OT-White stuff on old bullets
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OT-White stuff on old bullets
Anyone know how to stop the white powdery stuff from forming on old lead bullets? I have a pretty nice collection of old cartridges and would like to put a stop to that.
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- J Miller
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
I've got some that have been shellacked. Some have been waxed too.
Others seem to have a light coating of lube on them that's keeping them looking nice.
Joe
Others seem to have a light coating of lube on them that's keeping them looking nice.
Joe
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- AJMD429
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
Note that 'white stuff' is lead oxide, and VERY toxic; metallic lead doesn't dissolve in water, so doesn't get into your system easily, but the oxides do both. Be VERY hygenic and careful if/when cleaning off that stuff.
I use paper towels and throw them all away directly, and do such cleaning outside in the driveway (where we won't be planting any garden crops). I should wear gloves, but don't, but I do at least wash my hands aggressively afterwards.
I use paper towels and throw them all away directly, and do such cleaning outside in the driveway (where we won't be planting any garden crops). I should wear gloves, but don't, but I do at least wash my hands aggressively afterwards.
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
As a toxic heavy metals, you actually should be keeping towels separate and disposing them properly as 'hazardous materials.'AJMD429 wrote:Note that 'white stuff' is lead oxide, and VERY toxic; metallic lead doesn't dissolve in water, so doesn't get into your system easily, but the oxides do both. Be VERY hygenic and careful if/when cleaning off that stuff.
I use paper towels and throw them all away directly, and do such cleaning outside in the driveway (where we won't be planting any garden crops). I should wear gloves, but don't, but I do at least wash my hands aggressively afterwards.
Steve
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Retired and Living the Good Life
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
Check with some other collectors. I forget the type of wax recommended, but there's a type many cartridge collectors use that preserves the lead and the brass.
Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
That white powder is lead oxidation, a light brushing (outdoors) with
an old soft toothbrush brushes most of it off. I personally like the
vintage look of it.
![Image](http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l308/mountaincreekphotos/25-35Win01LR.jpg)
an old soft toothbrush brushes most of it off. I personally like the
vintage look of it.
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
![Image](http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l308/mountaincreekphotos/25-35Win01LR.jpg)
- J Miller
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
Some years ago I bought several hundred 260gr .45 Colt bullets that had all oxidized. They shot fine, just looked ancient. Might just be for all I know.
I kept 50 of them back and loaded them into once fired cases with some dome top RWS primers. Now after a couple years that box of ammo has developed a really nice "vintage" patina. I use it sometimes for a photo prop. Doubt if I'll ever shoot 'em.
Joe
I kept 50 of them back and loaded them into once fired cases with some dome top RWS primers. Now after a couple years that box of ammo has developed a really nice "vintage" patina. I use it sometimes for a photo prop. Doubt if I'll ever shoot 'em.
Joe
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- AJMD429
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
Good point. I've only done maybe a dozen at a time, four or five times total, so the total amount is pretty insignificant though.COSteve wrote:As a toxic heavy metals, you actually should be keeping towels separate and disposing them properly as 'hazardous materials.'
We used to have a really good 'tox-a-way' thing a couple times a year, and you could take solvents or metals or whatever, but NOW we don't even have anyone who will recycle drycell/flashlight batteries.
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
And wear gloves whenever you handle them. The oxides are what get absorbed into your skin whenever you handle lead... That powder is OLD lead oxide and absorbs probably 10 times faster than solid lead that hasn't oxided to the point it's become powdered.AJMD429 wrote:Note that 'white stuff' is lead oxide, and VERY toxic; metallic lead doesn't dissolve in water, so doesn't get into your system easily, but the oxides do both. Be VERY hygenic and careful if/when cleaning off that stuff.
Griff,
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
Thanks for the good info, guys! I'll be careful with that stuff! ![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
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- Old Savage
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
I am a CESQG of hasmat by the state of Ca. I think you should wipe them off with an aloe kleenex and throw those away.
Actually may not be a covered event and WE are the pickiest!
http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/deh/a ... 004adc4a92_
It appears they do not want you to know. That is the link from the info from the site but it will not open from here.
Actually may not be a covered event and WE are the pickiest!
http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/deh/a ... 004adc4a92_
It appears they do not want you to know. That is the link from the info from the site but it will not open from here.
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
OS,
What is: CESQG ?
Joe
What is: CESQG ?
Joe
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- Old Savage
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator.
- J Miller
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
I see why you abbreviate it.
Joe
Joe
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- KirkD
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
You can use Conservator's Wax to coat the brass and bullets. That will keep them looking great.
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
I coat my brass and bullets with acetone I have dissolved a bit of clear plastic in. The acetone evaporates and leaves a coating of plastic to protect things. Never have had to re-coat any, last for years even if you handle them.
Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
Thanks, Kirk, I'll try that. Got some on order, from Canada, no less!KirkD wrote:You can use Conservator's Wax to coat the brass and bullets. That will keep them looking great.
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
That sounds like a good idea too! What kind of plastic, styrene?pdawg.shooter wrote:I coat my brass and bullets with acetone I have dissolved a bit of clear plastic in. The acetone evaporates and leaves a coating of plastic to protect things. Never have had to re-coat any, last for years even if you handle them.
Thanks.
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Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
Plexaglass or Laxan.
Re: OT-White stuff on old bullets
On .22s, I always thought it was a wax lube.....I used to rub it off between my fingers
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