Storing handloading supplies in a very cold shop.

[joken]

My daughter and son-in-law have been building a house on 20 acres near Joseph for the past few years. They plan to move there when my daughter retires. Martin has built a freestanding, large two-car garage/workshop. I am gifting Martin all of my reloading equipment and supplies, and am wondering how they will fare in the shop when the temperature is in the 20s or colder. Will huge temperature swings harm powder? Could raising the room temperature from 20 to 70 degrees possibly create condensation in a powder container? I imagine the guns will be in the house. Is there anything else to be concerned about? Should we keep the powder in an insulated, heated container?

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[thorborg]

Lucky them, I'm totally envious! though watch out for the giant hail storm like what devastated the area in August 2022, Man what destruction!
I've hunted out of Wallowa near Joseph for decades. Joseph is about 4000 feet but quickly changes when you leave the little valley. Condensation may be an issue here but not as great in Joseph. Just be sure the container or the container they are stored in are sealed well at all times especially during the temperature transition to give it your best shot. Very dry in the summer, no dew, though more humid in the winter with dew and morning frost before the snows come. Plus in my unscientific mind based on experience, Cold works to powders benefit as much as heat works against it. Make sure your powders are in a sealed container. If your powders have been opened in the valley, I don't know if it would help or not to re open them in a warm environment in Joseph to moderate the difference in atmospheric pressure. At the very least just to keep the container sides from possible permanent distortion.

 

[DizzyJ]

Heat and moisture are enemies to powder and primers. I wouldn't worry as much about colder temperatures.

 

[JDubDub]

I store all my powder and supplies in an unheated garage and reload year round. The only problem I have is trying to cast in sub-freezing temps - sometimes the pot doesn't put out enough heat to get the lead up to temps.

 

[aasbra]

I'd be more concerned with temperature swings than only the cold weather. I've heard of people using an old refrigerator to store powder. I keep mine in an enclosure made of thick plywood, and it is in an insulated, climate controlled garage. Will your SIL have any heat in the detached garage? Any insulation? If possible, the powder likely would fare better if he can moderate the temperature fluctuation. Possibly build an enclosure, and if so, maybe even put a goldenrod or similar safe dehumidifier like what is used in a safe within whatever enclosure he was using when the temps are low.

 

[joken]

I'd be more concerned with temperature swings than only the cold weather. I've heard of people using an old refrigerator to store powder. I keep mine in an enclosure made of thick plywood, and it is in an insulated, climate controlled garage. Will your SIL have any heat in the detached garage? Any insulation? If possible, the powder likely would fare better if he can moderate the temperature fluctuation. Possibly build an enclosure, and if so, maybe even put a goldenrod or similar safe dehumidifier like what is used in a safe within whatever enclosure he was using when the temps are low.

 

[joken]

I suspect he will have a wood stove in the shop. I don't think he ran a propane line to it. I like the refrigerator idea. I just threw two away.

 

[Alexx1401]

I too would look for an old fridge. Put something in it to control moisture and all should be great.