Norinco Red Box 7.62x39... non-corrosive as advertised?

[CanuckShooter]

Finally grabbed an SKS and looking to grab some of the Norinco Red Box non-corrosive ammo. I've read some people insisting it is corrosive. Though it might be helpful to start a thread and a poll to see just how prevalent this issue is.

This thread is for ***RED BOX ONLY*** not white box.

Have you found any of the Norinco RED BOX 7.62x39 ammo to be corrosive? If so, do you recall the date on the headstamp?

 

[Snider shooter]

Multiple threads on this and it’s been beat to death.

 

[mac100]

I’m not sure about it being corrosive but I have seen people having problems with getting them stuck in their chambers. It’s so bad that even when you hit the charging handle to free it up it tears the rim off the cartridge. Every one that had that problem when we switched ammo ran perfect.

 

[CanuckShooter]

I’m not sure about it being corrosive but I have seen people having problems with getting them stuck in their chambers. It’s so bad that even when you hit the charging handle to free it up it tears the rim off the cartridge. Every one that had that problem when we switched ammo ran perfect.

What did they end up switching to?

 

[scianna54]

#356 of the threads about this.

 

[Butcherbill]

People would be better off doing the nail test than starting another thread about this, at least the nail test will tell you if it’s corrosive or not…

 

[Buck1950]

FFS, How many threads do we need on this ?? Can't anyone search ??

 

[CanuckShooter]

I have searched extensively and found nothing I'd call definitive. Maybe if this topic upsets you guys you can go play forum sheriffs on another thread.

 

[Snider shooter]

I have searched extensively and found nothing I'd call definitive. Maybe if this topic upsets you guys you can go play forum sheriffs on another thread.

NORINCO RED BOX yields multiple results. First three words of your original post are what ????

 

[CanuckShooter]

Did you read my post? I've searched. I didn't say I found nothing, I said I didn't find anything I'd call definitive. No one is forcing you to participate in this thread, and I've really never understood some people's need to jump into a thread for no other reason than to voice their disapproval. Plenty of other threads you could be contributing to right now. No need to get stressed out. Everything is going to be ok.

 

[Butcherbill]

Do the nail test and you’ll have your answer, it’s the only way to truly know if you’re batch is corrosive or not.

 

[CanuckShooter]

I put in an order for 5 boxes @ $9.99 just to try it out. I'll try the nail test. How loud is it when you pop the primer? Ear protection needed?

 

[Butcherbill]

I put in an order for 5 boxes @ $9.99 just to try it out. I'll try the nail test. How loud is it when you pop the primer? Ear protection needed?

I don’t remember it being that loud, but it’s been awhile since I’ve done it. Loud pop more than anything, ear plugs if you’re worried about it or have to do it inside your garage so nosy neighbors dont ask what’s going on.

 

[thegazelle]

Yeah, there's a lot threads on this...I should just create a macro for my reply...

I have shot thousands of the below and can report the below confidently.

Headstamp:

Red Box - 311 19 - not corrosive
Red Box 311 20 - not corrosive (this is probably what you are seeing at Cabela's/Bass Pro)
White Box 311 14 - not corrosive

Be careful with 311 18 - white box - that has had known corrosive rounds mixed in. That may have become 311 18 red box.

I think for anyone really unsure and if my above experience doesn't give you a sense of what to expect (in which case I am not sure why our opinions would be solicited), then perhaps do the nail test each time (but even then for the 18 ones that may not be definitive as corrosive was mixed in occasionally) - OR, just get Barnaul/MFS (guaranteed non corrosive) rounds on the secondary market for a premium price. OR clean your SKS every single time regardless. OR take what many of us have said about the 311 19 and 311 20 red box and have a reasonable confidence that it will be good.

Also, as an aside, where the corrosion happens the most is in the gas piston tube / piston rod area. Some people check the bolt and see nothing, but then there is orange rust and stuff all over their piston rod and gas tube.

 

[Buck1950]

When I go to shoot my SKS I drop about 100 rounds. That's $30 of Chinese MS or $55+ of Norinco. For $25 each trip I'll clean my SKS.

 

[Suther]

When I go to shoot my SKS I drop about 100 rounds. That's $30 of Chinese MS or $55+ of Norinco. For $25 each trip I'll clean my SKS.

Where can you get x39 for under 30c a round these days? Last milsurp I saw was at least 40c a pop - $220 for 550 rounds from Tenda, $450 for 1100 from FOC.


If milsurp was regularly 30c a pop I could agree with you, but from what I've seen those days are long gone and for $10 savings I'd rather not have to concern myself with stripping and cleaning the rifle every time. Ymmv of course.

 

[Buck1950]

I bought a case in Spring '22 for $450 - 1440 rnds. It came to about 0.40 / round tax-in, I was ballparking the $30 I had to look up the cost on my 'inventory. I'm down just under 2K rounds of CMS, but if the SKS gets 'locked down' I'll drop down to the Ruger Ranch but shoot a bit less. It's not made for 100 round days IMO, the SKS loves a smokin' barrel since it's only good for 5-6 MOA anyway.

 

[CanuckShooter]

The stuff I've been shooting has definitely been non-corrosive. Headstamp 20.

What's the core of the bullets made with anyway? Is it lead or steel core?

 

[Eugene L]

Any 9.99 red box out there ? any word on when cabellas will restock ?

 

[Hmatt]

Any 9.99 red box out there ? any word on when cabellas will restock ?

Cabelas in Calgary consistently has red box for 9.99 every other flyer..