Chinese ball 7.62x39 - corrosive?

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saskcop

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I know that there are a few guru's out there that really know their 7.62x39. I have a few hundred rounds of what I believe is Chinese stuff with "351" and "87" on the headstamp. From what I can find on the net, the "351" is the Chinese factory number and the "87" is the year of production. Apparently it is lead core too.

What I cannot find is if this stuff is corrosive. I always assume that surplus ammo is in fact corrosive, but would like to know if anyone knows for sure.
 
Like I said, I always assume surplus is corrosive and clean immediately after shooting (darn non-chromed CZ858). The ammo came wrapped in brown paper.
 
It might just be non-corrosive.

I found this.

It is 1992 Factory 351 7.62x39mm made to military specs with "non-corrosive" marked on the box.

You say your 1987 ammo came in a paper wrapper (like my 1974/77 ChiCom surplus) but it is probably manufactured the same as the 1992 production.

I just wonder if and when they switched to non corrosive primers?:confused:

I'd still treat it as a corrosive though, even if it isn't.


Edit: I also found this reference:
"Certainly all Chinese steel core 7.62x39mm dated before 1988 or so is corrosive. It is the late 1980's to the last imports dated 1995 that is hit or miss. When in doubt, clean for corrosive or test."
Click to expand...

Source: http://www.ar15.com/lite/topic.html?b=4&f=54&t=130301
 
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Most of the stuff I got in the late 80's n 90's came in a yellow box ( and sh*tloads of it). I assumed it to be corrosive as well.
 
Factory 351 was one of the factories that made lead core ammo but it could just as well have made steel core. The best way to tell is pull a bullet,steel core will have a longer bullet nearly 1" have a boat tail design and no cannelure around the bullet often times it will have a black sealer as well. Lead core bullets will be much shorter and have a flat base,Chinese 351 lead core ammo will most often not have any sealer around the case neck or primer.

Chinese military surplus ammo is generally steel core,and comes wrapped in either 20 rd. brown paper packages tied with a string or three ten rd. stripper wrapped in brown paper.

I have Yellow box steel core that is non corrosive 71/94,if it's not packaged as such I treat it as corrosive. I also have 50 rds. of factory 351/1970 on strippers that has red sealant on both the neck and primers. I will break a rd. down tomorrow and inspect the bullet and post some pic of my finding,being it has a detectable cannelure I'm thinking lead core,we will see.

Chrome lined bores give you a little extra barrel life and are easier to clean but that about it. The gas system isn't chrome line so the point is moot chrome lined bore or not.
 
MapleSugar said:
It might just be non-corrosive.

I found this.

It is 1992 Factory 351 7.62x39mm made to military specs with "non-corrosive" marked on the box.

You say your 1987 ammo came in a paper wrapper (like my 1974/77 ChiCom surplus) but it is probably manufactured the same as the 1992 production.

I just wonder if and when they switched to non corrosive primers?:confused:

I'd still treat it as a corrosive though, even if it isn't.


Edit: I also found this reference:

Source: http://www.ar15.com/lite/topic.html?b=4&f=54&t=130301
Click to expand...

That is all good information. I wonder when they switched primers.
 
SKS50 said:
Factory 351 was one of the factories that made lead core ammo but it could just as well have made steel core. The best way to tell is pull a bullet,steel core will have a longer bullet nearly 1" have a boat tail design and no cannelure around the bullet often times it will have a black sealer as well. Lead core bullets will be much shorter and have a flat base,Chinese 351 lead core ammo will most often not have any sealer around the case neck or primer.

Chinese military surplus ammo is generally steel core,and comes wrapped in either 20 rd. brown paper packages tied with a string or three ten rd. stripper wrapped in brown paper.

I have Yellow box steel core that is non corrosive 71/94,if it's not packaged as such I treat it as corrosive. I also have 50 rds. of factory 351/1970 on strippers that has red sealant on both the neck and primers. I will break a rd. down tomorrow and inspect the bullet and post some pic of my finding,being it has a detectable cannelure I'm thinking lead core,we will see.

Chrome lined bores give you a little extra barrel life and are easier to clean but that about it. The gas system isn't chrome line so the point is moot chrome lined bore or not.
Click to expand...

I had found out that he 351 factory produced only lead core ammo. Mine did not come on strippers and the primers are not sealed. Appreciate your info though.
 
I miss the days of the cheap Norinco yellow and silver boxed stuff. That ammo was good stuff. A little dirty, but hey, you have to clean your gun anyway.
 
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