Locking up Powder

[mattiooo]

My son is getting to the age where I would like to lock up my powder. I have a Stack-On 8 gun cabinet that I'm going to use for the purpose. It doesn't have shelves (other than the small one at the top). This is the one: https://www.amazon.com/Stack-GCB-908-Steel-Security-Cabinet/dp/B002TOKR30

My current thought is to put the 1 pound powder bottles into ammo cans and be able to stack them on top of ammo in ammo cans, in the main section of the cabinet. I have about 7 one pound cans and might add one or two more (plus one 8 pound jug)

Question 1 - What is the optimal size ammo can for the powder bottles?

Question 2 - Is there a better idea than ammo cans for the powder? Either way, there will be ammo in cans at the bottom.

[NFATrustGuy]

I'm far FAR from the most knowledgeable reloader in these parts, but I'll throw out my limited knowledge...

I think you'll want to stay away from anything that is firmly sealed--like an ammo can. My understanding is that you could cause a massive explosion if your house catches fire. A light seal on the powder container will pop open before the powder explodes. A tight, non-yielding seal will contain the gasses from the heated powder and will become a bomb.

I'm not describing this too well. I was looking at building a double-thickness particle board storage cabinet for my powder. The conclusion I came to was that I wanted a spring loaded door that would hold the cabinet closed, but allow it to open if pressure built up inside due to the heat of a fire in my basement. I also seem to remember being convinced that the best storage container was the original powder bottle. There are also recommendations as to maximum number of pounds of powder stored in any one cabinet.

I'll dig for the specific info if somebody else doesn't post it off the top of their head.

Rod

[00tec]

If using ammo cans, use plastic ammo cans. A hole drilled in them wouldnt be a terrible idea either.

[Irving]

Drill the hole before you put the powder in the can.

[Hoser]

Something like a fire locker is a good choice. Kinda like a regular storage locker that is lined with drywall and has spring loaded doors to keep it closed.

[Great-Kazoo]

Something like a fire locker is a good choice. Kinda like a regular storage locker that is lined with drywall and has spring loaded doors to keep it closed.

I built mine from 1/2" thick kitchen cabinets. Cut a sheet of 1/4" sheet rock around exterior, then another 3/8 flake board over that. Gives me approx 1" of fire protection.

There's a few discussions elsewhere from reloaders who have done similar storage lockers

You store powder and or primers in a sealed box (ammo can, safe, etc) the only thing you've done is make a..... well you know what happens.

[MarkCO]

Yes, a firelocker, or a cabinet with louvered doors. Wood, fiber and drywall preferable over plastic. Metal only if louvered, never in a safe. While chances are small, you don't want a fire with powder in a sealed container that has any strength.

[Grant H.]

I built a cabinet with a 2x4 frame, drywall on the inside, flame retardant spray foam insulation in the cavity, a sheet of expanded steel on each face, then a final layer of drywall over it all on the outside.

It maintains a very consistent and even temperature in the cabinet for the powder and primers.

[Badaboom]

Try to find an old like gym locker use to store most you nasty's
Possibly build a structure as noted earlier in this thread around the locker

[Rucker61]

I'm using the same Stack-On. I just used some scrap lumber to build a couple of levels of shelves.

[spqrzilla]

If you did not want to make something, I'd probably go with this: https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/hq-issue-metal-gun-locker-36w-x-42h?a=2044979
instead of a Stack On locking cabinet. The mesh doors are more likely to successfully vent. You would need to add some shelving.

[DDT951]

Watch craiglist for flammables cabinets.

Occasionally they come up at good prices.

[mattiooo]

Watch craiglist for flammables cabinets.

Occasionally they come up at good prices.

Great suggestion. Thanks.

[CapLock]

I use milk crates inside a stack on safe for ammo. I can make out what is in the crates from the sides. Easy to stack easy to move.