Shooting antique ammo bad?

[vega]

Hey Guys.

When shooting antique ammunition of the outside lubricated type where the lube and bullet have extensively oxidized, would it be expected that damage to the bore would result?

 

[Tyockell18]

I like to wipe them down and coat them in a thin layer of bees wax, havent noticed any ill effects at all.

 

[ben hunchak]

I would be more concerned that you get weak loads and a bullet stuck in the bore, because of very old priming/powders.

 

[tactical870]

I would be more concerned that you get weak loads and a bullet stuck in the bore, because of very old priming/powders.

That would be my concern as well. Even with reduced or no lube, at antique velocities I would doubt you'd get much leading and wear to the bore would be nonexistant.

 

[wr.sainsbury]

antique ammo

had a problem with some old 38/55 which would hang fire for about a second or so while the primer decided to ignite. similar with some old 38 s&w which actually did not go in some cases. in both cases it was the primer which failed -not the powder.

 

[mooncoon]

I would anticipate quite a few misfires because of deteriorated primers in antique rimfire shells. I would also strongly suspect corrosive priming and you would be wise to wash the gun similar to you would if shooting black powder. The white lead oxide might or might not be abrasive and can possibly be wiped of with something like a scotchbrite pad.

cheers mooncoon

 

[Tyockell18]

Yes I should have mentioned as others to expect priming issues. and to clean your firearm very well after use.

 

[vega]

Thanks very much Fellers.