Corrosion on lead tips of bullets an issue?

[axemaster8]

So I recently came into possession of a 30-06 rifle from a family member who doesn't use it anymore and he included a box of shells as they are no use to him without the rifle. I'm not sure of the age of the bullets (Rem CoreLokt I believe) or where/how they were stored, but some have varying degrees of corrosion/oxidation on the exposed lead tip. The brass and jacketed body appear in fine shape otherwise. The corrosion looks silver/white in colour and appears as though it has bubbles/granules from the reaction. I'm not willing to put the more worse for wear cartridges through the barrel as the corroded areas may damage the rifling and affect accuracy.

What is the best way to clean/remove the corrosion to be able to use these rounds?

I'm not looking to have a show piece at the end of the process, but be able to safely shoot them with no harm to the rifle and have an effective result downrange.

 

[ChewyChewbacca]

Load em up and let er buck. It's just oxidized. Won't hurt any thing. If it's to the point where when you scratch it with a sharp point and it's really deep I would reconsider though.

 

[tiriaq]

Got some fine steel wool?
How could an oxidized tip damage the rifling?
You could even cut the exposed lead tip off, create a flatpoint.

 

[thebaron]

Just shoot it. It won't do any damage to the rifle.

 

[yomomma]

Lead oxide will not hurt anything except you. If you handle the bullets just wash your hands well afterwards.

 

[zuke]

shoot'em

 

[chappy]

might give some poor animal lead poisoning! peta peaple will be after you.

 

[Ganderite]

I would shoot them, as is.

If you want to clean them up with some steel wool, that would make them pretty, but make sure there is no loose strands of wool left on the bullets. That might cause some barrel damage.