Ammo Shortage

[HALODIN]

OK thanks both!

[Christel]

One bag of sugar is one kilo...three bags of sugar is...well you know...

[rox]

Thanks for the info, very helpful. Why not just keep it in the plastic tubs it comes in? BTW how big is a 3KG tub? I can't get any sense of scale on the pictures I've found and I presume it needs to be kept in a safe doesn't it?

A 5L plastic can will just about hold 5Kg of powder. The commercially available 3.5Kg tubs are a little smaller and have some airspace when filled. Proper containers will have sufficient conductive content to dissipate static. Powder should absolutely not be stored in anything that could constrain any release of pressure (such as a steel gun cabinet), i.e. which could initiate the chain reaction in the case of ignition. Commercial bulk powder is supplied in 20Kg cardboard drums, so they split easily if the powder is ignited. For longevity it is best stored in a steady cool temperature.

Primers are best stored in materials that will delay the build-up and transfer of heat in the case of a fire. 1" timber boxes are a good option. Pressure doesn't matter - when the blow they will blow, and it doesn't take that many to leave a crater in concrete.

..

[saddler]

If you don't think the closing of the primary smelter will be an issue, what makes you think small calibre ammo will be impossible to get starting this month?

IRONY...& 30+ years buying ammo

ONE smelter closing...in a country that supplies SOME of the UK ammo.
Lighten up Francis! <insert gif when I get back home>

...and do bear mind that ALL ammo originates in the good old US of A !

The closing of the lead smelter there will be nothing of catastrophic on a global scale.

I predict a complete lack of any small arms ammunition before the end of 2013

[froggy]

ALL ammo originates in the good old US of A !
I predict a complete lack of any small arms ammunition before the end of 2013

Tovarich capitalist ... You start now like very much great Proletarian rifle ??

Mosin Powa !!

:55:

[HALODIN]

Density obviously varies, but if you're saying 1KG of propellant is the same size as 1KG sugar, that gives me a good idea of volume. Thanks.

One bag of sugar is one kilo...three bags of sugar is...well you know...

[HALODIN]

Thanks for painting quite a clear picture, it's appreciated and I hadn't given static any thought, so again thanks! Time to get my debit card out!

A 5L plastic can will just about hold 5Kg of powder. The commercially available 3.5Kg tubs are a little smaller and have some airspace when filled. Proper containers will have sufficient conductive content to dissipate static. Powder should absolutely not be stored in anything that could constrain any release of pressure (such as a steel gun cabinet), i.e. which could initiate the chain reaction in the case of ignition. Commercial bulk powder is supplied in 20Kg cardboard drums, so they split easily if the powder is ignited. For longevity it is best stored in a steady cool temperature.

Primers are best stored in materials that will delay the build-up and transfer of heat in the case of a fire. 1" timber boxes are a good option. Pressure doesn't matter - when the blow they will blow, and it doesn't take that many to leave a crater in concrete.

..

[HALODIN]

:cheers:

IRONY...& 30+ years buying ammo

ONE smelter closing...in a country that supplies SOME of the UK ammo.
Lighten up Francis! <insert gif when I get back home>

[mag41uk]

Density of powder does in fact vary quite a lot.
I recently went shares on some Vectan AS which was repackaged in black 5litre tubs.
Each tub holds just 2.5kg.
Tony

[HALODIN]

OK thanks Tony, I suppose that makes sense depending on granularity and base materials. It's not so much of an issue now I know it doesn't have to take up valuable cabinet space, but still useful to know.