1 used case in a box of new brass...

Geezerbiker · May 24, 2019, 03:18 AM

Sometimes it takes me a long while to get around to using some of the reloading supplies I buy. In this case it's a box of 250 pieces of General Dynamics .223 cases.

I bought them with the intent to load them for my varmint rifle but I traded it off. So I figured I'd save these for my .223 single shot and use all the other .223 brass I have for my AR.

Anyway I got around to processing them for loading. First I trimmed, then chamfered and debured them. I have to say these cases needed the least effort to process than any other brass I've ever used. It's too bad these are no longer available and I could only afford 250 at the time I got them. These seem to be the best quality brass I've ever seen...

Now for the strange part. After processing them, I put them in 9mm ammo box trays for when I get around to priming them. After that it was easy to see that 249 of them were shiny inside and one was dark. In further inspection it looks like someone popped a primer in that case then tossed it back in with the new cases. I ran it though the sizer die and it wasn't fired.

I ran a patch inside the case on the end of a small screwdriver and the patch came out green. I'm wondering if a corrosive primer was fired in the case. This is a rather long winded should I used it or toss it question...

Tony

Mobuck · May 24, 2019, 05:43 AM

Probably just got a drop of sweat, spit, or other moisture inside during packaging.

higgite · May 24, 2019, 06:59 AM

Is the primer pocket dirty or corroded? (Assuming there's not a spent primer in it.

)

Geezerbiker · May 24, 2019, 02:00 PM

The primer pocket is dark but otherwise clean...

RC20 · May 24, 2019, 06:51 PM

No corrosive primers in 223.

Geezerbiker · May 24, 2019, 09:30 PM

After looking at it again, a chemical spill of some kind inside the case is making the most sense. I'm going to clean it out with Ed's Red bore cleaner then flush it with some acetone and load it up with the rest...

Thanks guys for your opinions.

Tony

F. Guffey · May 25, 2019, 09:26 AM

Quote:

After looking at it again, a chemical spill of some kind inside the case is making the most sense. I'm going to clean it out with Ed's Red bore cleaner then flush it with some acetone and load it up with the rest...

I would suggest you mark the case. There is a remote chance there are chemicals that could effect the powder and or case. If what I do effects one I want all of the cases effected.

I do not know how but I would prefer working with one case short, or groups of 100, or groups of 50 etc..

F. Guffey

**Unclenick** · May 25, 2019, 10:32 AM

Geezerbiker,

I like the drop of sweat theory. A little salt and humidity above about 70% will do that. The best thing is chemical cleaning with something water-based to be sure to dissolve the salt. A cup of water with a quarter teaspoon of citric acid would be ideal. After the corrosion is gone, rinse in running cold water and then pour a little distilled water over it to keep the watermarks away. Citric acid treatment leaves the surface relatively passive and is used to treat brass for long term storage.

Jim Watson · May 25, 2019, 10:47 AM

Huh, didn't know there was Gendye brass on the commercial market.

I would clean the dull one, mark it, and use it for sighter shots.

LineStretcher · May 25, 2019, 11:20 AM

The golden rule is that if you are unsure of it, toss it. It's one case and isn't worth the time or the worry. It is sort of interesting that you think a primer might have been fired in it. Want to get rid of more? Just weigh, sort and do a hardness test. You might be surprised how many are not perfect.

T. O'Heir · May 25, 2019, 01:18 PM

General Dynamics .223 cases were made in our old IVI plant in Quebec. Our government basically gave it to SNC Lavalin(same guys Junior Trudeau is protecting. If you've ever heard of that.) then to GD.
That being whined about, IVI has always made really good brass and mediocre ammo. However, brass doesn't need to be shiney inside or out. It needs to be clean. "Dark" doesn't necessarily mean corrosion either. Brass turns black when it oxidizes. No big deal.
"...patch came out green..." That is corrosion but still nothing to worry about. Kind of doubt it was a drop of anybody's sweat though.
Nick's "a quarter teaspoon of citric acid" is a quarter teaspoon of plain white vinegar.
In any case, like LineStretcher says, it's not worth worrying about.

Jim Watson · May 25, 2019, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Nick's "a quarter teaspoon of citric acid" is a quarter teaspoon of plain white vinegar.

Nope.
Citric acid is sold in powder form. A quarter teaspoon is a quarter teaspoon of citric acid.
White vinegar is 5% acetic acid. A quarter teaspoon is about 1/80th teaspoon of acetic acid.

hounddawg · May 25, 2019, 03:20 PM

not sure when the last corrosive primer was sold for reloading but in manufactured ammo it has not been around since the 90's

http://www.scotts-gunsmithing.com/f-...cleaning-tips/

A lot of people can't believe I clean my AR's in a mop sink with soap and hot water but it works, read the article.

Mop sink with hot soapy water and a couple of brushes is cheaper and easier than Ballistol and Q tips

Jim Watson · May 25, 2019, 05:34 PM

I don't know of any corrosive priming in .223. And in any case it does not attack brass, steel is what is at risk.

Geezerbiker · May 26, 2019, 01:01 AM

I assumed because it was black inside, that one case was used. It's possible some chemical used in production was inside. Anyway it cleaned out easily and is tarnished inside but otherwise clean so I'm going to load it with the rest.

Tony

Jim Watson · May 26, 2019, 01:04 PM

So look at it when fired and see if it is damaged. I doubt it will be, but that is a worst case as suggested in some posts.
And look at the target, did it shoot in the group?

May 24, 2019, 03:18 AM	#1
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	1 used case in a box of new brass... Sometimes it takes me a long while to get around to using some of the reloading supplies I buy. In this case it's a box of 250 pieces of General Dynamics .223 cases. I bought them with the intent to load them for my varmint rifle but I traded it off. So I figured I'd save these for my .223 single shot and use all the other .223 brass I have for my AR. Anyway I got around to processing them for loading. First I trimmed, then chamfered and debured them. I have to say these cases needed the least effort to process than any other brass I've ever used. It's too bad these are no longer available and I could only afford 250 at the time I got them. These seem to be the best quality brass I've ever seen... Now for the strange part. After processing them, I put them in 9mm ammo box trays for when I get around to priming them. After that it was easy to see that 249 of them were shiny inside and one was dark. In further inspection it looks like someone popped a primer in that case then tossed it back in with the new cases. I ran it though the sizer die and it wasn't fired. I ran a patch inside the case on the end of a small screwdriver and the patch came out green. I'm wondering if a corrosive primer was fired in the case. This is a rather long winded should I used it or toss it question... Tony

May 24, 2019, 06:51 PM	#5
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	No corrosive primers in 223. __________________ Science and Facts are True whether you believe it or not

May 25, 2019, 10:32 AM	#8
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,075	Geezerbiker, I like the drop of sweat theory. A little salt and humidity above about 70% will do that. The best thing is chemical cleaning with something water-based to be sure to dissolve the salt. A cup of water with a quarter teaspoon of citric acid would be ideal. After the corrosion is gone, rinse in running cold water and then pour a little distilled water over it to keep the watermarks away. Citric acid treatment leaves the surface relatively passive and is used to treat brass for long term storage. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

May 25, 2019, 01:18 PM	#11
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	General Dynamics .223 cases were made in our old IVI plant in Quebec. Our government basically gave it to SNC Lavalin(same guys Junior Trudeau is protecting. If you've ever heard of that.) then to GD. That being whined about, IVI has always made really good brass and mediocre ammo. However, brass doesn't need to be shiney inside or out. It needs to be clean. "Dark" doesn't necessarily mean corrosion either. Brass turns black when it oxidizes. No big deal. "...patch came out green..." That is corrosion but still nothing to worry about. Kind of doubt it was a drop of anybody's sweat though. Nick's "a quarter teaspoon of citric acid" is a quarter teaspoon of plain white vinegar. In any case, like LineStretcher says, it's not worth worrying about. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

May 25, 2019, 03:20 PM	#13
hounddawg Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Posts: 4,232	not sure when the last corrosive primer was sold for reloading but in manufactured ammo it has not been around since the 90's http://www.scotts-gunsmithing.com/f-...cleaning-tips/ A lot of people can't believe I clean my AR's in a mop sink with soap and hot water but it works, read the article. Mop sink with hot soapy water and a couple of brushes is cheaper and easier than Ballistol and Q tips __________________ “How do I get to the next level?” Well, you get to the next level by being the first one on the range and the last one to leave.” – Jerry Miculek

May 24, 2019, 05:43 AM	#2
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	Probably just got a drop of sweat, spit, or other moisture inside during packaging.

May 24, 2019, 06:59 AM	#3
higgite Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2010 Posts: 1,025	Is the primer pocket dirty or corroded? (Assuming there's not a spent primer in it. )

May 24, 2019, 02:00 PM	#4
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	The primer pocket is dark but otherwise clean...

May 24, 2019, 09:30 PM	#6
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	After looking at it again, a chemical spill of some kind inside the case is making the most sense. I'm going to clean it out with Ed's Red bore cleaner then flush it with some acetone and load it up with the rest... Thanks guys for your opinions. Tony

May 25, 2019, 10:47 AM	#9
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,557	Huh, didn't know there was Gendye brass on the commercial market. I would clean the dull one, mark it, and use it for sighter shots.

May 25, 2019, 11:20 AM	#10
LineStretcher Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2018 Posts: 619	The golden rule is that if you are unsure of it, toss it. It's one case and isn't worth the time or the worry. It is sort of interesting that you think a primer might have been fired in it. Want to get rid of more? Just weigh, sort and do a hardness test. You might be surprised how many are not perfect.

May 25, 2019, 05:34 PM	#14
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,557	I don't know of any corrosive priming in .223. And in any case it does not attack brass, steel is what is at risk.

May 26, 2019, 01:01 AM	#15
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	I assumed because it was black inside, that one case was used. It's possible some chemical used in production was inside. Anyway it cleaned out easily and is tarnished inside but otherwise clean so I'm going to load it with the rest. Tony

May 26, 2019, 01:04 PM	#16
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,557	So look at it when fired and see if it is damaged. I doubt it will be, but that is a worst case as suggested in some posts. And look at the target, did it shoot in the group?