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1/26/2009 7:42:11 PM EDT
I just got 2k .224 bullets.   I'm not sure what kind of bullets they are but they are REALLY dirty.  They came in some Ziplock freezer bags and the inside of the bags are covered in filth.  

What's up with this?  Should I tumble them so they look like all of the shiny Hornady bullets that I'm used to dealing with?
1/26/2009 7:44:26 PM EDT
[#1]
go with your instincts
1/26/2009 7:50:50 PM EDT
[#2]
The dirt you are seeing is likely asphaltic varnish or shellac on the bullet that the mil uses to seal the rounds.  I've reloaded some of Pat's #1 pulled bullets a few years back that had a black slightly sticky substance on them and while your fingers get black grabbing them, they worked just fine uncleaned.  YMMV



 
1/26/2009 7:52:44 PM EDT
[#3]
Clean um' anyway you like.

Liquid bath or tumble/vibratory or a quick wipe w/solvent.........or not at all.

Aloha, Mark
1/27/2009 2:16:40 AM EDT
[#4]
Without seeing them and knowing what the "filth" is, it's hard to make a determination. If it's just tarnish, dirt or dust, tumble them if you'd like them to be cleaner.

If it's asphalt sealant, soak them in some mineral spirits. The solvent will remove the tar-like bullet sealant.
1/27/2009 5:45:07 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Without seeing them and knowing what the "filth" is, it's hard to make a determination.


Exactly.  If it's tarnish, screw it.  If it's dirt, it has to go.

1/27/2009 6:23:01 AM EDT
[#6]
Tumble 'em... can't hurt.

- AG
1/27/2009 6:48:36 AM EDT
[#7]
Tumble
1/27/2009 7:44:05 AM EDT
[#8]
I remember reading a thread here about someones suggestion to use walnut media with a ounce or so of acetone (make the media damp but not soaked) and tumble for an hour.  Supposedly results in removing the sealing goo without removing the green tip paint from SS109s.
1/27/2009 9:35:59 AM EDT
[#9]
I just found out that they are made by Lake City.
1/27/2009 6:46:02 PM EDT
[#10]
I have tumbled dirty bullets on many occasions, including the black sealer stuff off of bullets.

Just remember bullets are much heavier than brass cases, so tumble fewer at a time.

Small tumbler, around 50 at a time.
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