cleaning old ammo..

Posted: 7/18/2001 7:02:07 AM EDT

I picked up an odd lot of old ammo at an estate sale over the weekend. 150 rounds of it appears to be old surplus .45 The head stamps are E_C_43, and FC 45,. It has some tarnish on it I would like to get off. All the ammo is pretty old but looks to be in decent shape. The other rounds where 38long, 32 auto, 32long and a few others but all this ammo is generally considered for older guns(i havent seen a 38 or 32 long in a while). My idea was to put this ammo in my brass tumbler for a while. WHat do you think.

Posted: 7/18/2001 7:39:07 AM EDT

[#1]

If you can be absolutely certain the ammo will be kept as collectibles only and NOT FIRED the tumbling is okay. It is possible to change the size of the powder to a "powder" or dust rather than granules which can result in excessive pressure if fired. Progressive burning powder is only progressive when it is properly sized/shaped. Best not to take chances.

Posted: 7/18/2001 8:14:30 AM EDT

[#2]

From talking to an antique dealer froend and co-worker of mine, the general rule of thumb is to leave the patina on metallic objects. I do know that cartridge collectors are particular, and improper restoration can kill a valuable object's worth.

Posted: 7/18/2001 2:37:10 PM EDT

[#3]

bump

Posted: 7/18/2001 2:41:43 PM EDT

[#4]

IOW, don't mess with it! Sell it as-is, and let the pro's deal with it.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - cleaning old ammo..

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