How to properly store your firearms and ammo in the Philippines.
Summer in the Philippines get can get extremely uncomfortable. This year, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported a heat index of 42°C (108 °F). That's hot! Make sure to keep cool and stay hydrated.
How does the high temperature and humidity affect your firearm and ammo? This article addresses this question. Let's go over your ammo first.
How does heat affect your ammo?
If you have high quality ammo, these rounds are designed to function reliably in extreme environments, from the artics to the tropics.
Remington Hypersonic Steel Ammunition.
The three primary components used in a round of ammunition are 1) lead, 2) nitrocellulose and 3) gunpowder. How hot does it have to get to affect these components?
1. Lead melts at 327°C (621 °F).
2. Nitrocellulose ignites at around 160°C (320 °F).
3. Gunpowder ignites at 426°C (800 °F).
For your ammo to explode, the temperature has to be over 400°C (752 °F). That means you have to go below the earth's mantle to get to this temperature. As long as you are above ground, your ammo is safe from extreme heat.
How does humidity affect your ammo?
iocchi 9mm fmj copper plated 123gr.
Due to high temperature and the surrounding bodies of water, the Philippines has a high relative humidity. The average monthly relative humidity varies between 71 percent in March and 85 percent in September. Walking outdoors in the Philippines can leave you drenched in sweat.
It is recommended to avoid exposing your ammo to high humidity.
High quality ammo, made by manufacturers, seal the cartridges at the primer and around the bullet. But, if you have reloads with inexpensive primers that aren’t sealed, moisture might to get in and cause the round not to function.
How does heat and humidity affect your firearm?
Beretta M9A3.
Extreme changes in heat or high humidity causes the moisture in the air to condense and collect on the surface as water. Condensation is one of the quickest ways to acquire rust. Obviously, you don't want your firearm to get rusty.
How do you store properly store your firearms and ammo in a tropical country like the Philippines?
Here are some tips for you:
1. Store your firearm and ammo in a dry place, off the ground.
2. Put them in a sealed, plastic container.
3. Oil and water don't mix, so you can oil your firearm to protect it from rust.
4. Consider investing in a dehumidifier.
Nanuk Case 990 with foam AR15 Series Olive.
Pro-Shot 38-357 Cal 9mm Pistol Box Cleaning Kit.
Remington Wireless Mini Dehumidifier M365.
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Sources
- 1http://ammunitionstore.com/pages/news/ammo-storage-best-practices-dos-and-donts/
- 2https://www.usacarry.com/safe-store-guns-ammo-hot-car/
- 3https://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/how-to-store-ammo/249745
- 4https://www.holiday-weather.com/manila/averages/
- 5https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/philippines/manila-climate
- 6https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/04/09/1908536/metro-manila-heat-index-reaches-404c
