Old .303 with corrosion on the brass

[Battle Pug]

Anyone,

Is it safe to shoot old (WW2 era) .303 rounds if there is serious corrosion on the brass? It is that blue'ish powdery residue? It will clean away, but is the metal now too weak to shoot?

My inner soldier says no way. However, since this stuff is hard to come by...

Is it better safe than sorry?

 

[Stevo]

I've shot stuff like that with no problems. YMMV.

 

[ipscgraz]

If you are worried about case integrity, don't shoot it. If it isn't too bad, try several rounds in your rifle. If you do shoot it, wear eye protection.

 

[CanAm]

You may get split necks, but that would be about it. Don't forget to clean with boiling water after shooting.