Plastic bottles vs metal cans

[mickbr]

I started getting the new style plastic bottles a while back after finishing off tin can style from the day. Anyone have opinions on whether there is any longevity difference with powder in plastic bottles? I assume its probably too soon to know. Also not sure how long it has been since you guys had the metal style, with our local powders it was relatively recent the change to plastic bottles. I worry about all sorts of things long term, whether the heat here might degrade the plastic over the years, or cause chemicals to leech into the contents etc. I wouldnt think gunpowder companies would risk hangfires and misfires with degrading powders down the track though.

[Froogal]

Those metal cans are considered to be collectible around here. Haven't seen anything other than plastic for many years now. I have some powder in plastic cans that is at least 6 or 7 years old with no signs of deterioration at all.

[Bent Ramrod]

Any slight decomposition of the powder would not, of course, cause the slight rust freckling in the new plastic bottles that one sees in an old metal can.

I can’t see any advantage or disadvantage in the storage potential of the metal vs plastic container itself, if storage is at moderate temperatures and dry conditions, as powder storage should be. I would imagine the manufacturer has satisfied himself with the compatibility of the plastic used in the bottles and jars with smokeless powder.

I pour new powder from the big round plastic jars into the old square and rectangular metal cans because they store better in my 20mm metal storage crate.

The one plastic bottle I considered for reuse for smokeless powder storage was the Swiss black powder bottle, as they fit well into my powder storage can and are made of conductive plastic. Unfortunately, multiple washings, protracted periods of being left open or filled with water failed to remove the sulphur smell from the bottles, so I don’t use them.

[Idz]

Plastic has two problems. It can create static and its permeable to water and gases. It can be treated to minimize the problems but still is worse than metal.

[MT Gianni]

In 1993 I bought 8 lbs of 4831 in 2 liter pop bottles. I kept it dry and out of sunlight and shot the last of it a few years back. Chronoed values didn't change.

[bangerjim]

# 2 (recycle code) plastic is perfect for powder storage. Check the symbol on the bottom. I use large vitamin (white) bottles from Sam's and Costco to store powder in. As well as Maalox bottles work well for selling small amounts of powder to buddies.

The small amount of static created in a plastic bottle will NOT ever come close to the energy needed to ignite standard powders.

Just store them in cool dark places and they will keep for YEARS!

banger

[Winger Ed.]

Eventually, plastic will dry out, get brittle, and crack.

However; I've got some 1 lb. size Win. 748 ones from when they first came out,
and have FMJ GI pulls stored in them out on the work bench.
They're still just fine, and seal well enough the FMJs haven't even tarnished yet.

I've also got some bulk pull down powder from Mr. Bartlett I bought in the late 90's
that came in what looks like anti-freeze bottles, they're still good too.

[GhostHawk]

Well the one thing I can think of powder in a metal can in a fire can potentially "blow"

Where a plastic bottle will melt and let it vent with no pressure build up.

That being said I have some of both. They both do the job.

[Winger Ed.]

Well the one thing I can think of powder in a metal can in a fire can potentially "blow"

Like a spray can, the seam is made to rupture/split and expand out to release the pressure without fragmenting in a fire.

[elmacgyver0]

Eventually, plastic will dry out, get brittle, and crack.

Kinda like your Glock?

[mickbr]

Just store them in cool dark places and they will keep for YEARS!

Well I can do dark, but not cool.

[dverna]

Well I can do dark, but not cool.

An old fridge that still works might serve the purpose. Set it at the warmest setting so it does not run as much. I am looking at getting one as I have powder that will last me 20+ years.

[mickbr]

Thanks Dverna, I might look into that.

[Winger Ed.]

Kinda like your Glock?

Maybe some body else's.
I'm more of a Colt 1911 sort of guy.

[Ozark mike]

Kinda like your Glock?

That made my day

[abunaitoo]

The problem with metal here, is it rust.
Salt air just attacks the metal cans.
I've just about changed to plastic.
Been collecting Alliant bottles because it holds more than a pound.
I remove the label, wash them out, spray with flat white paint, write the details on it, and fill with powder from cans.
We don't have much of a problem with static electricity here.
But we do have a salt air problem.

[Chill Wills]

I still have some of the old Hodgdon square cardboard cans with metal rims, bottoms and tops. It seems like old powder cans are getting collectable but old men not so much

[15meter]

Just had to pour a partial tin can of 4198 back and forth between two clean plastic cans to get rid of the rust dust that came from the original Dupont IMR can. I did it outside with a light breeze to clear the rust.

Powder appears just fine, just dust from the inside of the can, I've had this with other tin cans, I suspect it goes back to inadequate tin plating.

After transferring to a clean plastic jug the dust problem goes away.

[Pete44mag]

I don't worry about it my powder doesn't last that long!