Would you shoot this ammo? 22LR

golfnutrlv · August 24, 2013, 12:34 PM

Title says it all. A friend gave me this ammo some time ago when he left for basic. I pulled it out of my stash this morning, and apparently it was moist when put away.

Would you shoot this? I have thought of running it through my tumbler with corn cob media to clean it up before shooting.

Thanks all!

Torch · August 24, 2013, 01:14 PM

If it was anything other than 22LR I might try and find a way to salvage it. 22LR is too inexpensive to spend time fixing, IMO.

DMZX · August 24, 2013, 01:25 PM

I would tumble it and ear mark it for my Taurus M94 revolver for plinking only.

**Aguila Blanca** · August 24, 2013, 02:38 PM

I would tumble it and then shoot it.

ripnbst · August 24, 2013, 02:47 PM

Agree, tumble then shoot but only in plinking firearms.

Pahoo · August 24, 2013, 02:52 PM

I guess you have to ask yourself; What "could" go wrong if I shoot it? Depending on it's use, I think that most problem presented, would be minor but there are others that would present serious problems. When I was a day-old Boot, I'd probably shoot it. Today I'm sitting pretty good on ammo so would pass on it. Before attempting to clean, I'd weed out the really nasty looking ones, separate them from the rest of your "plinkers" not use in an semi-auto and watch every shot. ...

Wow !!!
Now I have to ask myself; Is it worth it ???

Be Safe !!!

pelo801 · August 24, 2013, 03:33 PM

I think it would be fine to try, but I doubt any of it will fire.

FrankenMauser · August 24, 2013, 04:21 PM

Moisture leaches chemicals out of smokeless powder, and causes it to crystallize on the surface of the powder granules. That, of course, can result in significantly altered burn rates, ranging from super-fast to slower-than-molasses. Neither ruptured cases, nor bullets lodged in the bore are something I want to deal with.

That factor, combined with all of the oxidation you have showing, would have me disposing of the ammo.

I wouldn't tumble it. I wouldn't shoot it.
I'd dispose of it. (Which, for me, means pulling the bullets for the lead, burning the powder [a controlled burn is the only legal method for disposal], and tossing the hulls into my scrap bucket.)

Chuck Dye · August 24, 2013, 04:31 PM

I'd be inclined to wipe each round with a coarse cloth, then try it in a less-than-premium gun with a closed, locking, action. My Ruger 77/22, with its easily removed and replaced barrel, for example. I would not mix such corroded cases with a revolver's normal gas leaks. I would be careful to listen for a proper report with each shot and sure to observe an ample delay against the possibility of hangfire should there be no report. I would be prepared to deal with a bullet that leaves the chamber but fails to leave the barrel. (All this is back-of-the-mind-don't-forget SOP for all shooting, brought forward and fully active for old, suspect, ammo.) Given the low cost of .22LR, it wouldn't take many failures to set me to hunting an ammo amnesty day at a nearby military base.

CharlieDeltaJuliet · August 24, 2013, 04:52 PM

I would use some Butch's Bore Shine on them. It works good to get the corrosion off. The way it worked for me was to take a bowl, put the bore shine in. The put the rounds in a rag and dip it in the bore shine and roll it around with your hands(with gloves). It will clean them like nothing else.

g.willikers · August 24, 2013, 05:10 PM

If you are hurting for .22 ammo and it's either use this stuff or not having anything to shoot,
You might pull some of the bullets and check the condition of the powder.
Like if it's dry, smells ok and if a very small amount burns like it should.
Then fire the empty cases to check if the priming is still good.
Just a cautionary thought.

UncleEd · August 24, 2013, 06:14 PM

At the next gun buy back in your area, see if the buy backers would be willing to pay you something for the stuff.

golfnutrlv · August 24, 2013, 06:59 PM

Thanks all for the replies. Not sure what I will do yet with it. Hopefully I can find more .22 before i get to the point where I want to use the corroded stuff.

MattShlock · August 24, 2013, 08:42 PM

Yeah, pull a few bullets and if not totally offput then clean it in a tumbler, as you have one, with some media you must dispose of (peanut shells), then shoot em whilst paying attention!

Don't clean them ewith any petroleum-based products for a coupla reasons!!!

Ted D · August 25, 2013, 02:41 PM

Well I go with the old saying when I doubt throw it out.It's not worth a fire arm.

Ramon_ · August 25, 2013, 03:17 PM

I would toss it.

BuckRub · August 25, 2013, 04:21 PM

Tumble and shoot. It'll all go bang.

Scimmia · August 25, 2013, 11:36 PM

Tumble? 22lr bullets are usually covered in a wax lube, tumbling wouldn't be a good idea.

Edit: looking closer, these seem to be the type with a copper wash instead of a wax. Tumbling would still probably take it off unless they're actually plated.

NWPilgrim · August 26, 2013, 03:12 AM

I would take it to my gun club and put it in the bad ammo can. I would have to be real desperate to be willing to run it through my guns. I make an effort to care for my guns so they are still good for my grandkids. $10 of sketchy ammo is not worth risking anything I own.

Salmoneye · August 26, 2013, 06:08 AM

Quote:

I would tumble it and ear mark it for my Taurus M94 revolver for plinking only.

That is simply too funny...

I was thinking that is exactly what I would do with it if it were my ammo...

Skans · August 26, 2013, 08:02 AM

If I had a vibrating tumbler, I'd tumble them a bit. But, since I don't, I'd use Never-Dull wadding polish and clean them up a bit. I wouldn't spend too much time it though. Then, I'd use some spray Hoppes on them before loading them into a magazine to shoot through my Ruger Mark II, or maybe even my High Standard Sport King. I've shot ugly .22's before - no big deal. About the worst that can happen is a round being a dud.

Also, I only use .22 handguns for plinking anyway - it's not like I'd be hunting with .22LR or using it for self defense. If the ammo pictured above was hand loaded 10mm, I might consider not shooting it.

DavidAGO · August 26, 2013, 11:03 AM

I had almost 100 rounds of .22 that looked like that, it had been in the console of my son's truck for two years. I ran it through the tumbler for about an hour and took it to the range and shot it out of my old single shot .22. I also picked up 31 .22 rounds that were just lying on the ground at the range and cleaned then off with a rag from the truck. All but three went bang when I pulled the trigger. that seems to be a better ratio than stuff right out of a Remington or Federal bulk pack.

David

shortwave · August 26, 2013, 12:03 PM

Don't think I would.

22-rimfire · August 26, 2013, 02:49 PM

If it were mine, it would be headed to the landfill.

MattShlock · August 28, 2013, 07:33 PM

Landfill? Is that where you shoot!?

August 24, 2013, 12:34 PM	#1
golfnutrlv Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2008 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 1,347	Would you shoot this ammo? 22LR Title says it all. A friend gave me this ammo some time ago when he left for basic. I pulled it out of my stash this morning, and apparently it was moist when put away. Would you shoot this? I have thought of running it through my tumbler with corn cob media to clean it up before shooting. Thanks all! __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ VIGILIA PRETIUM LIBERTATIS "The price of liberty is vigilance" America is at an awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards.

August 24, 2013, 02:47 PM	#5
ripnbst Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2010 Location: Spring, TX Posts: 1,552	Would you shoot this ammo? 22LR Agree, tumble then shoot but only in plinking firearms.

August 24, 2013, 02:52 PM	#6
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Likely pass on these !!! I guess you have to ask yourself; What "could" go wrong if I shoot it? Depending on it's use, I think that most problem presented, would be minor but there are others that would present serious problems. When I was a day-old Boot, I'd probably shoot it. Today I'm sitting pretty good on ammo so would pass on it. Before attempting to clean, I'd weed out the really nasty looking ones, separate them from the rest of your "plinkers" not use in an semi-auto and watch every shot. ... Wow !!! Now I have to ask myself; Is it worth it ??? Be Safe !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

August 24, 2013, 04:21 PM	#8
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,421	Moisture leaches chemicals out of smokeless powder, and causes it to crystallize on the surface of the powder granules. That, of course, can result in significantly altered burn rates, ranging from super-fast to slower-than-molasses. Neither ruptured cases, nor bullets lodged in the bore are something I want to deal with. That factor, combined with all of the oxidation you have showing, would have me disposing of the ammo. I wouldn't tumble it. I wouldn't shoot it. I'd dispose of it. (Which, for me, means pulling the bullets for the lead, burning the powder [a controlled burn is the only legal method for disposal], and tossing the hulls into my scrap bucket.) __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

August 24, 2013, 04:31 PM	#9
Chuck Dye Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2002 Location: Oregon-The wet side. Posts: 949	I'd be inclined to wipe each round with a coarse cloth, then try it in a less-than-premium gun with a closed, locking, action. My Ruger 77/22, with its easily removed and replaced barrel, for example. I would not mix such corroded cases with a revolver's normal gas leaks. I would be careful to listen for a proper report with each shot and sure to observe an ample delay against the possibility of hangfire should there be no report. I would be prepared to deal with a bullet that leaves the chamber but fails to leave the barrel. (All this is back-of-the-mind-don't-forget SOP for all shooting, brought forward and fully active for old, suspect, ammo.) Given the low cost of .22LR, it wouldn't take many failures to set me to hunting an ammo amnesty day at a nearby military base. __________________ Gee, I'd love to see your data!

August 24, 2013, 01:14 PM	#2
Torch Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Location: The piney woods of Texas Posts: 111	If it was anything other than 22LR I might try and find a way to salvage it. 22LR is too inexpensive to spend time fixing, IMO.

August 24, 2013, 01:25 PM	#3
DMZX Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2007 Location: E. Oregon Posts: 563	I would tumble it and ear mark it for my Taurus M94 revolver for plinking only.

August 24, 2013, 02:38 PM	#4
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,457	I would tumble it and then shoot it.

August 24, 2013, 03:33 PM	#7
pelo801 Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2009 Posts: 718	I think it would be fine to try, but I doubt any of it will fire.

August 24, 2013, 04:52 PM	#10
CharlieDeltaJuliet Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2012 Posts: 755	I would use some Butch's Bore Shine on them. It works good to get the corrosion off. The way it worked for me was to take a bowl, put the bore shine in. The put the rounds in a rag and dip it in the bore shine and roll it around with your hands(with gloves). It will clean them like nothing else. __________________ " The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government...." - Thomas Jefferson

August 24, 2013, 05:10 PM	#11
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	If you are hurting for .22 ammo and it's either use this stuff or not having anything to shoot, You might pull some of the bullets and check the condition of the powder. Like if it's dry, smells ok and if a very small amount burns like it should. Then fire the empty cases to check if the priming is still good. Just a cautionary thought. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

August 24, 2013, 06:14 PM	#12
UncleEd Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Location: N. Georgia Posts: 1,150	At the next gun buy back in your area, see if the buy backers would be willing to pay you something for the stuff.

August 24, 2013, 06:59 PM	#13
golfnutrlv Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2008 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 1,347	Thanks all for the replies. Not sure what I will do yet with it. Hopefully I can find more .22 before i get to the point where I want to use the corroded stuff. __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ VIGILIA PRETIUM LIBERTATIS "The price of liberty is vigilance" America is at an awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards.

August 24, 2013, 08:42 PM	#14
MattShlock Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2013 Posts: 251	Yeah, pull a few bullets and if not totally offput then clean it in a tumbler, as you have one, with some media you must dispose of (peanut shells), then shoot em whilst paying attention! Don't clean them ewith any petroleum-based products for a coupla reasons!!!

August 25, 2013, 02:41 PM	#15
Ted D Member Join Date: January 27, 2013 Location: Dayton.Ohio Posts: 76	Well I go with the old saying when I doubt throw it out.It's not worth a fire arm. __________________ LIFE MEMBER OF THE NRA.GREENHORN RELOADER

August 25, 2013, 03:17 PM	#16
Ramon_ Member Join Date: August 7, 2011 Posts: 27	I would toss it.

August 25, 2013, 04:21 PM	#17
BuckRub Junior member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,046	Tumble and shoot. It'll all go bang.

August 25, 2013, 11:36 PM	#18
Scimmia Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2011 Location: Eastern IA Posts: 428	Tumble? 22lr bullets are usually covered in a wax lube, tumbling wouldn't be a good idea. Edit: looking closer, these seem to be the type with a copper wash instead of a wax. Tumbling would still probably take it off unless they're actually plated.

August 26, 2013, 03:12 AM	#19
NWPilgrim Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,346	Would you shoot this ammo? 22LR I would take it to my gun club and put it in the bad ammo can. I would have to be real desperate to be willing to run it through my guns. I make an effort to care for my guns so they are still good for my grandkids. $10 of sketchy ammo is not worth risking anything I own.

August 26, 2013, 08:02 AM	#21
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	If I had a vibrating tumbler, I'd tumble them a bit. But, since I don't, I'd use Never-Dull wadding polish and clean them up a bit. I wouldn't spend too much time it though. Then, I'd use some spray Hoppes on them before loading them into a magazine to shoot through my Ruger Mark II, or maybe even my High Standard Sport King. I've shot ugly .22's before - no big deal. About the worst that can happen is a round being a dud. Also, I only use .22 handguns for plinking anyway - it's not like I'd be hunting with .22LR or using it for self defense. If the ammo pictured above was hand loaded 10mm, I might consider not shooting it.

August 26, 2013, 11:03 AM	#22
DavidAGO Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2008 Location: Magnolia, AR Posts: 340	I had almost 100 rounds of .22 that looked like that, it had been in the console of my son's truck for two years. I ran it through the tumbler for about an hour and took it to the range and shot it out of my old single shot .22. I also picked up 31 .22 rounds that were just lying on the ground at the range and cleaned then off with a rag from the truck. All but three went bang when I pulled the trigger. that seems to be a better ratio than stuff right out of a Remington or Federal bulk pack. David

August 26, 2013, 12:03 PM	#23
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,970	Don't think I would.

August 26, 2013, 02:49 PM	#24
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	If it were mine, it would be headed to the landfill.

August 28, 2013, 07:33 PM	#25
MattShlock Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2013 Posts: 251	Landfill? Is that where you shoot!?

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