Black Gritty Stuff...?

[NailGun]

I just bought 1000 Remington 158gr. LSWC in bulk today. (got a really good price) These bullets are covered with "black gritty stuff". ICK!

Is this stuff a lubricant?
OR...does Remington cast them is oil sand molds and this is the residue?
Do I need to remove it before reloading?
This is the first time I have bought these and I am puzzled..... I usually buy Oregon Trail LaserCast, but these were much cheaper!
Thanks. NailGun.

 

[fineredmist]

I have no idea what the black gritty stuff is but I would recommend that you remove before you load them. Gritty stuff in a barrel is not good. OTLC are great bullets and I have never been disappointed with their quality and consistency.

 

[griz]

Is it gritty like sand or just sort of...clumpy? (Such technical terms! )

Abrasive grit is bad but there are some lubricants that are a black coating.

 

[Steve C]

The Remington lead bullets has a rather messy lube one them. This is probably what you're calling "black gritty stuff". Rub some between your fore finger and thumb. If its truely gritty like the bullets got dropped in dirt or sand then they need to be cleaned. I'd suspect you'll find the stuff works into your fingers like a grease or oil and is the lube. While a little messy to load they're good accurate bullets.

 

[NailGun]

Got it figgered out.

Well, I read your replies, did some web research, and performed a Bic lighter test... The "black gritty stuff" is actually the OEM wax type lube. This lube was kind of gritty probably due to the ambient temperature (18 deg. F.) When heated with a Bic lighter, the lube melted into a waxy texture. These bullets are NOT pretty like Oregon Trail. They are black and UGLY! I can't wait to load em up and shoot em! Only $38.78 per thousand at Precision Reloading. Thanks for the replies!

 

[marlin.357]

They are kinda messy when you reload with them too. The lube will get on your fingers, your dies and anything else you touch!