Oxidized Ammo

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Hawaiian SRS-A1

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Minuteman
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Mar 12, 2017
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#1
I have about 200 rounds of Hornady 6.5CM and 200 300 PRC that looks oxidized and even the projectiles look dull. I went to the range and shot two rounds. (6.5cm) The rifle was brand new and both rounds fired but the cases were stuck and the primers were blown out. A couple of guys said my reloads were to hot but i told them this was factory ammo. One guy gave me two rounds of his and they shot fine with no issues. When a couple more guys came around they said the ammo is no good. They said it shouldn't look like that. Ammo is about 5 years old and was stored in my house in a cabinet. It was also stored with Federal ammo same caliber but those look brand new still (6 years old). My question is has anyone cleaned them up? The guys at our local range said to dump it. I saw some videos on YouTube where they use vinegar and salt. I want to know if this is safe to do and does it work or is there something better to do? Will it fire? I just cant see dumping about 400 rounds unless it is not safe to use or if it may damage my rifles.
Thanks guys!!
 
#3
I would break one of the rounds down to make sure there hasn't been internal degradation of the components, most namely powder. Based on your screen name it would seem that you live in a high-temperature, high moisture environment. This is horrible for storage of ammunition in a uncontrolled environment. I have fired ammunition with external tarnishing but never experienced the high pressure issues you are describing.
 
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#4
If you have a vibratory tumbler, throw it all in there for a while with fine media and it will look brand new. It will look brand new because this is what many ammo companies do to polish ammo after it has been assembled.
 
#7
tekmann2377 said:
I would break one of the rounds down to make sure there hasn't been internal degradation of the components, most namely powder. Based on your screen name it would seem that you live in a high-temperature, high moisture environment. This is horrible for storage of ammunition in a uncontrolled environment. I have fired ammunition with external tarnishing but never experienced the high pressure issues you are describing.
Click to expand...
Also try to determine if neck tension is excessive due to neck to bullet corrosion.
 
#9
With luck, you kept the empty cases that gave you troubles. Also take note of the packages for lot numbers.

The manufacturers are typically aware of any "borderline" lots they have recently shipped and are usually going to want to know the lot number up front.

The tech support lines may also want to see photos of the cases, outside as well as the view into the primer pockets and necks. If you have any way to give an opinion of the inside of the cases that would be critical.

The condition of the neck, and any comments about the body cavity are important.

Observations on any evidence of verdigris (corrosion) or anything extraordinary would be pivotal.

With luck, the tech support will replace your ammo, but there is a chance they will not. If not, the forum would need those photos and observations to give better advice on risks going forward. Good Luck and play it safe.
 
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