From: weed@sweetpea.jsc.nasa.gov (daniel weed 283-4162)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Using Corrosive Ammo
Date: 9 Sep 92 03:16:18 GMT



------------------
This is a summary of the responses I've received to the original posting from a few weeks back (titled SKS and Ammo Questions).  This deals with:

=>   Identifying and using Corrosive Ammo (specifically 7.62x39).

The original posting was short, so here it is:

*Next, a question on imported 7.62x39 ammo.  I recently bought some Chinese
*ammo.  It came sealed in a wood box.  Inside the wood box were two identical
*sealed tins.  Inside the tins was the ammo wrapped with paper in 20 round 
*groups.  It is supposed to be Norinco ammo.  Question: Is this "corrosive"
*ammo?  If so, do I just be sure to clean the s**t out of it after using,
*or is there something else I should know about using corrosive ammo.


------------Summary -------------


I got some pack that same way over two years ago.  I don't know for
sure, but I always ASSUME anything that smells like that stuff does
when it is shot must be at least mildly corrosive, so I do clean my
SKS well after shooting.

Please post or otherwise let me know if you get any definitive answers.


NET QUESTION:  Can you SMELL the difference between Corrosive and
               Non Corrosive ammo?  Whats the difference?

-------
The stuff in the sardine cans is "Norinco" in that it is Chi-Com army issue.
Copper washed steel cases. Copper jacketed iron bullets. Assume it is
corrosive. Clean with warm soapy water on the day of use { GI BOre CLeaner
works too} and then the next day and the next if you care about the fate of
the barrrel. It's the price you pay for buying ammo at ca. 90$ for 1300
rounds.
--------
Lacking any sure evidence against it, I would say yes.  Current
commercial Norinco ammo is non-corrosive, but this sounds like
something different.
-------
The ammo in the "spam cans" has been pretty good.  It's supposedly non-
corrosive, but I'm a firm believer that a clean weapon is a happy weapon,
and who wants an unhappy weapon?  :-)

The new Hornady handbook is showing loads for 158 gr .308 jacketed spire
points on top of a 7.62x39 ctg.  It almost exactly duplicates a 30-30, I'm
told...  I'll have to see for myself.
--------


	Well, you might want to save one of those tins "for a 
	rainy day", since it's already set up for long term storage.
	But that's just my opinion....

	It's probably corrosive. No problem. Get some Hoppes 
	cleaner, buy a new .30 brush. Reserve that brush for this
	(and any other .30 rifles that shoot corrosive ammo).
	Pour some Hoppes into a metal or glass container for dipping; 
	if you dip the brush into the bottle, you will probably contaminate
	the whole bottle....it will still be ok to use on corrosive
	ammo rifles, but you wouldn't want to use it to clean, say, a
	brand new Rem 700.

	Be SURE to clean the gas system; that means disassembling
	it, pulling the operating rod out & cleaning it. Note that SKS"s
	have chrome-plated bores as well as a chrome-plated operating
	rod; the Chinese are aware that their troops might not be
	regularly cleaning their firearms.

	Oh, and don't wait; if it's possible to run a patch or two
	through your rifle AT THE RANGE, do so. In any event, clean
	as soon as you get home. Corrosive primer residue attracts
	moisture like crazy...and I note you live in Houston, not
	the driest place in the world.
-------

I'd call the person that sold it to you and ask if you don't know.  If he
doesn't know, then I'd ask for a refund. 

--------
	Gidday,
		In New Zealand ammo sold as you describe is most likely
corrosive, the non-corrosive is sold in cardboard boxes or steel crates
and is labelled as such. Generally speaking the corrosive is old stock
ex-military reserve stuff. The last lot of non-corrosive that I bought
had dark brown cases as opposed to the previous copper coloured lot.

As to cleaning the crud out I suspect that you could get enough different
information to fill an encyclopaedia. I have found that Hoppes No9 is very
good. The quick and dirty method that I use for range weapons and Machine
guns is boiling water down the barrel and then clean and oil.

---------

Your ammo is in the military package. It is corrosive primed. To assauage
MY curiosity, how many in the can, and is it copper washed or lacquered
cases?

The trick with corrosive ammo is proper cleaning. I use Hoppe's No.9, but
any bore cleaner which specifically states it removes corrosive salts
will do. The trich is to clean the gun and then soak the bore and other
parts which see powder gas overnight. Clean again on Day 2 and repeat. On
Day 3 clean gun and put away. I've been using corrosive primed ammo for
ages and never had a problem.

Some on the net will recommend hot, soapy water. This works, because the
corrosive salt is water soluble, but my philosophy is "If it ain't broke..."

My guns are in the basement during the cleaning process. It's a bit damp.
Draw your own conclusion.


Thanks to everyone who responded.

I think I'll save the corrosive stuff for 
the-end-of-civilization-as-we-know-it. :-)

----Dan

------------------------------------------------------------------
Daniel Weed                             weed@sweetpea.jsc.nasa.gov
McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co. - Houston
          "My comments are my own, not my employer's"