I have some Lapua brand 38 cal 148 grain HBWC at least 50 years old and the coating has turned to powder? Can I clean them up in hot soapy water dry them and put them in a container, add the Lee liquid alox bullet lubricant mix it together and use them? I don't think it would do any damage to the barrel, after all they would have the lube on them?
Any ideas?????

I'd just tumble them in a tiny bit of Lee Alox lube thinned about 50/50 with mineral sprits and call it good.

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Old paratrooper in NC

Some of the first had a coating like a 22 lr. You can alox them as is. Try a few as is. They will lead in a few shots if they need lube. I had some 45s like that and they ran fine.

Not familiar with new Lapua bullets, but some swaged lead bullets came with a "powdery" looking dry lube. But to be sure, Trooperdan's post is a very good idea. Many reloaders use that method on older or unknown, dried out lubed bullets..

Is it white chalky looking ? If so might be lead oxide wear gloves please . I'd just tumble lube them either White Label 45-45-10 alox or Lee cut with mineral spirits . Little bit like pea size in a butter bowl with a couple of handfulls bullets . Swirl them around until coated , dump on wax paper to dry . Avoid handling them w/o gloves . I've done this with old cast bullets a few times . Works with mid level or less loads . Swaged bullets are made for lower pressure loads period . Push them & you will be scrubbin' lead .