Tray and tube holders for microampoules containing energetic material were fabricated for use in DSC measurements. Comparison with earlier, independent studies using an aluminum tube holder demonstrated that equivalent performance was obtained. While the system with the tray holder provided statistically improved results over those obtained using the tube holder, it clearly afforded less protection for the DSC cell in the event of a microampoule rupture. Results obtained for a number of energetic materials including t-butyl peroxide and the explosives, tetryl, nitrocellulose and pentaerythritol tetranitrate are specifically described. In addition, explosion tests conducted using 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene enabled the elucidation of a qualitative ranking scale for potential damage to the DSC cell based on the deformation of the tray holder.