Ackumpucky on old ammo can hide dangerous things - cleaning can really expose problems before cases separate, cracks enlarge, etc. Might want to re-lube after cleaning sometimes. Little case lube on a cloth works well for me.Welcome to the forum!
The metal cases don't have to be perfectly clean & shiny to fire. If they have some discoloration you need to determine what is causing the discoloration before you shoot them. Some powders breakdown & will cause all kinds of problems.
I reload so if I have questionable ammo I would pull it down & inspect it good inside & out before I would risk shooting it. Just cleaning is not enough to tell if it's safe.Ackumpucky on old ammo can hide dangerous things - cleaning can really expose problems before cases separate, cracks enlarge, etc. Might want to re-lube after cleaning sometimes. Little case lube on a cloth works well for me.
So, I've read pros and cons of tumbling loaded rounds to clean them. I cleaned 4 m1 carbine rounds, circa 1940s Austrian manufacture with Fritz by hand with the cartridge rim chucked in a drill.took a long time. The other 418 went into the tumbler 150 at a time with 2.5 lbs media and 2.5 Oz. Fritz for 1 hour. Some look brand new but others are still discolored but clean and smooth. That's what I was after. No explosion! Would there have been a better way?
Would you mind looking at the photos I posted of 30 m1 carbine ammo and give me your opinion on whether to shoot the discolored ones or not? ThankI reload so if I have questionable ammo I would pull it down & inspect it good inside & out before I would risk shooting it. Just cleaning is not enough to tell if it's safe.
Pick out the worst one of the 4 rounds on the left, pull it apart & check the inside of the case, if it looks ok then they are all safe to shoot.Would you mind looking at the photos I posted of 30 m1 carbine ammo and give me your opinion on whether to shoot the discolored ones or not? Thank
Thanks. All have been tumbled equal time. I will dig out the worst and tumble longer and take apart the very worst one and inspect inside as 7.62 Man suggests. Thanks againIf they chamber, they will shoot but be aware, grit not cleared off of the case (4 on left) could result in difficult case extractions. Some loaded cartridge tumbling would benefit the more corroded cases. Two characteristics to consider: discolored and smooth cartridge sides, together, would OK to me to shoot.
Thanks for the suggestion, that I will do. I appreciate your help.Pick out the worst one of the 4 rounds on the left, pull it apart & check the inside of the case, if it looks ok then they are all safe to shoot.
I have shot much uglier rounds than what you have there.
