How much corrosion is too much?

[malix]

I picked up some Swedish surplus 6.5x55 from Samco a few months ago, and now that the weather is starting to warm up im finally going to be able to get out and start shooting it. The majority of it looks pretty good, but about 30% or so has enough corrosion around the rim of the case to make me a little wary about shooting it... but i dont really have a lot of experience with milsurp ammo so i thought i should probably consult the forum.

Here are a few samples of some of the worse ones -

What do you guys think? Still safe to shoot, or no?

 

[MCMXI]

Personally I wouldn't shoot those loads. I'd pull the bullets ... maybe!! Those red spots are indicative of the zinc having leached out of the brass. You don't want the case coming apart inside the chamber. Not only would you be risking personal injury, but you may end up damaging your rifle. It's not worth the risk ... to me anyway.

 

[Slamfire]

Corrosion in the case head region is the worst. Cartridge brass provides a gas seal, breech that seal and all sorts of bad things can happen.

The M96's were all made of plain carbon steels. Stuff that today is used for rebar. Don't push the risk envelope by shooting stuff that may have a case head rupture.

 

[Hatterasguy]

No don't shoot it, its junk.

 

[malix]

Yeah, thats kind of what i was thinking. This stuff came on canvas belts and the first one i got was excellent, so i ordered 2 more and those had the corrosion.

I guess i can just leave them in the canvas belt and hang it up as a decoration.

 

[Cosmoline]

Just pull the bullets, toss the rest.