How to lube old ammo?

bigHUN

bigHUN

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I got couple boxes of these ammo, I assume from 70's or 80's.
Not seeing some oxidation on brass from sitting, but I would lube and polish them shiny :)

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^^^Supposedly, the ammonia in Brasso can deteriorate the brass. I've never noticed, but I also have never taken Brasso to any cartridges.
 
I just noticed a parallel thread probably started about in a same hour.
I have a tumbler (with crushed nut shells) never thought about that one, for loaded ammo.
But cold in my garage, and polishing/lubing with a rug seem to me faster overall am can do in my mans cave.
 
Years ago I bought out an estate and there were 6 boxes of factory loaded 270 win that were about 20 years old or maybe more, the cases were very tanished, I ran them through my viberating tumbler with cruched walnut media, they came out just like new, worked like a hot dam.
 
waldo54 said:
Years ago I bought out an estate and there were 6 boxes of factory loaded 270 win that were about 20 years old or maybe more, the cases were very tanished, I ran them through my viberating tumbler with cruched walnut media, they came out just like new, worked like a hot dam.
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Usually it is a no, no and not recommended to clean up already loaded ammo in vibratory cleaners as it will often turn the extruded/flake or ball smokeless powder into a very fine talc like powder which dramatically changes the way it burns and can even sometimes cause excessive pressure in some cases. Either way it will likely ruin or affect the consistent performance and burn rate and accuracy.
 
mkrnel said:
Usually it is a no, no and not recommended to clean up already loaded ammo in vibratory cleaners as it will often turn the extruded/flake or ball smokeless powder into a very fine talc like powder which dramatically changes the way it burns and can even sometimes cause excessive pressure in some cases. Either way it will likely ruin or affect the consistent performance and burn rate and accuracy.
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For gods sake, quit perpertrating this falsehood

 
yomomma said:
For gods sake, quit perpertrating this falsehood

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Only if you can prove otherwise!

I will admit a light polish should be fine in a tumbler or vibratory cleaner, but prolonged cleaning will alter the powder characteristics.

But you are free to follow whatever course of action you deem satisfactory.

I myself prefer to take my information from Hodgdon powder and RCBS, I hope they know enough to issue such statements -

Both RCBS and Hodgdon warn against tumbling loaded ammunition

"because the vibration can break down the powder and its deterrent coating, potentially altering the burn rate and creating a dangerously high-pressure load. The vibration can break down the powder's structure, and the deterrent coating can rub off, causing the powder to burn more quickly. This is particularly a risk with stick or granular powders, as a more volatile burn rate could exceed the safe pressure limits of the firearm."

  • RCBS: Specifically warns that the vibration of a case polisher can break down the structure of powder and priming mix, potentially leading to unsafe ignition or misfires.
  • Hodgdon: Officially states that completed ammunition should not be tumbled, as it will degrade the powder and increase its burn speed.
  • Consequences: The breakdown of the powder and its deterrent coating can create a more volatile and faster-burning powder, turning a safe load into one that generates significantly higher pressure than the firearm was designed to withstand.
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https://rcbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RCBS_87060_VCP_1LIM_Web.pdf

https://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2008/09/why-you-should-not-tumble-clean-loaded-ammo/
 
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