.22 LR Lead Oxide Problem

[ADash]

I have some old Winchester .22LR ammo in the original yellow cardboard boxes. Some boxes have normal looking bullets, but others developed a white oxide coating on the bullets. There are 2,000 in 4 bricks. Normal velocity type.

All boxes were from the same shipment in the 1960's. I got them from the DCM. Both types of bullets shoot normally, but the oxidized ones are tougher to insert into chamber holes. The white stuff is kind of spongy.

Is the white stuff oxidation or mold? How can I remove or dissolve the white stuff without messing things up? Any liquid chemicals available?

Need help/advice.

 

[mtgianni]

It is probably lead oxide if it is a loose powder on top of the bullet. I don't know how to remove it other than with nitrile gloves, a disposible rag and a light coat of oil while wiping each one. When I have had lead ingots oxidize they get remelted with no ill effects. If it is being kept around because it is collectible I am not sure what removing it would do. If it is to shoot it has a replacement value of less than $80 from a bulk pack. Is there a reason it isn't being shot up during the last 50 years?

 

[WR Moore]

From your description, it sounds like you're talking about lead bullets with the wax based lube rather than plated/lubaloy bullets in some lines.

I had a brick of ammo suffer the same fate. I believe what has happened is that moisture penetrated the lube coating and allowed the lead to oxidize. They failed to function normally in several semis due to the oxidation. They worked just fine in bolt guns. I also noticed that this took place in lower priced lines (Thunderbolt), the higher priced target ammo of the same age looked like new. I expect it has to do with the quality of the ammo, more specifically, the quality of the lube coating.

Removing the oxidation would also remove any remaining lubricant. Shoot it as is or pitch it.

 

[m1gunner]

Get a tube of Lee case lube. It is mostly lanolin, and will not degrade powder pr primers.

With a piece of denim, firmly wipe the bullet tips with the denim scrap and some of the case lube smeared on. Should clean them up and shoot fine.

You can polish the stubborn ones with fine steel wool if you want to go to that much trouble.

Of course, observe proper lead exposure precautions. Elemental lead isn't near the problem that LEAD OXIDE is.

 

[one eye joe]

I would tumble them in a corn cob media. I have never tumbled live ammo, but I doubt that any would be set off in this process. Perhaps someone with more experience could chime in....

 

[K1500]

I think m1gunner is correct, lead oxide is bad as it is very easily ingested and taken up by the body. If you salvage them, I would avoid creating dust and I would avoid shooting them in if they are covered in oxide.