Corroded .30 Cal Bullets

zanthope · September 27, 2002, 09:49 AM

I bought some 30 caliber 150 gr M2 milsurp pull-down bullets for Garands from Widener's. The price was right...$46/1000 with shipping included.

About ten percent of them are corroded so bad they've turned green. I worked on them with a lead-away rag and they polished up OK, but now they're black. The surface seems smooth, and the jacketing is intact, but somewhat weakened, I'm sure

Maybe a dumb question, but - are these OK to shoot? I wonder about what might happen in a pressurized bore.

Southla1 · September 27, 2002, 10:26 AM

If all the corrosion is off of them go ahead and shoot em. They may not be the most accurate in the world but will be safe. I think the rag may have casued the gilding metal to trun black.........if you have a tumbler try that instead.

sricciardelli · September 27, 2002, 11:10 AM

If they are smooth and clean, shoot them. If they are pitted or rough finished, toss them.

You would have been better off tossing them in a vibrator with some treated walnut media to remove the crud.

zanthope · September 27, 2002, 10:37 PM

Thanks for the replies, all.

I did run them in the tumbler with a little paint thinner for about three hours before I loaded them. It took some of the crud off. I might run a bigger batch all night and see how they do.

September 27, 2002, 09:49 AM	#1
zanthope Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2000 Location: Ohio Posts: 258	Corroded .30 Cal Bullets I bought some 30 caliber 150 gr M2 milsurp pull-down bullets for Garands from Widener's. The price was right...$46/1000 with shipping included. About ten percent of them are corroded so bad they've turned green. I worked on them with a lead-away rag and they polished up OK, but now they're black. The surface seems smooth, and the jacketing is intact, but somewhat weakened, I'm sure Maybe a dumb question, but - are these OK to shoot? I wonder about what might happen in a pressurized bore.

September 27, 2002, 10:26 AM	#2
Southla1 Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 19, 2000 Location: Jeanerette, La. Near the Posts: 1,999	If all the corrosion is off of them go ahead and shoot em. They may not be the most accurate in the world but will be safe. I think the rag may have casued the gilding metal to trun black.........if you have a tumbler try that instead.

September 27, 2002, 11:10 AM	#3
sricciardelli Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: Montana Posts: 489	If they are smooth and clean, shoot them. If they are pitted or rough finished, toss them. You would have been better off tossing them in a vibrator with some treated walnut media to remove the crud.

September 27, 2002, 10:37 PM	#4
zanthope Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2000 Location: Ohio Posts: 258	Thanks for the replies, all. I did run them in the tumbler with a little paint thinner for about three hours before I loaded them. It took some of the crud off. I might run a bigger batch all night and see how they do.