OT-White stuff on old bullets

[claybob86]

Anyone know how to stop the white powdery stuff from forming on old lead bullets? I have a pretty nice collection of old cartridges and would like to put a stop to that.

[J Miller]

I've got some that have been shellacked. Some have been waxed too.
Others seem to have a light coating of lube on them that's keeping them looking nice.

Joe

[AJMD429]

Note that 'white stuff' is lead oxide, and VERY toxic; metallic lead doesn't dissolve in water, so doesn't get into your system easily, but the oxides do both. Be VERY hygenic and careful if/when cleaning off that stuff.

I use paper towels and throw them all away directly, and do such cleaning outside in the driveway (where we won't be planting any garden crops). I should wear gloves, but don't, but I do at least wash my hands aggressively afterwards.

[COSteve]

Note that 'white stuff' is lead oxide, and VERY toxic; metallic lead doesn't dissolve in water, so doesn't get into your system easily, but the oxides do both. Be VERY hygenic and careful if/when cleaning off that stuff.

I use paper towels and throw them all away directly, and do such cleaning outside in the driveway (where we won't be planting any garden crops). I should wear gloves, but don't, but I do at least wash my hands aggressively afterwards.

As a toxic heavy metals, you actually should be keeping towels separate and disposing them properly as 'hazardous materials.'

[quietman]

Check with some other collectors. I forget the type of wax recommended, but there's a type many cartridge collectors use that preserves the lead and the brass.

[cshold]

That white powder is lead oxidation, a light brushing (outdoors) with
an old soft toothbrush brushes most of it off. I personally like the
vintage look of it.

[J Miller]

Some years ago I bought several hundred 260gr .45 Colt bullets that had all oxidized. They shot fine, just looked ancient. Might just be for all I know.
I kept 50 of them back and loaded them into once fired cases with some dome top RWS primers. Now after a couple years that box of ammo has developed a really nice "vintage" patina. I use it sometimes for a photo prop. Doubt if I'll ever shoot 'em.

Joe

[AJMD429]

As a toxic heavy metals, you actually should be keeping towels separate and disposing them properly as 'hazardous materials.'

Good point. I've only done maybe a dozen at a time, four or five times total, so the total amount is pretty insignificant though.

We used to have a really good 'tox-a-way' thing a couple times a year, and you could take solvents or metals or whatever, but NOW we don't even have anyone who will recycle drycell/flashlight batteries.

[Griff]

Note that 'white stuff' is lead oxide, and VERY toxic; metallic lead doesn't dissolve in water, so doesn't get into your system easily, but the oxides do both. Be VERY hygenic and careful if/when cleaning off that stuff.

And wear gloves whenever you handle them. The oxides are what get absorbed into your skin whenever you handle lead... That powder is OLD lead oxide and absorbs probably 10 times faster than solid lead that hasn't oxided to the point it's become powdered.

[claybob86]

Thanks for the good info, guys! I'll be careful with that stuff!

[Old Savage]

I am a CESQG of hasmat by the state of Ca. I think you should wipe them off with an aloe kleenex and throw those away.

Actually may not be a covered event and WE are the pickiest!

http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/deh/a ... 004adc4a92_


It appears they do not want you to know. That is the link from the info from the site but it will not open from here.

[J Miller]

OS,

What is: CESQG ?

Joe

[Old Savage]

Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator.

[J Miller]

I see why you abbreviate it.

Joe

[KirkD]

You can use Conservator's Wax to coat the brass and bullets. That will keep them looking great.

[pdawg.shooter]

I coat my brass and bullets with acetone I have dissolved a bit of clear plastic in. The acetone evaporates and leaves a coating of plastic to protect things. Never have had to re-coat any, last for years even if you handle them.

[claybob86]

You can use Conservator's Wax to coat the brass and bullets. That will keep them looking great.

Thanks, Kirk, I'll try that. Got some on order, from Canada, no less!

I coat my brass and bullets with acetone I have dissolved a bit of clear plastic in. The acetone evaporates and leaves a coating of plastic to protect things. Never have had to re-coat any, last for years even if you handle them.

That sounds like a good idea too! What kind of plastic, styrene?

Thanks.

[pdawg.shooter]

Plexaglass or Laxan.

[Blaine]

On .22s, I always thought it was a wax lube.....I used to rub it off between my fingers No wonder I mutated into the handsome EssOhBee I am today