Stopping corrosion on exposed lead tip ammo in long term storage

wetdog1911 · Jan 29, 2021

The worst is, of course, Russian *hunting* soft point 7.62x39 with exposed lead tips, but also on Federal .45-70 with exposed lead.

Any sort of oil is most certainly out, but I really need something to block exposure to the air to limit any further corrosion.

I was thinking of dipping the tips in melted beeswax I have left over from BPCR shooting years ago, but was wondering if there was anything else that would work and NOT migrate down into the powder charge, killing it.

Workable solutions are more than welcome.

Thanks
Rob

Nevada Ed · Jan 29, 2021

+!;

I have some old 38 special 158 Gr. LswHP that are turning "Gray" also.

Since they are soft lead, I don't want to damage them.

GaryHK · Jan 29, 2021

Forget dipping in wax, coating, etc., all PITAs to remove when you need to shoot them. Vacuum seal them along with dessicant.

rockquarry · Jan 29, 2021

Won't hurt anything as is without treatment or special storage, even after many years.

Bozz10mm · Jan 29, 2021

Try a vacuum sealer. I vaccuum seal all my ammo in the original box. Keeps the brass shiny, so it would probably work for lead bullets.

serger · Jan 29, 2021

Get some GI ammo cans and put your stuff in there.
Uncle Sam has been doing that FOR EVER.

You need an environmental barrier between
your ammo and the world.

Ammo Cans are it.

GaryHK · Jan 29, 2021

GaryHK said:
Forget dipping in wax, coating, etc., all PITAs to remove when you need to shoot them. Vacuum seal them along with dessicant.

Now that I think of it, I just picked up a mtm ammo crate that will work for this. I had dismissed it but just realized that these are waterproof, etc. because of the sealing o-ring around the can's lid.

Also great for going to and from the range. You will love it. I have each of my 4 boxes labeled for caliber.

diyj98 · Jan 29, 2021

Older 22LR ammo is bad for that. I've used TC Bore Butter to rub a light coating over old 22 bullets.

wetdog1911 · Jan 29, 2021

Bozz10mm said:
Try a vacuum sealer. I vaccuum seal all my ammo in the original box. Keeps the brass shiny, so it would probably work for lead bullets.

All the ammo IS in GI ammo cans, but I haven't tried the vacuum sealer, yet. I do have a nice one, but it's always just been used for food items.

Thanks!

Rob

serger · Jan 29, 2021

Well dang it! I thought I was being helpful.
You might try desiccant packs.

I know it's rare but years ago some folks
I know put up some 22's with a vacuum
sealer and when they tried to use the
ammo it didn't work.

They also did a bunch of 38 special at the
same time. 158gr lead round nose and it
was fine. It was all factory ammo and the
only thing they could come up with was the
22's didn't have a good seal and when they
broke vacuum the in rush air had enough
humidity it killed the primers.

Only time I ever heard of that happening.

LoboGunLeather · Jan 29, 2021

Like many metals, lead will oxidize when exposed to air for extended periods of time. This usually causes no concerns.

If it really troubles you to look at it, try a twist of 0000-grade steel wool to polish off the oxidation, then store the ammo in vacuum-sealed bags to keep it away from air.

wetdog1911 · Jan 29, 2021

diyj98 said:
Older 22LR ammo is bad for that. I've used TC Bore Butter to rub a light coating over old 22 bullets.

THAT makes total sense!

Just from casual observation over many years and connecting some dots:

When I first encountered the SK made Wolf MT in the early 2000s, the 'Wolf Snot' greasy lube reminded me of Bore Butter and homemade blackpowder lube for BPCR. I bought 2 cases of it in 2003/4. It went right into .50cal ammo cans, on a pallet in the basement.

However, I did have a partial brick of the Wolf in my nightstand from a BBQ/birthday in 2010 and too lazy to walk back down and put it a can, it got put in a drawer and forgotten.

Till your reply.

They were just sitting in the cardboard and atmosphere for 10 years. Perfect to check, and I did, and the penny dropped.

There was zero corrosion and your comment about bore butter and how my experience with the SK lube reminded me BPCR lube and experience there.

Bore Butter brings way more to the table than is apparent at first.

Now, I just need to remember where it is.

Rob

hsguy · Jan 29, 2021

I am no expert but I wonder if the corrosion will cause any problems other than cosmetics?

growr · Jan 29, 2021

Won't hurt anything to fire them..........

Randy

wetdog · Jan 29, 2021

I've read that Crisco can be used instead of bore butter for sealing black powder revolver cylinders. Possible cheaper substitute ? Just a thought .

dbell54 · Jan 29, 2021

wetdog said:
I've read that Crisco can be used instead of bore butter for sealing black powder revolver cylinders. Possible cheaper substitute ? Just a thought .

What did they use 170 years ago? Probably lard, bear fat, whatever they had. Sure wasn't Bore Butter.

jjfitch · Jan 29, 2021

It seems I recall that in the 50's and 60's some ammo had what appeared to be clear lacquer and was shiny and slick!

Today probably a synthetic version of lacquer.

Smiles,

jupiter1 · Jan 29, 2021

There seems to be no problem with oxidation on bullets of 50 yr old standard velocity .22 LR ammo. The bullet lubricant applied at the factory preserves them quite well.

wetdog1911 · Jan 30, 2021

dbell54 said:
What did they use 170 years ago? Probably lard, bear fat, whatever they had. Sure wasn't Bore Butter.

No, they didn't have Bore Butter per se, but a good bit of the ingredients used 170 years ago are very similar, if not identical, to ingredients in bore butter.

What's old is new again.

Rob

diyj98 · Jan 30, 2021

hsguy said:
I am no expert but I wonder if the corrosion will cause any problems other than cosmetics?

You may experience leading issues. That factory coating on 22lr ammo is there to help prevent lead buildup in the barrel.

Stopping corrosion on exposed lead tip ammo in long term storage

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