How did soldiers in the past...

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - How did soldiers in the past...

Posted: 7/21/2003 2:46:09 AM EDT

deal with corrosive ammo? I really don't think they were running around the trenches with bottles of Windex. What did they use?

Posted: 7/21/2003 8:15:54 AM EDT

[#1]

There is an old FM I read once that talks about cleaning out your rifle wit soap and water at least once a day while shooting it. Then apply whale oil.

The other thing is they taught the troops to clean the rifles the day they shot it and everyday for three days afterwards.

Posted: 7/22/2003 12:52:31 AM EDT

[#2]

I have often wondered this myself - thanks for asking, Wave.

And thanks for answering, ZRH!

Be kinda rough if you weren't near a good amount of water.

My life is so easy!

Posted: 7/22/2003 5:02:02 AM EDT

[#3]

Wave:

The English used a special funnel to pour boiling water down the barrels of the Enfields. The spout fits right into the chamber so you don't mess up the works. I was considering getting one (you can get them Canadian surplus), but I read about the ammonia/soapy water trick.

-White Horse

Posted: 7/22/2003 12:34:00 PM EDT

[#4]

Hot water, water, urine, and thorough scrubbing, and oiling.

I prefer boiling water, mild soap, and CLP for my SMLE's and Mausers.

Boiling water, then a nylon, or bristle brush soaked in simple green, or Castrol "Super Clean". Scrub, rinse, scrub, rinse.. Then finish with another dose of boiling water.

Dry the bore, and while it's still hot, run a dripping patch of CLP through it, and leave.

Meplat-

Posted: 7/23/2003 4:42:17 PM EDT

[#5]

Unless you get the copper out you're wasting your time cleaning. Windex is a mild ammonia solution which will remove a little, but you need an agressive copper solvent like Sweets 762 and an agressive cleaning procedure repeated for several days.

The copper "fouling" which is harmless with modern ammunition will plate over the corrosive salts and the good looking bore will be eaten from underneath the plating.

If you're serious about shooting corrosive ammo get a copy of Hatcher's Notebook and read about cleaning.

-- Chuck

Posted: 7/23/2003 6:07:36 PM EDT

[#6]

I have heard they used hot water, hot tea(British) and piss. But remember, they were in a war and they weren't as concerned with corrosive ammo as we are today. Plus, the weapons were new, or almost, and the corrosive salts in the primers don't cause instant damage. We have a serious problem with the bores having not been cared for over a period of decades.
Jim

Posted: 7/23/2003 9:17:00 PM EDT

[#7]

old GI bore cleaner was water based and made to defeat the salt.

blackpowder is corrosive, so use BP cleaner, its made to take out the salts, and is easier to deal with that taking a bath with your rifle.

Posted: 7/24/2003 12:10:46 AM EDT

[#8]

I hate to ask this, but, just what does corrosive ammo mean? I am not trying to highjack this thread. I have just always wanted to know what is meant by corrosive.

Posted: 7/24/2003 1:31:55 PM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
I hate to ask this, but, just what does corrosive ammo mean? I am not trying to highjack this thread. I have just always wanted to know what is meant by corrosive.

Salts in the primer. When you shoot it they get blasted all over the bore. The salts will get coated in copper fouling from shooting. Then the salt attracts water, water creates rust.

Petroleum products dont break up the salts so you have to use something they will dissolve in, i.e. ammonia and/or water.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - How did soldiers in the past...

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