Can You Clean Tarnished Bullets?

riverwalker76 · February 25, 2010, 12:51 AM

A buddy of mine gave me 1500 bullets in .224 diameter this evening that were his father's from the 80's and 90's. It's all Sierra 62gr. BTHP and 62gr. FMJBT.

The only problem is that every bullet is tarnished dark orange from sitting in his garage over the years. Is there any way to soak these bullets to remove the tarnish or is it advisable? I've never run into this situation since all of my stuff has been new, and doesn't have a chance to sit around before I load it up.

Could I use Simple Green or Vinegar or something? Don't know .. it's just a thought.

What will bring these bullets back to their original luster?

tomfish1 · February 25, 2010, 01:27 AM

tumble in media, should clean right up.

snuffy · February 25, 2010, 02:36 AM

Don't worry about it, they'll shoot just fine the way they are. But if you insist, a tumble in a vibratory tumbler will shine 'em up right nicely.

tom234 · February 25, 2010, 03:00 AM

Why is a tarnished bullet, or case for that matter, considered a problem ?

FrankenMauser · February 25, 2010, 03:19 AM

If they are oxidized, you may want to do a simple cleaning. (Tumbler, etc)

If they are only tarnished, don't worry about it. About 30% of my projectiles are tarnished. I buy old lots, consignment lots, factory seconds, and other types of "ugly" bullets all the time. Appearance means absolutely nothing.

Dr. Strangelove · February 25, 2010, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverwalker76

What will bring these bullets back to their original luster?

I'd just try shooting them through your rifle barrel, that will provide some nice shiny rifling marks and if you fire them into a sandy soil backstop, any recovered rounds will be polished nicely as well.

Just load and shoot. Have fun. Be safe.

Scorch · February 25, 2010, 04:32 AM

They can't be helped. Sorry, but that's just the way it is. Send them to me along with $50 as a disposal fee, and I will take care of them for you.

highvel · February 25, 2010, 08:37 AM

I like mine tarnished so the coyote cant see that shiny little bullet comming!

jaguarxk120 · February 25, 2010, 12:07 PM

For tarnished brass and bullets give them a wash with aluminum cleaner, about 3/4 cup to a gallon of hot water, let them soak for a coupla min. you'll see the difference in color change. Then a hot water rinse with 1/2 cup baking soda. The baking soda neutralizies any acids left from the cleaner.

Then tumble till bright and shiney.

sc928porsche · February 25, 2010, 12:10 PM

Just fire them as is, unless of course you dont want your target to get dirty.

Loader9 · February 25, 2010, 12:33 PM

If you just want to clean them up and not spend a bunch of time doing it, just wash them in vinegar and they'll come out like new. Make sure to rinse them too.

Slamfire · February 25, 2010, 12:44 PM

I had a bad experience tumbling 30 caliber 174 FMJBT's. Tumbling peened the outside surface of the bullets. These bullets now shoot awful. I use them for rock busting.

Since then, to remove tar, or green corrosion, I chemically clean the bullets. I used kerosene for tar, and a mix of vinegar and salt for corrosion.

Tarnish makes no difference on paper.

riverwalker76 · February 25, 2010, 01:06 PM

I know the oxidization doesn't make any difference in shootability. It's just my OCD kicking in. I want everything to be shiny and clean.

AlaskaMike · February 25, 2010, 01:11 PM

I've run bullets through the tumbler before with no problem. Mine were not only tarnished, but had some hard oxidation on many of them, and I didn't know what that hard gunk would do to my rifle's bore.

I dumped them in the tumbler and let it run overnight and it knocked almost all of the hard oxidation off. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again if I needed to.

Slamfire, is it possible you didn't have enough media in the tumbler?

Mike

margiesex · February 25, 2010, 01:51 PM

The wife tells me all the time about my OCD - always moving, etc., and like you - I like my bullets to sparkle!

Something about getting those comments at the range - "how come they're so clean," "where'd you get them?," and my favorite - "That's a RE-load?"

Just keep making them all shiny and new - it can't hurt!

God bless!

Margiesex

And remember to hug your God and your guns - 'cause he's coming for them both - and sooner than we think!

Slamfire · February 25, 2010, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Slamfire, is it possible you didn't have enough media in the tumbler?

Possibly. It has been a long time.

rjrivero · February 25, 2010, 03:46 PM

Shiny rounds are a tactical disadvantage.

riverwalker76 · February 25, 2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

The wife tells me all the time about my OCD - always moving, etc., and like you - I like my bullets to sparkle!

Something about getting those comments at the range - "how come they're so clean," "where'd you get them?," and my favorite - "That's a RE-load?"

Just keep making them all shiny and new - it can't hurt!

It's really bad with me. If I have a little gunk on a clean cartridge I have to hit it with 0000 steel wool to get the gunk off.

The wife says "You're obsessed" and just laughs. I tell her ... "No, I'm a perfectionist ... after all ... I married you didn't I?"

That always gets a good laugh out of her.

drjavelina · February 25, 2010, 05:40 PM

tumble in media and put a used dryer sheet in with the media. The dryer sheet will come out green and orange, but your brass will shine.

highvel · February 25, 2010, 08:24 PM

With a nice fresh scent and static free

I'll have to try that.

SL1 · February 25, 2010, 08:48 PM

I like to make my cases clean enough to inspect properly. Especially cases that I pick-up at the range. Sometimes "stains" turn-out to contain PITS that go into the brass enough to make me question its integrity and toss the case. I really have a hard time finding those without doing thorough cleaning (because I don't inspect every case with a 10X loop, like I do when I notice a spot that doesn't "go away" and might be a pit). I doubt that stains on bullets produce any safety issue, though.

SL1

medalguy · February 25, 2010, 08:50 PM

I love the smell of fresh dryer sheets in the morning....especially at the range!

bfoosh006 · February 26, 2010, 03:06 AM

I hope I just made your day !

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=42&t=302721

bamaranger · February 26, 2010, 04:06 AM

or to many bullets.

CPTMurdoc30 · February 26, 2010, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Why is a tarnished bullet, or case for that matter, considered a problem ?

Because we are OCD and we also have to have ammo that not only shoots like a laser beam we want it to look sexy while it does it.

Or

Because the little men that live in my ears tell me bullets need to be shiny.

Take your pick.

For me it is all part of turning out quality ammo I am proud of. Tarnished bullets and cases are not a part of that. To me it says your lazy and don't take pride in what you are doing. I am not knocking anyone that is just me.

February 25, 2010, 12:51 AM	#1
riverwalker76 Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 993	Can You Clean Tarnished Bullets? A buddy of mine gave me 1500 bullets in .224 diameter this evening that were his father's from the 80's and 90's. It's all Sierra 62gr. BTHP and 62gr. FMJBT. The only problem is that every bullet is tarnished dark orange from sitting in his garage over the years. Is there any way to soak these bullets to remove the tarnish or is it advisable? I've never run into this situation since all of my stuff has been new, and doesn't have a chance to sit around before I load it up. Could I use Simple Green or Vinegar or something? Don't know .. it's just a thought. What will bring these bullets back to their original luster?

February 25, 2010, 03:19 AM	#5
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,774	If they are oxidized, you may want to do a simple cleaning. (Tumbler, etc) If they are only tarnished, don't worry about it. About 30% of my projectiles are tarnished. I buy old lots, consignment lots, factory seconds, and other types of "ugly" bullets all the time. Appearance means absolutely nothing. __________________ -Unwilling Range Officer -Unwilling Match Designer -NRL22/PRS22/PRO -Something about broccoli and carrots

February 25, 2010, 04:32 AM	#7
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,249	They can't be helped. Sorry, but that's just the way it is. Send them to me along with $50 as a disposal fee, and I will take care of them for you. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

February 25, 2010, 12:07 PM	#9
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,626	For tarnished brass and bullets give them a wash with aluminum cleaner, about 3/4 cup to a gallon of hot water, let them soak for a coupla min. you'll see the difference in color change. Then a hot water rinse with 1/2 cup baking soda. The baking soda neutralizies any acids left from the cleaner. Then tumble till bright and shiney. Last edited by jaguarxk120; February 25, 2010 at 04:02 PM.

February 25, 2010, 01:51 PM	#15
margiesex Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2009 Location: Levittown, PA Posts: 210	Don't blame you at all.... The wife tells me all the time about my OCD - always moving, etc., and like you - I like my bullets to sparkle! Something about getting those comments at the range - "how come they're so clean," "where'd you get them?," and my favorite - "That's a RE-load?" Just keep making them all shiny and new - it can't hurt! God bless! Margiesex And remember to hug your God and your guns - 'cause he's coming for them both - and sooner than we think!

February 25, 2010, 01:27 AM	#2
tomfish1 Member Join Date: March 3, 2009 Posts: 26	tumble in media, should clean right up.

February 25, 2010, 02:36 AM	#3
snuffy Senior Member Join Date: May 21, 2001 Location: Oshkosh wi. Posts: 3,055	Don't worry about it, they'll shoot just fine the way they are. But if you insist, a tumble in a vibratory tumbler will shine 'em up right nicely.

February 25, 2010, 03:00 AM	#4
tom234 Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 753	Why is a tarnished bullet, or case for that matter, considered a problem ?

February 25, 2010, 08:37 AM	#8
highvel Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2010 Location: Powhatan VA Posts: 633	I like mine tarnished so the coyote cant see that shiny little bullet comming!

February 25, 2010, 12:10 PM	#10
sc928porsche Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2008 Location: now living in alabama Posts: 2,433	Just fire them as is, unless of course you dont want your target to get dirty.

February 25, 2010, 12:33 PM	#11
Loader9 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2008 Posts: 949	If you just want to clean them up and not spend a bunch of time doing it, just wash them in vinegar and they'll come out like new. Make sure to rinse them too.

February 25, 2010, 12:44 PM	#12
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	I had a bad experience tumbling 30 caliber 174 FMJBT's. Tumbling peened the outside surface of the bullets. These bullets now shoot awful. I use them for rock busting. Since then, to remove tar, or green corrosion, I chemically clean the bullets. I used kerosene for tar, and a mix of vinegar and salt for corrosion. Tarnish makes no difference on paper.

February 25, 2010, 01:06 PM	#13
riverwalker76 Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 993	I know the oxidization doesn't make any difference in shootability. It's just my OCD kicking in. I want everything to be shiny and clean.

February 25, 2010, 01:11 PM	#14
AlaskaMike Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Posts: 947	I've run bullets through the tumbler before with no problem. Mine were not only tarnished, but had some hard oxidation on many of them, and I didn't know what that hard gunk would do to my rifle's bore. I dumped them in the tumbler and let it run overnight and it knocked almost all of the hard oxidation off. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again if I needed to. Slamfire, is it possible you didn't have enough media in the tumbler? Mike

February 25, 2010, 03:46 PM	#17
rjrivero Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 1,399	Shiny rounds are a tactical disadvantage.

February 25, 2010, 05:40 PM	#19
drjavelina Junior Member Join Date: January 21, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 11	tumble in media and put a used dryer sheet in with the media. The dryer sheet will come out green and orange, but your brass will shine.

February 25, 2010, 08:24 PM	#20
highvel Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2010 Location: Powhatan VA Posts: 633	With a nice fresh scent and static free I'll have to try that.

February 25, 2010, 08:48 PM	#21
SL1 Senior Member Join Date: November 8, 2007 Posts: 2,001	Cleaning Tarnish and OCD I like to make my cases clean enough to inspect properly. Especially cases that I pick-up at the range. Sometimes "stains" turn-out to contain PITS that go into the brass enough to make me question its integrity and toss the case. I really have a hard time finding those without doing thorough cleaning (because I don't inspect every case with a 10X loop, like I do when I notice a spot that doesn't "go away" and might be a pit). I doubt that stains on bullets produce any safety issue, though. SL1

February 25, 2010, 08:50 PM	#22
medalguy Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2009 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,033	I love the smell of fresh dryer sheets in the morning....especially at the range!

February 26, 2010, 03:06 AM	#23
bfoosh006 Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2009 Posts: 1,100	I hope I just made your day ! http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=42&t=302721

February 26, 2010, 04:06 AM	#24
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,799	Not enough media..... or to many bullets.