Best way to clean oxidized lead bullets?

[Whelen B]

I bought a bunch of older jacketed bullets but the exposed lead tips are all chalky white and crusty. Got em cheap cause of this condition.

Is there a good easy way to easily remove this? I tried varsol and lacquer thinner - wiping them with a cotton rag. Neither worked very well. Thinking I'll try a scotchbrite pad next maybe.

Fired off a few yesterday and they seem to work OK without cleaning. Maybe I should just use em as is - ??? Thoughts anyone?

 

[SandRoad]

I have run tarnished and oxidized bullets through my tumbler with walnut media plus an additive and they come out sparkling clean. The lead oxide on the tip will require an abrasive to remove.

 

[ricciardelli]

Just shoot them...

 

[Whelen B]

Thanks 4 the input.

I tried a scotchbrite pad. A few twists of the the bullet tip in the pad seems to work pretty well - fairly easy/fast too.

 

[Holleyman]

I don't know how toxic that stuff is, I would be careful and clean them outside with plenty of fresh air, lead is bad stuff, especially in the lungs!

 

[Levi Garrett]

Yes the tumbler idea , I would not do.
Frank

 

[Ripstop]

If you really don't like the look of oxide, I think the scotchbrite is the way to go. You can also dip the scotchbrite in Varsol to keep the dust down.

 

[P.E. Islander]

I would wipe the exposed lead portion of the bullet with a lightly oiled patch or rag. While it won't remove much of the the lead oxide, it will make the oxide brown/black and thus less noticable (if that is your prime concern).

Tumbing the bullets will also remove the oxide if you give it time, as will a little WD-40 and fine steel wool, if you really want it gone.

 

[prosper]

If you tumble it, I recommend doing it outdoors, and keeping the media damp, so as to keep the dust down

 

[blindside]

I bought a bunch of older jacketed bullets but the exposed lead tips are all chalky white and crusty. Got em cheap cause of this condition.

Is there a good easy way to easily remove this? I tried varsol and lacquer thinner - wiping them with a cotton rag. Neither worked very well. Thinking I'll try a scotchbrite pad next maybe.

Fired off a few yesterday and they seem to work OK without cleaning. Maybe I should just use em as is - ??? Thoughts anyone?

Take an empty margarine container. Mix half hydrogen peroxyde with half vinegar...Let them soak in that overnight. Your worries will be history in the morning