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I am seeking advice about caring for corroded ammo. I recently purchased 2 boxes of 348 that is showing spots of corrosion on the brass and some “leakage” around the primers. Not all but a few in each box. Any ideas? the boxes are very nice to excellent condition.
If the corrosion spotting is solely on the outside of the case, simply apply a drop of lightweight oil on it, and then use copper, bronze, or 0000 steel wool to gently buff the corrosion off of the brass. If it creates any noticeable pitting, thinning, or dishing in the brass case, disassemble the cartridge and dispose of the powder. Put a drop of Kroil inside the case to neutralize the primer, and then pitch the empty case in your recycle brass bin.
For any cartridge that shows leakage around the primer, immediately disassemble the cartridge for disposal. The only thing you should salvage from it is the bullet.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
oldcrankyyankee said
I am seeking advice about caring for corroded ammo. I recently purchased 2 boxes of 348 that is showing spots of corrosion on the brass and some “leakage” around the primers. Not all but a few in each box. Any ideas? the boxes are very nice to excellent condition.
Maybe a stupid question but are you certain it has “leakage” and that you’re not merely looking at sealant?
Does it have a certain color to it?
How bad is the corrosion that you are referring to?
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
I took some pictures of the ammo in question. Btw anyone able to give me the vintage of this ammo?
November 7, 2015
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oldcrankyyankee said
I took some pictures of the ammo in question. Btw anyone able to give me the vintage of this ammo?
Corrosion pictured will almost certainly weaken the case enough to cause a problem. The end labels may be helpful for identifying the vintage but I’d guess they were about 80 years old. I’m sure the smart folks here can get a lot closer. Boxes appear to be in very good shape.
Mike
Strange that whatever storage conditions (high humidity, I’d guess, and/or salt-air) caused that damage to the brass while leaving the boxes in perfect cond. Usually, it’s the other way around, brass tarnished but OK, but box dilapidated.
Tom,
It appears to me that many of the cartridges have experienced a chemical breakdown of the powder/primer and they are now irreparably damaged. In your shoes, I would carefully pull the bullets, dump the powder, and inspect the condition of the interior of the cases. I certainly would not trust or attempt to shoot any of the cartridges in those boxes.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
oldcrankyyankee said
I took some pictures of the ammo in question. Btw anyone able to give me the vintage of this ammo?
Definitely unsafe to fire. I wouldn’t want to even chamber that ammo in my 71.
Maybe pull the bullets, dump the powder, find a way to clean and neutralize the corroded primers, then reseat the bullets on empty brass and you have some good looking ammo boxes for display.
I can’t help with the ‘vintage’ of the ammo, but probably no older than the first model 71, which I believe was 1935?
Nevada Paul
Life Member NRA
Looks like a 1935 vintage box. Nice condition, on the box.
I agree with the above assessment above on the ammo.
Anthony
Thanks to all for replying to this. Can’t say I’m shocked about the corrective action. Oh well I’ll garner some nice 150 grain bullets for a future reloading project.
I agree with Bert, once you dump the powder and remove the primer, clean them up, use a pencil eraser for a new primer, reassemble and use as snap caps.
oldcrankyyankee said
I took some pictures of the ammo in question. Btw anyone able to give me the vintage of this ammo?
According to Giles and Shuey, your ammo dates from 1935-1938. In good condition worth $250-$300 a box. Big Larry
I don’t think I’ve seen primers corrode/deteriorate like that before. Perplexing to me.
The boxes are very nice and very early.
Here’s an idea – find some boxes of .348’s that are worn, taped, torn etc. but cartridges are nice, and put them in these boxes. I often see boxes of cartridges that are quite bad yet the cartridges are clean.
Big Larry said
oldcrankyyankee said
I took some pictures of the ammo in question. Btw anyone able to give me the vintage of this ammo?
According to Giles and Shuey, your ammo dates from 1935-1938. In good condition worth $250-$300 a box. Big Larry
Thanks Larry for the info. And yes the boxes are very good with no torn flaps or worn corners. There is only 5-6 unusable in each box, rendering me 1 full box and a partial. They go well with my 1942 vintage model 71.
I have a 1937 Deluxe M71, or whatever they call it. Still looking for a box of ammo just like the OP’s for my collection. Would prefer 250 gr. type. Big Larry
Big Larry said
I have a 1937 Deluxe M71, or whatever they call it. Still looking for a box of ammo just like the OP’s for my collection. Would prefer 250 gr. type. Big Larry
It is a Model 71 “Special”. Winchester first used that naming convention in the year 1885 for the higher grade Single Shot rifles, e.g. “Special Sporting Rife” and “Special Single Shot Rifle”. For some models, Winchester used the name “Fancy” Sporting Rifle, but never used the term “deluxe”. That is purely a term that is used by old collectors who adhere to the idiom “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks“. Are you an old dog? 
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Big Larry said
Sure am. An old 81 year former Marine. Semper Fi Bert. Big Larry
I’ve always believed that there is no such thing as a ‘former’ Marine. You’re a Marine, Big Larry!
Nevada Paul
Life Member NRA
November 7, 2015
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Nevada Paul said
Big Larry said
Sure am. An old 81 year former Marine. Semper Fi Bert. Big Larry
I’ve always believed that there is no such thing as a ‘former’ Marine. You’re a Marine, Big Larry!
Agreed, I know and have known a few Marines. They may not be actively serving but they’ll always be Marines.
Mike
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