How to lube old ammo?

[bigHUN]

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

 

[Tokay444]

Why?

 

[156821]

Maybe steel wool or a 3m poly pad? Or just a metal polish on a rag.

 

[Snider shooter]

Rag with Brasso.

 

[OldDude]

^^^Supposedly, the ammonia in Brasso can deteriorate the brass. I've never noticed, but I also have never taken Brasso to any cartridges.

 

[yomomma]

Any car polish shouldwork.

 

[bigHUN]

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.

 

[waldo54]

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.

 

[mkrnel]

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.

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.

 

[yomomma]

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.

For gods sake, quit perpertrating this falsehood

 

[mkrnel]

For gods sake, quit perpertrating this falsehood

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.

Have you ever noticed how walnut shells (which are a lot harder than most smokeless powders) turns to a fine dust in the bottom of your tumbler after a prolonged amount of use? I wonder why, don't you?

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.

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/

 

[Deathrawt]

If you have one of those LEE case length gauge/shellholders that will fit the case simply chuck it into a cordless drill and use steel wool on the brass as it is spinning in the drill, they will look like new

 

[Rearguard]

Polish and clean gently with a degrease at end ok.

Any oil or lube on casing no bueno. Bad.
Casing needs to "grip" chamber wall on firing to work as intended. Slippery casing puts excessive pressure on bolt.

 

[bearhunter]

Good grief.

OP, if you want it clean, it's not a big deal to just make up 5 liters of cleaner.

If you've only got a couple of boxes, clean it in the kitchen sink, with your dish detergent.

As a cleaner, you can use HOT WATER and Dishwashing soap, or 50/50 mix of Vinegar/Water.

Just put it into a plastic bucket or whatever you have, cover it with fluid, and mix it around until it's clean.

You may need to soak it for an hour or so, depending on how bad the corrosion is.

Just dry it well afterwards, and it will be clean.

If you want it bright and shiny, then you will have to polish it.

As far as "LUBE" WHY? As long as the ammo is kept dry, it shouldn't corrode.

Usually, the green verdigris or rust is caused by chemicals in the packaging or container the ammo is stored in, as long as it's in a dry location.