Cartridges turning green

BlueTrain · December 28, 2009, 10:24 AM

I guess this is the right place to ask this question. I have a six-round belt slide cartridge carrier for revolver ammunition purchased from El Paso Saddlery. Brass cartridges will turn green in a couple of days, not quite overnight. Nickel plated cartridges take longer but will also turn slight green. If cartridges are left in it for an extended period, the green will really accumulate but near as I can tell, the cartridges are not really harmed.

Is there anything that will prevent this? Boot oil?

50 shooter · December 28, 2009, 02:03 PM

It's the chemicals in the leather (from processing) that are making them turn green. If you don't want them to turn green keep them out of the holder until you need to use it.

Either that or swap out the ammunition on a regular basis, be sure to use a little case polish to remove any residue from the case on the brass.

Uncle Buck · December 28, 2009, 03:32 PM

I do not know if you reload or not, but if you do, try throwing the rounds in the tumbler with some car polish. It will give the rounds a protective coat.

If you go a little while before using the shell holders, try putting some empty cartridges into the belt so it will still hold its form.

Other than coating the cases with some kind of preservative (Car wax) I know of nothing that could be used to line the shell holder to prevent leather/cartridge contact.

BlueTrain · December 28, 2009, 03:55 PM

I do have a vibrator type cleaner but I never thought of car polish, which I have used on handguns, however.

December 28, 2009, 10:24 AM	#1
BlueTrain Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 6,141	Cartridges turning green I guess this is the right place to ask this question. I have a six-round belt slide cartridge carrier for revolver ammunition purchased from El Paso Saddlery. Brass cartridges will turn green in a couple of days, not quite overnight. Nickel plated cartridges take longer but will also turn slight green. If cartridges are left in it for an extended period, the green will really accumulate but near as I can tell, the cartridges are not really harmed. Is there anything that will prevent this? Boot oil? __________________ Shoot low, sheriff. They're riding Shetlands! Underneath the starry flag, civilize 'em with a Krag, and return us to our own beloved homes! Buy War Bonds.

December 28, 2009, 02:03 PM	#2
50 shooter Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2002 Location: SoCal PRK Posts: 986	It's the chemicals in the leather (from processing) that are making them turn green. If you don't want them to turn green keep them out of the holder until you need to use it. Either that or swap out the ammunition on a regular basis, be sure to use a little case polish to remove any residue from the case on the brass. __________________ I see the world thru bloodshot eyes Streets filled with blood from distant lies The dogs of war never compromise, No time for rearranging.

December 28, 2009, 03:32 PM	#3
Uncle Buck Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: West Central Missouri Posts: 2,592	I do not know if you reload or not, but if you do, try throwing the rounds in the tumbler with some car polish. It will give the rounds a protective coat. If you go a little while before using the shell holders, try putting some empty cartridges into the belt so it will still hold its form. Other than coating the cases with some kind of preservative (Car wax) I know of nothing that could be used to line the shell holder to prevent leather/cartridge contact. __________________ Inside Every Bright Idea Is The 50% Probability Of A Disaster Waiting To Happen.

December 28, 2009, 03:55 PM	#4
BlueTrain Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 6,141	I do have a vibrator type cleaner but I never thought of car polish, which I have used on handguns, however. __________________ Shoot low, sheriff. They're riding Shetlands! Underneath the starry flag, civilize 'em with a Krag, and return us to our own beloved homes! Buy War Bonds.