7.62x39 Czech surplus is rusted on the inside

[svt-40]

Just pulled the bullets. The inside of the case is rusted and powder is stuck to the pitting. How long before it's not safe to shoot anymore?

For those who care the bullet is largely filled with steel core with only thin layer of lead between core and the steel jacket. The bullet is slightly less than 125gr. Powder load is 24.8-25 gr.

 

[TDC]

Why would it be unsafe to shoot? An increase in failures to fire does not mean it is unsafe. It would mean it is uneconomical.

TDC

 

[carbonrod]

why are you pulling x39 out of curiosity?

 

[svt-40]

I pull bullets out of every surplus ammo before shooting, specially out of steel cased.

 

[michaelsabre]

Must be quality control problem. Those ammo are made to last long. Both neck and primer were waterproof coated. And the whole 1120 round is sealed in tin can.

 

[BEARMAN]

Every one?

 

[Ruger30-06]

Come'on what do you expect for sitting around for 50 some years in a Czech warehouse?

The russians got tonnes of 7.62x39 in their backyards....

 

[tiriaq]

I do no tknow what the effect of rust would be on the powder. Obviously there has been a chemical reaction occurring inside the sealed case. Perhaps there was residual acid in the powder. How the combustion of the powder would be affected, I cannot say.
How extensive is the rusting of the cases? Obviously if there is sufficient corrosion, the steel will be weakened. If the steel is damaged to the point that if could fail, that would be a real problem.
There have been reports of some German 7.92 ball which has rusted out internally. I have seen one round which had a slight rust spot on the exterior; scratched at it, and the case collapsed in the area, it was rusted through. Have read of a MG42 being wrecked when an internally rusted case failed.
Basically, you are going to have to decide if you are going to use this ammunition.