powder from separating like much older original powder used to do (caution should still always be used). To get it to set off you really need a high and hot voltage, or a hot spark from a flint striking steel, or a percussion cap, or a flame like the very earliest muskets used, or you can shoot it and it could go off, which is why you never have loaded weapons around your powder supply. A burning ember left over in your barrel or chamber can set it off as well so you still have to make sure you are completely cold and have no embers left burning.

[@BogeyTheBear]

When dealing with electronic components, we frequently deal with pink-colored bubble wrap or foam rubber. We were informed the pink stuff does not generate static electricity like other plastics. So there is a way to make plastic jugs that will not create static like you'd get in a cheaper plastic jug.

[@PossumisHojo]

Bob is it OK to Dry Fire Percussion Arms without a Cap on the Nipple?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Try to do that as little as possible. It will flatten your nipple. A bit of leather in the hammer is what I usually do. 👍🏻

[@308dad8]

Funny I have mine on a shelf and I couldn’t tell you how many times it’s fallen. I can see sparks and heat sources but the rest seems to be overkill honestly. Did people go to this length when it was the only powder? We’re Powder flasks exploding on Civil War soldiers? If you need all that for powder sitting still then you need body armor for powder in speed loafers or flasks in your pocket or purse “possibles bag”. So are there any documented cases of it exploding while sling on a shooter’s side?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Ok. A few things. All this safety stuff is not for “powder sitting still”. It’s for all the things that can happen around that powder on any given day. I’ve personally experienced a static discharge of BP that put me in Vanderbilt Burn Center with 3rd degree burns over 11% of my body. I didn’t do anything to cause that and still ended up wounded. Of course that is once in thousands of hours of handling BP and it could still be an anomaly but there are many historical accounts of similar incidents with powder not to mention dozens of static discharges during the process of making powder. Mishandling of BP killed Civil War soldiers, and Pirates, and Napoleon’s Army in Russia. Those people were trained to handle and transport it carefully on special wagons in wooden barrels on hay, and accidents still happened. On this channel I’m talking to people who have never handled an explosive before and are generally flippant about risk or ignorant about the risks of handling explosives generally, so yeah, I’ll talk a little overkill before handing out advice that injures someone. Put your BP in a safer place.

[@308dad8]

@@BlackPowderTV OK. Thanks for the quick reply. Thanks for addressing my questions. Makes you think people wouldn’t wear powder horns and flasks around their shoulders. So what happened to create your static discharge?

[@BlackPowderTV]

One more thing since we’re talking about it. You asked if there were any documented historical cases of it exploding while slung on a shooter’s side? On ALR there was a thread some time ago of an incident about 20 years ago at the National Championship in Indiana where a horn that was on a bench exploded during the match injuring two shooters. It happens.

[@308dad8]

@@BlackPowderTV Damn! So why are we still using it at all then? Besides it’s cheap, reliable, effective and easy to clean? Was that from just getting hot in the sun?

[@BlackPowderTV]

I used to collect BP tins from the 1800’s (like they would buy from the store in those days) and I sold the whole collection to a guy in California. Since you can’t ship BP in the mail and many of those tins were either still sealed or partially full I had to empty them before shipping. I poured all the BP into a Tupperware in my house and was carrying it to dispose of it and it went off in my hand. 6.5 lbs or so. I was wearing moccasins and walking across concrete so I had a build up of static and boom. Burnt off my beard, caught my entire shirt on fire and sandblasted my glasses. Thank goodness for the glasses. Burnt all the skin off my right arm and hand and much of my chest, nose, and ears. It sucked.

[@MrPreacher8770]

actually i have a powder magazine outside.you shouldnt store bp or ammo inside, if there was a fire responders would walk right into it

[@BlackPowderTV]

Fair point and that certainly could be a 'best practice' if it is practical for you, and it's something i could have touched on in the video, so thanks. I live rural and my local VFD knows I have black powder stored and where it's at. As far as regular ammo goes, that is known threat to firefighters as millions of homes across America contain some amount of ammo, and it's one of the reasons they don't enter a residence to put out a fire. The manufacturers of BP also suggest storing BP in a 'cool' place. Thanks for the important comment!

[@richstone2627]

@MrPreacher8770 Nonsense ! You are perpetuating a known myth. SAAMI has put out a video used to train Firemen across the country which proves your statment is a myth. Modern ammo cannot fire a bullet more than an inch or so and with no power because it is not contained in a chamber. Modern ammo doesn't blow up in a fire either, you've been watching too many movies. KZbin has one of SAAMI's videos, Sporting ammunition and the Fire Fighter. Educate yourself and stop spreading BS.