Brass corrosion

[SnWnMe]

I came upon a big stash of 44mag and 44spl brass. At least 500 pieces each. Problem is some of them have surface corrosion (green and black stuff). I ran some through my tumbler and they came out shiny on the uncorroded parts. The parts that were green now look like burnt black. As far as I can tell, the corrosion is all surface level both inside and out the cases. I was thinking I could at least use the raunchy looking 44mag brass for light 44 spl loads. FWIW, my full power 44 mag loads will be a tad tamer than factory 240 gr loads. No point abusing a Smith for target practice.

Will these cases still be good for any reloading?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Black Snowman]

If it doesn't come off in the wash it could be weakened, possibly to a dangerous degree. Is there any of it that came out ok? If you have enough "good" brass out of the deal I'd reload it multiple times before risking using any of the corroded brass but that's me.

 

[Mike Irwin]

If it's corroded on the case head or right at the web, discard it. If it's corroded along the main body of the case, load it and shoot it.

 

[SnWnMe]

Thanks Mike and Snowman. From both your replies I've decided on two things: Pick out the ones that cleaned up better and have no corrosion or remnants of it on the head or web. I should be able to save at least 50% of the brass. Not a bad ratio since the brass was free.

 

[444]

I have used a lot of brass such as you describe.
I don't think I ever loaded it to firewall velocties, but I never had a problem with it. I always just considered it to be surface discoloration. Do what ever you are comfortable with.

 

[Smoke Rizen]

Case discoloration

I shoot lots of black powder in cartridges and if I don't get them vinegar washed within 3-4 hours they will discolor. If you can find it "BRASSO" cleaner will take it off. Most times there's nothing wrong with the brass it is only dark. It will darken when you anneal brass cases also. But the "BRASSO" will generally shine it up again. After it's shin'in you'll see if the cases are "OK". Or some type of silver cleaner might work. S.R.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I believe I'd be inclined to cut a few cases in half through the worst of the corroded spots to see how deep they actually are. Personally, I'm just picky enough that if they didn't come clean by tumbling, I'd pitch them: brass is considerably cheaper than firearms and fingers and eyes.

 

[Mike Irwin]

BRASSO brass cleaner is not a good thing to use on cartridge cases.

Brasso contains ammonia, which is known to weaken brass.

This might not be such a big deal in blackpowder cartridges, but I don't really care to try it with smokeless powder brass.