Originally Posted by
RogerDat
Plastic bottles for powder offer one distinct advantage they would soften (if not melt) in a fire well before the powder inside would be likely to ignite. Melting uses heat so it might even hold the contents at a little cooler point for longer. The plastic bottles are not strong enough to act as a "case" that allows pressure from ignition to build to detonation levels in a fire. Will burn, not likely to explode.
The modern plastic bottles also are sort of anonymous, just a plastic bottle with a label on it. The old tins being painted are much more works of art. However the price stickers on those bottles will be good conversation starters someday I'm sure. I have a box of Laser Cast with a price sticker of $28 and change. Cabela's has the same item today for over $60 so those plastic bottles may never be super collectable but "you only paid how much for that 8# jug?" will be a perfect launch point into discussion of the good old days of WW's and cheap powder. :-)