Legal limit of

[BlasterBob]

Does anyone here know the legal limit of BLACK powder that can be possessed by individuals? I know that stores have some very stringent storage requirements but not aware of any such storage requirements or how much an individual may possess.
i am asking because one of these days we will be leaving Colorado and have some BLACK to get rid of. Still have a supply of this powder for shooting scaled down mortars and cannon which I no longer own. Any sensible responses will be appreciated. Thanks!

[Great-Kazoo]

In the home or buildings separate from dwelling? There's some guidelines for qty etc, you can check with local F.D.. I looked , talked to fire dept and decided to build a few powder magazines, from used cabinets.
MarkCo would be the "expert" go to guy.

[PSS]

Short answer is 50 lbs in a residence. Local restrictions need to be considered first. NFPA has guidelines for smokeless and black powder storage.
NFPA 495 IF your local or state adopts this as law.

Smokeless: Up to 20 lb.s if stored in original containers. Up to 50 lb.s if stored in original containers AND in a wooden box or cabinet with walls at least 1" thick.

Black Powder: Up to 20 lb.s if stored in original containers AND in a wooden box or cabinet having walls at least 1" thick.

Primers: 10,000

[encorehunter]

Let me know when you want to get rid of it. I am still shooting a lot of bp. One of these years I am going to shoot that mortar.

[BlasterBob]

Thanks for that info guys. Jody, I sent you a PM.

[Great-Kazoo]

Short answer is 50 lbs in a residence. Local restrictions need to be considered first. NFPA has guidelines for smokeless and black powder storage.
NFPA 495 IF your local or state adopts this as law.

Smokeless: Up to 20 lb.s if stored in original containers. Up to 50 lb.s if stored in original containers AND in a wooden box or cabinet with walls at least 1" thick.

Black Powder: Up to 20 lb.s if stored in original containers AND in a wooden box or cabinet having walls at least 1" thick.

Primers: 10,000





Looks like a lot of shooters i may know are screwed. Who reloads and has Only 10K in primers?

[BlasterBob]

Looks like a lot of shooters i may know are screwed. Who reloads and has Only 10K in primers?

Hey, I have less than 700 primers left but these are for .50 BMG. ;-))

[Great-Kazoo]

Hey, I have less than 700 primers left but these are for .50 BMG. ;-))

You're old, probably forgot where the rest are ;)

[MarkCO]

There is not a one-size fits all answer. Federal Regulations do not take precedence, the local building codes do. The easiest thing to do is to go to the City or County Building Department webpage and look up what "Fire Code" they have adopted, the most current is what you need to meet. Unlike building codes, the Fire Codes are for the most part retroactive.

In this document (http://trinidad.co.gov/pages/building_department/forms/International%20Codes%20Adoption%20-2013.pdf) the City of Trinidad has adopted the 2009 International Fire Code, the specific section regarding small arms propellant and primers is found in this document (http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ifc/2009/icod_ifc_2009_33_sec006.htm). Realize that within that document, there are several classifications, including commercial stocks. For my specific circumstances, I have found a way to be in compliance with the regulations of my city as well as having had a discussion with the Fire Chief.

Even though I do code compliance and failure analysis related to failure to follow codes, this is not advice regarding what any one person may or may not store at their particular structure, that is the relevant code and the interpretation thereof is the purview of the Fire Official with jurisdiction.

[BlasterBob]

Thanks Mark.

[BlasterBob]

Mark, I am just a bit curious. Your second paragraph referres to the City of Trinidad. I am curious as to the application for those living outside of the City and in the County (Las Animas for instance). I possess so little that it's of no issue for me. Thanks again.

[MarkCO]

Las Animas Country has their own building department, so your would have to find out their applicable code. Could be the same, could be different.