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Doggieman · August 17, 2011, 10:55 PM

So these aren't hand-loads but I didn't know where else to post this...

I have some .38 spl Winchester factory FMJs that have been sitting in my rarely-used snub for the past 3-4 years. These have been handled a fair amount--mostly to remove from the gun when I want to dry fire it, etc.

So needless to say the casings are not at all bright and shiny due to the oils in my hands. However, the casings are starting to look quite bad--tiny dents and discolorations all over them, specifically brown rust-like spots (I know brass doesn't rust).

Problem is that I'm out of .38 spl ammo and don't really want to trudge down and buy new stuff unless I have to. Should I dump these cartridges or is this merely cosmetic?

August 17, 2011, 10:55 PM	#1
Doggieman Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2006 Location: San Diego, Calif. Posts: 717	Is this brass bad? So these aren't hand-loads but I didn't know where else to post this... I have some .38 spl Winchester factory FMJs that have been sitting in my rarely-used snub for the past 3-4 years. These have been handled a fair amount--mostly to remove from the gun when I want to dry fire it, etc. So needless to say the casings are not at all bright and shiny due to the oils in my hands. However, the casings are starting to look quite bad--tiny dents and discolorations all over them, specifically brown rust-like spots (I know brass doesn't rust). Problem is that I'm out of .38 spl ammo and don't really want to trudge down and buy new stuff unless I have to. Should I dump these cartridges or is this merely cosmetic?