I got free ammo! But....

[RedOne451]

So a family member cleaned out his closet and sent me approximately 200 rounds of .223, 50 rounds of 5.56 and a few steel mags. Very nice since it was free!

My issue is with some of the .223.
The brass on some of the rounds is very tarnished and I would like to know if there is a way to clean them and how will the tarnish affect performance.

The rounds are stamped "FC 223 Rem" pictures below.
I don't expect miracles just want to send them down range.

Thanks.

 

[Sugarbug]

If you rub your hand on the tarnished spots, does it feel rough or is it just discolored?

 

[RedOne451]

A few are rough most just seem discolored.

 

[SpeedRacer]

Discolored is no problem. Rough is *probably* no problem, but personally I wouldn't risk it. Especially check the area around the rim/primer, any corrosion there can cause bad things to happen.

 

[Sugarbug]

Wait for more replies, but I'd take some steel wool to it until it was smooth (and if you have calipers, make sure the case diameter is still uniform).

I've seen some youtube videos of guys trying to "torture" guns by making them shoot dirty ammo. Haven't seen anyone die yet...

 

[JCcypress]

I've had some pretty nasty stuff happen when firing old handgun ammo that had clearly not been stored properly. I'd inquire as to where this stuff has been kept since it was purchased. The words you want to hear are "cool, dry place."

ETA: you'll probably be okay, but if you shoot a few and it just doesn't feel right (lighter than normal recoil, snappy report, etc..)... I'm sure you'll have the sense to stop shooting it.

 

[JNieman]

Saw plenty of that when loading belts at RJF, and was always advised to toss **** that looked like that into a separate box and not load it.

That's the extent of my experience.

 

[Leadfoot]

Toss that ****.

Not worth hurting yourself or your gun over some questionable ammo.

 

[aroundlsu]

I don't think it's worth the trouble for 200 rounds. If you had cases of the stuff it might be worth testing and cleaning but for 200 rounds I would throw it in the trash.

 

[AK shooter]

Don't throw it away, I'll take it if you.do not want it.

 

[jjoker16]

Sounds like a problem waiting to happen.

But since we are bayoushooter family; Ill be a pal and take all that junk off your hands.

Lemme know where you want me to pick it up at

 

[thatguy]

Don't try to reload it.
http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php?topic=34912.0

 

[Swampwood]

Some of that looks pretty rough. If most of it is in that condition, I might disassemble some and have a look inside. If the powder looks good I'd reload in better cases and thereby salvaging some of the ammo. The top ones don't look bad like the bottom seven, if they'd clean up I'd shoot'em. Just my 2cents worth.

 

[RedOne451]

First, thanks for all the replies.

1. Out of the 200 rnds this only appears on a handful.

2. None of the tarnish is located near the primers.

I'm on the road when I get back home ill inspect the rounds further.

Thanks guys

 

[CATS]

Your hands, your face....... You do have a bullet puller don't you? Yank the projectile and scrap that brass. To prove to yourself that you did the right thing, google citric acid bath for brass.

 

[Tod]

Cats is right on. Its called dezincafication. Pinkish white spots on that dark area. The brass we use in ammo is 70% copper and 30% Zinc. The zinc can start to oxidize and once started can not be stoped. Even after cleaning and polishing it it may look fine but is weaker and may not hold the preasure when fired. use a bullet puller and pull the bullet and scrap the rest.

 

[SicilianSecrets]

Not worth losing part of your face/neck/arm/hand over...