Lead corrosion?

2Loud4You · #1 10-12-2009, 06:17 PM

A friend of mine just gave me an old box of Federal "Hi Power" 9mm 115 gr. JHP's. The closest I can get to a date is a copyright F.C.C. 1989 on the back. Anyway, the exposed lead has some corrosion on it, not bad but it's there. Being that they're JHP's should I just fire them and not worry about it OR should I clean the tips and if so, how?

Thanks!

2Loud4You · #2 10-12-2009, 06:19 PM

Ok, I posted this in the Ammo section as well but let's face it, this section gets A LOT more views so I figured I'd double up and see if I can get an answer quicker. Hope that's ok.

A friend of mine just gave me an old box of Federal "Hi Power" 9mm 115 gr. JHP's. The closest I can get to a date is a copyright F.C.C. 1989 on the back. Anyway, the exposed lead has some corrosion on it, not bad but it's there. Being that they're JHP's should I just fire them and not worry about it OR should I clean the tips and if so, how?

Thanks

Andy Griffith · #3 10-12-2009, 06:53 PM

A little oxidation of the exposed lead will not hurt anything.

That is lead oxide that you see. There is no way to "remove" it chemically. It can be scraped off, but completely unnecessary and not recommended. It is this oxide that is the poisonous stuff though, much more so than metallic lead simply on the basis that it is so much more easily flaked off and ingested or inhaled when scraping, buffing or griding it off.

However...

A bit of oxidation will not hurt anything at all, so long as it is left there. I wouldn't let kids put it in their mouths, but it likely wouldn't hurt them too bad, until they bit a primer. (I did carry some non-copperplated .22 Shorts in my mouth between my teeth when I was a kid when out hunting. I think I'm still normal?!?

) What if I had swallowed one? Would I have passed it like a penny?

The only time that you should worry about lead oxidation is...on ammunition that dates to the time of the civil war where the oxidation has actually loosened the bullet from the case and may not allow it to chamber in a firearm.

Of course, those rounds would likely be more collectible than useful as ammunition.

My two-cents worth.

2Loud4You · #4 10-12-2009, 07:03 PM

That's kinda what I figured, esp. considering how little is exposed.

Thanks!

Smithhound · #5 10-12-2009, 07:30 PM

That is simply oxidation from exposure to the air, all lead will eventually show signs of it. I have a few rounds of ammo from the 1870's that show various stages. Don't worry about that unless it just bothers you. Corrosion on the brass, shown as thick pathes of green/blue are what you need to worry about, that can weaken the case if very severe.
RD

HAWKEYE10 · #6 10-12-2009, 07:35 PM

Smithound has it right. It's OK to shoot. Don

2Loud4You · #7 10-12-2009, 07:39 PM

Then they'll go down range nicely!

Thanks guys!

handejector · #8 10-12-2009, 07:44 PM

Actually, no, it is not good form to "double post", so I merged them.

ajpelz · #9 10-14-2009, 06:21 PM

Same deal for corrosion on LRN? I got some from my father that is probably from the 60's or 70's. It has the white flaky oxidation on the bullet, and I just tucked them away not planning on shooting them because of this.

The cases look fine, now I am thinking that they may be ok for plinking?

Andy Griffith · #10 10-14-2009, 07:38 PM

Yes, those round are just fine for shooting.

Likely, they still will be 100+ years from now if kept in the house.