Oxidized lead balls

[J-Bar]

I have quite a few old 0.535 balls on hand for my T/C Hawken. They are oxidizing; coated with the white powder typical of old lead. I miked a few at 0.534, so I'm wondering how quickly they will completely oxidize to an unusable diameter? I only shoot a few each year during deer season. I'm thinking it might be better to get a mold and cast fresh balls as I need them?

I appreciate your opinions.

 

[milemaker13]

I've seen similar coating on .50 cal lead balls (.490). Honestly I thought nothing of it (ignorance is bliss?).

But now that I know a little better I still might use them in my BP rifle, thinking that they are wrapped in a lubed patch anyway. I'm only target/plinking with the gun, not hunting.
If my shots actually mattered (as in hunting) I would likely use fresh lead...

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

I'm wondering how quickly they will completely oxidize to an unusable diameter?

Not quickly at all. I'm fairly certain we will all be long dead before it's an issue.

 

[mcb]

Lead oxide will self seal the balls. If they are completely white the rate of oxidation will fall off dramatically and they should not oxidize or change dimension to any great extent now. Shot away!.

Zip-lock bags are good for sealing lead in and keeping it from oxidizing nearly as quickly.

 

[sharps59]

I spray mine with wd40. then seal them in a coffee can.

 

[Noz]

Put them in a butter tub with some Bore Butter shake and go for it.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Just pop them in your mouth for a few minutes, and suck off the white coating, and they will shoot fine.

Pardon me while I take an aspirin for these massive headaches that I get from time to time after having been to the range, and after cleaning my ammunition.

Seriously, just coat them with some WD-40 or such.

LD

 

[Englishmn]

Choot em.

 

[Armored farmer]

I tumble mine with just a bit of Alox.

 

[drobs]

Left some ball out in the garage for the past 8 months - hot / cold. Noticed a little oxidization on them. Think it gives them character.

 

[J-Bar]

Dang. Midway USA has Lee .535 molds on sale. I was hoping you guys would be more supportive!!

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Dang. Midway USA has Lee .535 molds on sale. I was hoping you guys would be more supportive!!

Well you could buy the mold and run some fresh balls. Then take them and the frosty balls to the range, shoot both and compare the accuracy of the new cast balls with the frosty balls.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I thought "Frosty's Balls" were what Frosty-the-Snowman's wife had in her pocket?





LD

 

[keith strand]

I get a hand full, add dish soap, washem in my hands. As if you were washing your hands.

 

[milemaker13]

I have quite a few old 0.535 balls on hand for my T/C Hawken.

.54 cal I'm assuming? Just curious considering another post regarding over size lead balls.

 

[Erwan]

Hoï,

I have quite a few old 0.535 balls on hand for my T/C Hawken. They are oxidizing; coated with the white powder typical of old lead. I miked a few at 0.534, so I'm wondering how quickly they will completely oxidize to an unusable diameter? I only shoot a few each year during deer season. I'm thinking it might be better to get a mold and cast fresh balls as I need them?

Well, put 'em in boiling white vinegar and after a little time they'll become dark black. Rince with water, dry and oil them. That'll wait the next year and much more...
Other way as you like it after the bath with vinegar shoot 'em or save those like lead for the casting with your new mould...

If it does't help U perhaps somebody else..

 

[whughett]

On the subject of frosty balls, moisture causes lead to oxidize then its more or less protected, as a phone company employee I prepped many a lead cable or splice for working on., Cables decades in a wet environment had oxidation only on the very surface. Electrolysis was however a different animal, but that's another story. On the subject of frost its only seven degrees outside my window here in Rhode Island. Time to fly south.

 

[AJumbo]

I'd be willing to bet if you'd miked them when new, you would have come up .534 or so. The dust is no big deal, as long as you keep your fingers out of your mouth. Shoot 'em up!