Re: A Question for the Chemists out there !!!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Killer Spade 13</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK, gotta ask, WHY would lead be in the suppressor?
I could understand some small particulate matter follow the projectile from the muzzle and falling into the suppressor, but I can't see how it would be similar to fouling in the barrel. </div></div>
Leading in suppressors (.22 primarily) is the result of lead vapor. When the projectile is fired a small amount of lead is vaporized from the resultant heat and pressure of the initial explosion within the chamber.
As this vapor travels down the bore and cools, it condenses and attaches itself to surrounding surfaces. In barrels it's not AS prevalent due to multiple rounds being fired, making contact with the resultant build up and stripping it (so to speak) off the lands.....grooves are another story.
With a suppressor, you still have a large amount of hot, highly pressurized gasses along with the vaporized lead entering a large cool, contained environment. As the gasses make contact with the baffles, they are destabilized and cooled, resulting in the db reduction of the round being fired.
The lead vapor condenses and adheres itself to the baffles, resulting in leading of the suppressor. In pistol cans, it's not as prevalent (most NEVER require cleaning unless your shooting lead bullets) and rifle suppressors a non issue.
In a pistol suppressor, a SMALL amount of build up is actually beneficial as it induces more turbulence, helping to break up the gasses further and enhancing suppression.
The 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar dissolves the lead but not powder fouling. Also this mixture is NOT recommended in aluminum suppressors...steel only. The mixture will dissolve aluminum as well as the lead.
Lastly (and I cannot emphasize this enough) the mixture that you will be left with is lead acetate.... READ CAREFULLY...
THIS IS SOME WICKED DANGEROUS SHIT!!! DO NOT GET THIS ON YOUR SKIN!! MUST BE DISPOSED OF AT A HAZ-MAT ACCEPTING FACILITY!!!
Lead acetate will fuck your shit up if you get it on your skin, as your body will be absorbing a highly concentrated lead mixture. It can cause MAJOR damage to your nervous system. Not something to be treated with kid gloves. If you do use this mixture, wear proper clothing, rubber gloves and eye/face protection. Place the used solution on a glass jar (like a mayonnaise jar, seal the lid with tape and label it "lead acetate". Take it to a facility that will accept haz-mat for proper disposal.....don't be dumping it down the sewer or in the yard!!!
Many suppressor manufacturers offer a cleaning service for their product. I would contact them first before doing it with the above solution.
Steve
