Norinco "non-corrosive" 7.62x39 warning

[JordanYOW]

Did you run the nail test?

I did not, but you can see just looking in the case. Corrosive stuff is obviously rusted in the case after sitting.

 

[bearhunter]

Quick update on this... I checked some of the cases a while after shooting and there is no rust inside like there would be with corrosive steel cases. I am baffled at this point. As stated, I did not shoot corrosive and it was cleaned beyond thorough prior to this outing. Maybe there was a few corrosive primers somehow mixed in, maybe I just have terrible luck. In any case, it looks like the vast majority of this ammo has no issue as expected.

The good news is, I was able to clean it up quite well and it shoots just the same as it did.

It's your CLP that's causing the problem. It's not the only one that will do this either. I have gotten to the point with CLPs that I no longer use them. I stick with the tried and true Ballistol. Even that has to be checked out occasionally as it will get very sticky. With my SKS, when I've used corrosive ammo the face of the bolt and the piston/gas tube get a very thin coat of molylube HD grease. I got into this habit after purchasing several cases of Norinco yellow box that was sold as non corrosive but which in reality was, albeit mildly.

The light coat of grease protects the metal and is blown away with the first shot.

Some here will extol CLP. Fine, if it works for you. Thing is, it doesn't work every time.

By the way, I have seen a couple of SKS rifles and one Howa chambered in 7.62x39 that showed some rust with non corrosive commercial ammo made in the USA. Definitely not the fault of the ammo. Rather the "Windex" with ammonia sprayed down the bore and on other surfaces. That stuff needs to be cleaned out quickly as well. Ammonia is corrosive and will cause the issues the OP showed in his pics. He doesn't mention using this method so that is ruled out but this is a good time to give a heads up on Windex with Ammonia. Plain water works just as well but remember it only dilutes the corrosive media and doesn't wash all of it away.

 

[wbaad]

Headstamp of the offending ammo??

 

[gewehr76]

So was it wrong lot or it was mixed with surplus?
What was the outcome?

 

[MarshallX]

That bolt was dry, so Im not sure how well the CLP or oil was really applied to it. Ive always been of the practice of giving my rifles a quick shot of CLP before i leave the range, so it soaks as i drive home. Also, the SKS, or atleast mine, breaks out into rust the moment its in water for a short amount of time. In contrast, my XCR has yet to show any sort of rust from corrosive ammo or water. Maybe better application of CLP/Oil?

 

[BRASSTACKS]

Headstamp of the offending ammo??

check page 5 post 41

 

[Military Surplus Lover]

I did not, but you can see just looking in the case. Corrosive stuff is obviously rusted in the case after sitting.

I just fired that ammo about 2 weeks ago checked my Sks today and pretty much the same amounts of rust as yours. It has To be bad ammo

 

[Travis Bickle]

If it comes in crate and you can't read the words, it's corrosive.
If it costs less than $0.30 a round, it's corrosive.
If the company selling it says it's not corrosive, it's corrosive.
If it comes in an English box with brass cart case with Federal on it, it's non corrosive.

It's all good anyhow Sir. It's an SKS. Soak the parts in CLP for 2 days, then hit it with steel wool. If that doesn't work, hit it with 400 grit sandpaper until all rust is gone.
Then put it back together and keep shooting it.
Next time you shoot it, clean your rifle Comrade. If you live in a humid place even actual non corrosive ammo will surface rust a gun if you don't oil it after shooting.