"Frosting" on lead bullets?

[TargetTerror]

I bought a box of Hornady lead 38 cal 148 gr HBWC wadcutters. When I opened the box at home, all of the bullets were covered in a sort of white frost/powder. What is this? Is this lead oxidation?

More importantly, is it ok to shoot these bullets? They will obviously be in light, target loads, shot out of my S&W 686.

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

not sure. someone might correct me but I've seen lead bullets covered in wax. it might be dried up wax or oxidation.

Any other ideas?

 

[Galil5.56]

Normal.

It is a dry lube that is similar to Motor Mica, and you might even see a brownish stain on the bullets too, that I believe is another lube similar to Lee Liquid ALOX.

 

[Fatelvis]

Target, whatever it is, it works great. I get extraodinary groups with thier 200 grn c/t 45 bullets in my 1911s, with no leading.

 

[TargetTerror]

Thanks guys! That definitely makes sense that it is a lube/wax of some sort. There is no other place for the lube to go, so it makes sense that they'd have something like that.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

They are coated with powdered mica, it makes the bullet lube less sticky.

 

[armoredman]

No issue, load and shoot.

 

[tjj]

It's litharge. You're right.

Harmless to bullet function but don't lick on it lest you become lethargic. Wash your hands after handling it just like you should after handling lead. I have some aged JHP in .357 that has formed the white crystals on the lead portion. Actually, a coating of lube would prevent that from forming.