Polish antique cartridge?

[Gunsmaniac]

Hi guys, I just came to buy 15 38 rimfire cartridges. They are a little dark, can I put them in my tumbler with corn to polish them? Is it a good idea?

 

[drslav]

No. Ruin the value.

 

[Gunsmaniac]

Ok. Thank's!

 

[buffdog]

Not a good idea to put live cartridges into the Vibrating or Tumbling type of cleaners.

The powder kernels inside the cartridge can vibrate and rub together, and break down to smaller size and dust. This makes the burning rate faster, and increases pressure when the cartridge is fired.
.

 

[Tex Critter]

Are they black powder? If so, I would be hesitant to tumble them. (Black powder being explosive and all)

 

[achtanelion]

There's also the whole rimfire thing. Not likely, but exposed rims banging against each other could provide a little excitement.

J

 

[Pete04]

I seem to recall reading in the Loading section that tumbling live rounds is OK. Munitions manufacturers do a final cleaning before packaging.
I know it must be true 'cause I read it on the interweb.