Is this typical?

[hdwhit]

It is a matter of pride for me that I reload pretty much every round I shoot. That means I rarely buy factory ammunition. One of the few times I do buy factory ammunition is when I have a new gun that I am going to shoot it for the first time. In that case, I use factory ammunition so that if there is a problem my reloads can't be blamed as a contributing factor.
The rounds in the picture are American Eagle 55gr, FMJ .223 Remington cartridges purchased at a chain sporting good store around the first of November and stored on a shelf in a cool, dry environment until they were opened to be shot on November 21.



Is this typically what factory ammunition looks like when it comes out of the box?

I found such tarnish/corrosion on new ammunition (as well as the minor shoulder and body dents that are not easily discernable in the photograph) to be rather disconcerting. After all, I have culled cases from my reloading steam that were in better condition than these. I assume these are probably safe to shoot, but would you add the spent cases to your reloading stream or just toss them?

Any feedback from those familiar with factory ammunition would be appreciated.

 

[Charlie1022]

I also seldom purchase factory ammo for the same reasons listed. What was the condition of the box? Did it show any damage as if something spilled on it to tarnish the brass as shown in the picture. If the box shows no damage of any kind then my guess was that the brass case has something come in contact whit them at the factory.

You may want to contact the factory with the lot number from the box and see what they say.

 

[Wildfire]

If you think that is bad measure them. Check head space and even OAL.
These are hammered out at extremely high speed. We as loaders actually look at what we load.
I would just shoot them up, clean them and remove and bad crap with some scotch brite.
If they sit a long long time they will get worse.

 

[hdwhit]

What was the condition of the box?

Looked like every other box on the shelves at the store.

 

[hdwhit]

If you think that is bad measure them. Check head space and even OAL.

Thank you, but I didn't have any concern with the dimensions of the case or placement of the bullet which look identical to the .223 rounds I assemble myself. My concern was whether or not tarnished/corroded cases like that are typical for factory loads because I really couldn't see anyone intentionally wanting to have their name associated with anything that looked like that.

 

[mstreddy]

Are they typical, not really. But, sometimes a few imperfect rounds make it through the QC process. I've had worse tarnish on some boxes of Win White box some years ago. There is nothing wrong with them except they aren't beautifully polished. I would shoot them and reload them, but you mentioned that you cull those from your brass, so, maybe not -- you decide.

 

[hdwhit]

I've had worse tarnish on some boxes of Win White box some years ago.

Wow.

Tarnish I don't worry about too much but some of this was starting to look like it was turning green and that's corrosion and that's what was concerning me.

When I was a teenager, I took risks reloading cases that I would today toss in the recycle bin without a second thought. I am now very particular about brass.

• I visually inspect the outside of cases.
• I inspect the inside with an otoscope.
• I put a micrometer across the case near the head looking for dimensions in excess of SAAMI maximums.
• I use a modified dental probe to check for thinning of the case wall near the head.

My written reloading procedures have me put my hands (and eyes) on the case no less than seven times. I toss anything that doesn't look right at any of those seven touches. In one case, I tossed 22% of an order of brass. I know I'm probably being overly cautious, but on the eve of my sixth decade I still have my face and my fingers and would like to keep it that way.

Still, I recognize this may be largely cosmetic and was hoping to get the opinion of people who had bought more than three boxes of .223 Remington in their life. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience with me.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Damage to the cases look like they have been cycled through a rough action. While they should be safe to shoot, if you have the receipt, return them.

 

[Swampman]

Look through them on a case by case basis and if there's anything you don't feel comfortable shooting, contact the manufacturer.

Personally, I don't see anything that looks dangerous, just distasteful.

Holding factory ammunition to your own handloading standards isn't realistic.

Those do look pretty grotty though..,

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It looks like that ammo was exposed to water at some point. No, not typical but not unheard if either, unfortunately.

 

[kingmt]

Could have come in contact with a gas from common household cleaning products anywhere from the warehouse, truck, or shelf. Dents however seem odd. Was the box sealed. I don't know of any retailer near me that will accept a return on ammo. The manufacturer will likely replace any that you have a concern about tho.

 

[RandyP]

Shoot - Save the brass- reload.....Repeat

 

[Cannibul]

Shoot - Save the brass- reload.....Repeat

Yep.

 

[adcoch1]

I have seen some that look like that, but not often. I have just started loading 223 so lots of factory ammo in the past, if this was bulk ammo i wouldn't worry, but I would be unhappy if this was supposed to be match grade target ammo and was that ugly.

 

[LoonWulf]

I've seen ammo like that often here, I'd guess shipping conditions. ours has to be barged and some of it always is a little tarnished, or at least that's what I've been told.

 

[splattergun]

I've never seen new factory ammo that looked like that, but faults can make it through any QC protocol. All it takes is one inspector with a headache.
I'm thinking they're safe to shoot, even to reload. Ammunition is non-returnable to the store. You could send a pic to the manufacturer. Include the batch number. I bet they would want to see it. The should replace it for you.