Milsurp Tokarev Ammo Questions

Br_Mark · March 4, 2012, 05:35 PM

In a couple of months I'll be the owner of a Romanian TTC and I have a few questions on the surplus 7.62x25 Tokarev ammo I see listed on different web sites:

The milsurp ammo is listed as corrosive. I assume that as long as the gun is cleaned soon after firing milsurp that all will be well. Are there any tips or tricks that I should do other than a good cleaning?
BTW – Is the residue basic or acidic?

The milsurp ammo is sealed in a tin container. After opening the tin container, how should I store the remaining ammo? Ammo box with a desiccator or does it matter?

Thanks in advance for any advice or tips. Please feel free to point out anything that could be issue that I didn't ask about. I'm trying to maximize my plinking fun at the range while minimizing the cost. Again thanks, Br_Mark

tahunua001 · March 4, 2012, 05:49 PM

the reason it's corrosive is because it has salt in it to preserve it so it's not a super corrosive substance, I've left my guns for a couple weeks before cleaning and they weren't showing any signs of rust yet. a lot of guys recommend windex while others recommend hot water. I use the hot water method and it works fine for my pistols, my AK seems still accumulates rust after a few months in storage though. whatever works for you gun I suppose. as for storage as long as you keep it dry and room temperature after opening you wont have any issues. I've cracked open spam cans of ammo that were packed in 1942 and the ammo is still as good as the day it was made almost 2 years later.

Br_Mark · March 5, 2012, 07:33 PM

tahunua001 - Thanks for the information! Br Mark

Cheapshooter · March 5, 2012, 08:33 PM

It's the salts from the corrosive primers that cause the problem.

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centerfire_ammunition

Quote:

These corrosive primers leave a residue of potassium chloride salt in the bore after a cartridge is fired. These hygroscopic salt crystals will hold moisture from a humid atmosphere and cause rusting.[8] These corrosive primers can cause serious damage to the gun unless the barrel and action are cleaned carefully after firing.

Hot water, and soap just like cleaning black powder is good. I just use Hoppe's #9, let it soak for a short time. swab the bore, scrub the action with a nylon brush, and wipe with a cleaning patch or rag. Repeat, and run an oiled patch down the bore. Wipe the rest doen with an oiled cloth. I've never had a rust problem with any of my milsurps cleaned in this fashion. Most, if not all of them have shot nothing but corrosive surplus ammo.
One note about that. No matter what the seller claims treat all surplus ammo as corrosive.

Br_Mark · March 6, 2012, 05:13 AM

Thanks, Cheapshooter. Do you have any problems with the receiver or magazines with any salt residue in these parts?

tahunua001 · March 6, 2012, 11:10 AM

you will with direct impingement and blowback systems but really w piston systems.

March 4, 2012, 05:35 PM	#1
Br_Mark Member Join Date: February 26, 2012 Location: Wild, Wonderful, West “BY GOD!” Virginia Posts: 29	Milsurp Tokarev Ammo Questions In a couple of months I'll be the owner of a Romanian TTC and I have a few questions on the surplus 7.62x25 Tokarev ammo I see listed on different web sites: The milsurp ammo is listed as corrosive. I assume that as long as the gun is cleaned soon after firing milsurp that all will be well. Are there any tips or tricks that I should do other than a good cleaning? BTW – Is the residue basic or acidic? The milsurp ammo is sealed in a tin container. After opening the tin container, how should I store the remaining ammo? Ammo box with a desiccator or does it matter? Thanks in advance for any advice or tips. Please feel free to point out anything that could be issue that I didn't ask about. I'm trying to maximize my plinking fun at the range while minimizing the cost. Again thanks, Br_Mark __________________ Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

March 4, 2012, 05:49 PM	#2
tahunua001 Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 7,839	the reason it's corrosive is because it has salt in it to preserve it so it's not a super corrosive substance, I've left my guns for a couple weeks before cleaning and they weren't showing any signs of rust yet. a lot of guys recommend windex while others recommend hot water. I use the hot water method and it works fine for my pistols, my AK seems still accumulates rust after a few months in storage though. whatever works for you gun I suppose. as for storage as long as you keep it dry and room temperature after opening you wont have any issues. I've cracked open spam cans of ammo that were packed in 1942 and the ammo is still as good as the day it was made almost 2 years later. __________________ ignore my complete lack of capitalization. I still have no problem correcting your grammar. I never said half the stuff people said I did-Albert Einstein You can't believe everything you read on the internet-Benjamin Franklin

March 5, 2012, 07:33 PM	#3
Br_Mark Member Join Date: February 26, 2012 Location: Wild, Wonderful, West “BY GOD!” Virginia Posts: 29	tahunua001 - Thanks for the information! Br Mark __________________ Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

March 6, 2012, 05:13 AM	#5
Br_Mark Member Join Date: February 26, 2012 Location: Wild, Wonderful, West “BY GOD!” Virginia Posts: 29	Thanks, Cheapshooter. Do you have any problems with the receiver or magazines with any salt residue in these parts? __________________ Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

March 6, 2012, 11:10 AM	#6
tahunua001 Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 7,839	you will with direct impingement and blowback systems but really w piston systems. __________________ ignore my complete lack of capitalization. I still have no problem correcting your grammar. I never said half the stuff people said I did-Albert Einstein You can't believe everything you read on the internet-Benjamin Franklin